Stakeholder consultation on tracking in UK veterinary degrees: part 1

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Animal Health Workforce Planning

Background:

• Ongoing debate exists on whether veterinary students should specialize in specific species during undergraduate training.
• This specialization, termed 'tracking,' is debated for its impact on the veterinary workforce and student career paths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess UK stakeholders' opinions on full tracking (limited species qualification) versus partial tracking (all-species qualification).
• To evaluate veterinary students' career aspirations in relation to the UK veterinary profession's employment profile.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of survey data from UK veterinary practitioners, students, and university staff.
• Surveys explored opinions on full and partial tracking models.
• Analysis included demographic factors and student career intentions across different course years.

Main Results:

• A majority (69.4%) disagreed with full tracking, while widespread support (79.0%) existed for partial tracking.
• Students showed greater preference for partial tracking compared to practitioners (P<0.001).
• Student career aspirations evolved throughout their course, aligning with the profession's profile only in the final year.

Conclusions:

• Partial tracking is widely supported by UK veterinary stakeholders as a viable model for undergraduate training.
• Student career intentions require alignment with the broader veterinary profession's needs, particularly in earlier stages of education.