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Kind and Effective Study Techniques for Vet and Vet Nursing Students (Backed by Science)

  • Writer: Dr. Katie Ford MRCVS
    Dr. Katie Ford MRCVS
  • Jan 2
  • 8 min read

Katie and claire using their study techniques for vet med students
AI nailed how both our founders felt about studying at vet school...

Let’s be real for a second. Studying in vet school or vet nursing school can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. Whether you’re memorising endless anatomical structures, revising pharmacology tables, or trying to prepare for your next OSCE or practical placement, the pressure can be intense.


But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just power through with all-nighters and last-minute cramming.


There are kind, science-backed ways to make your revision more effective – and less stressful. In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the most evidence-based strategies for revising smarter, not harder. These are especially helpful for vet and vet nursing students, and we’ll share practical ways to use them (along with links to helpful tools).


You deserve to feel confident, capable, and supported in your studies. So grab a cuppa, take a deep breath, and let’s explore how you can study in a way that works with your brain, not against it. We've piled in the references too.


These aren't hard, fast rules. You're all different. Read through and see what you might like to try to mix things up a little.


1. Spaced Repetition: Your memory's bestie


What it is: Spaced repetition means reviewing information at increasing intervals over time, rather than all at once. It’s one of the most effective learning techniques out there (Dunlosky et al., 2013), this is why apps like Duolingo have such high success rates for people learning new things.


Why it works: The brain naturally forgets things unless they’re reinforced. By spacing out reviews, you catch that forgetting just in time and strengthen your memory each time.


How to use it:

  • Use flashcard apps like Anki or Brainscape that automatically space your reviews.

  • Schedule short review sessions over several days instead of one long cram.

  • Even 10-15 minutes a day of review can make a big difference over time.


Kind tip: Don’t worry if you forget things between sessions. That “mental stretch” is where the magic happens.


2. Active Recall: Don't just read it, test it!


What it is: Active recall means retrieving information from memory – for example, by answering a question without looking at your notes.


Why it works: It’s one of the most powerful ways to make learning stick (Roediger & Butler, 2011). How often have you been there, saying "yes, I know that" having read it and then not be able to recall it a few minutes later?


How to use it:

  • Quiz yourself regularly using past papers, flashcards, or study groups.

  • Try brain dumps: write down everything you remember about a topic, then check what you missed.

  • Teach a concept to a friend (or even your pet!)

  • Ask ChatGPT to quiz you on some content, gamechanger. Always remember it has the ability to hallucinate, so keep double-checking your source content.


Kind tip: It might feel uncomfortable not to know something right away, but that discomfort is part of the learning process.



3. Interleaving: Mix it up, baby!


What it is: Interleaving is the fancy term for switching between topics during a study session rather than focusing on one for a long time.


Why it works: It might feel less efficient, but it actually improves your ability to distinguish between similar concepts and apply knowledge flexibly (Kornell & Bjork, 2008).


How to use it:

  • Instead of spending an hour only on anatomy, mix in 20 minutes of anatomy, then 20 minutes of pharmacology, then 20 minutes of pathology.

  • Alternate types of questions (e.g., case studies, flashcards, diagrams) within a session.


Kind tip: It’s normal to feel like you’re not learning as effectively at first. But interleaving can help you learn more deeply in the long run.


4. Dual Coding: Combine words and images

What it is: Dual coding means learning with both words and visuals. This might be diagrams, flowcharts, videos, or even drawing things out yourself.

Why it works: Combining visual and verbal information creates more connections in your brain, making it easier to recall later (Mayer, 2005).


How to use it:

  • Create mind maps or sketch quick diagrams to go with your notes.

  • Watch videos that explain concepts with visuals (e.g. for human medical students, accounts like Armando Hasudungan’s YouTube channel are super popular).

  • Use colour coding or labelled images for anatomy.


Kind tip: You don’t have to be artistic. Even stick figures and arrows can make a huge difference!


5. Elaboration: Ask why AND how


What it is: Elaboration is all about making connections. Instead of memorising facts in isolation, you ask deeper questions to build understanding. Remember, you can always ask your tutor for help too!


Why it works: Explaining why something is true or how it works helps you make sense of it and remember it better (Pressley et al., 1987).


How to use it:

  • Ask yourself: "Why does this matter?", "How does this relate to what I already know?" Perhaps link it back to cases you've seen in practice.

  • Try explaining a concept as if you’re talking to a pet owner.

  • Use analogies: "This hormone is like a message that...”


Kind tip: Curiosity is a powerful learning tool. Give yourself time to explore, not just memorise.


6. Study Groups: Get your vetmed besties together


Why it helps: Learning with others can help you see different perspectives, keep you motivated, and make studying more fun. Peer teaching is also a great way to reinforce your own knowledge.


(Pssst... this was how co-founder Katie got through her vetmed finals)


How to use it:

  • Form a small, focused study group with classmates.

  • Take turns teaching topics or quizzing each other.

  • Work through case studies or practice OSCE scenarios together.

  • Even studying at the same time and 'body doubling' can be super helpful.


Kind tip: Find people who lift you up. Studying together should feel supportive, not competitive.


Pssst... on the topic of group study, this is a great extra bit to be aware of:


BONUS 6b: The Protégé Effect (a.k.a. Teach to Learn)


What it is: Research shows that when you prepare to teach something to someone else, your brain shifts into deeper learning mode. You process information more critically, organise your thoughts better, and retain more detail. This is known as the Protégé Effect (Fiorella & Mayer, 2013).


Outside-the-box twist: Don’t have anyone to teach? Try creating a “fake” study Instagram, YouTube mini-lectures, or even a voice note to yourself explaining topics like you’re tutoring a friend (or a curious guinea pig 🐹).


Bonus: use a dry wipe board or draw on your iPad while explaining - it adds dual coding to the mix too.


Why it works: You’re not just passively reviewing - you’re turning information into your own words, creating structure, and spotting gaps in your understanding. It also makes studying more fun and interactive.



7. Practice for Practical Skills


Why it matters: Learning hands-on skills like animal handling, injections, or surgery requires practice. These are procedural memories, and they get stronger the more you do them.


How to use it:

  • Attend extra skills labs if available.

  • Practise knot tying or instrument handling at home (some students use shoelaces, bananas, or suture pads).

  • Visualise each step of a procedure in your head (mental rehearsal).

  • There are tonnes of YouTube tutorials too


Kind tip: Progress in skills takes time and repetition. It’s okay if it doesn’t feel natural straight away.


8. Use Helpful Tools


Here are some tools that can support your study techniques:


  • Anki: Free flashcard app with spaced repetition.

  • Quizlet: Pre-made and custom flashcards.

  • Brainscape: Flashcards with confidence-based repetition.

  • Notion: Great for organising notes and study plans.

  • Pomofocus: Pomodoro timer for focused study blocks.


Kind tip: Tools are there to support you, not stress you. Pick the ones that feel intuitive to you.


9. Metacognition: Thinking about how you...ermm.. think and learn


What it is: Metacognition means thinking about your thinking - being aware of what you know, what you don’t, and how best to bridge the gap.


Why it matters: Students who reflect on how they learn tend to perform better because they adjust their strategies when something isn’t working.


How to use it: After a study session, ask:

  • What did I understand well?

  • What was unclear?

  • What strategy helped the most?

  • Encourage journaling or a simple study reflection log.

  • Maybe you might want to shake it up and try something like the Pomodoro technique, listening to a podcast on a topic whilst on a walk or finding a memorable YouTube explainer.


Kind tip: It’s not about judging yourself - it’s about noticing with kindness and adjusting gently.


10. Be Kind to Yourself


This might be the most important tip of all. Studying is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re learning a huge amount, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes.


Gentle reminders:

  • Take breaks. Your brain needs rest to consolidate learning.

  • Get enough sleep. It’s one of the best things you can do for memory.

  • Eat well and move your body.

  • Hydrate yourself!

  • Reach out if you’re struggling. Talk to a friend, tutor, or support service.

  • Brief check-ins, breathing exercises, or apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can reduce stress and improve focus.

  • Study-environment tips: Natural light, hydration, a tidy space, or even background noise (like Noisli) can enhance concentration.


Kind tip: You are not alone. You are doing something amazing by dedicating yourself to a caring profession. You don’t have to be perfect – just keep going, one step at a time.


If exam time pressures feel extra heavy, remember there are always trained listeners at Vetlife for those in the UK profession. https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/ (0303 040 2551


A Note for Neurodivergent Students


If you’re neurodivergent - whatever your way of experiencing the world - know that your brain isn’t broken; it’s beautifully wired for different kinds of insight, creativity, and connection.


Some of the strategies above may need adapting, and that’s okay. Tools like visual timers, coloured overlays, or body-doubling (studying alongside someone else) might help. Do what works for you, not what looks “right” for someone else. And if something’s not clicking, it’s not a personal failure - it just means your brain might need a different route.


You’re not alone, and your way of learning is 100% valid.


Final Thoughts


Studying in vet or vet nursing school is tough, but you can do hard things – and you're much more capable than you might believe. By using evidence-based techniques like spaced repetition, active recall, and elaboration, you can make your revision more effective and less stressful.


And remember, learning is not just about exams. It’s about learning a process of systems and where to find information. These study habits aren’t just for now – they’re for your future patients, your future self.


We hope this guide helped you feel a little more confident and a little more supported. If you found it helpful, feel free to share it with a friend or on socials. And if you ever need a pep talk, we’re rooting for you. Always.



Katie and Claire from Vet Empowered studying

Want more support like this?


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