There are many different routes which enable people to start a career within the NHS.
In NHS Forth Valley we support requests for Work Experience and Shadowing/Observation Placements to help people make career choices by providing an insight into the career options and pathways within NHS Scotland.
Placements are hosted during the Academic Year. We do not host placements during school holiday periods.
We currently offer placements within the following specialties but will aim to support where possible requests for placements in other areas.
- Administration and IT
- Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology)
- Decontamination Services (Medical Instruments)
- Dietetics
- Laboratory Medicine
- Medicine
- Nursing (3 day timetabled skills workshops)
- Occupational Therapy
- Orthotics
- Orthoptics
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Radiology
- Speech and Language Therapy
You can find out more about the wide range of careers in NHS Scotland here
We will work to identify a suitable placement opportunities for you but applicants should note that are dependent on staff availability and service demands and we do not currently offer Work Experience or Observer Placements in Women & Children, Paediatrics, or ICU.
School Pupil Work Experience Placement
Placements can be up to 3 days in length and may be offered as a Shadowing/Observation placement or timetabled skill based workshops delivered as simulation.
Adult Workplace Observation Placement
We support requests for a Shadowing or Observation Day to support a College or University programme of Study from NHS Forth Valley Board Area residents who are attending College or University in our Board Area. Please note that availability of placements is limited and we may not be able to accommodate your request.
Placement Request Process
All requests for placements hosted during the academic year (13th August 2025 to 26th June 2026) will be managed through an online application process. Please note that we do not host placements during school holiday periods.
To request a placement in Medicine or Dentistry please complete this application form: Medicine and Dentistry School Pupil Shadowing/Observation Placement Request Form
For placements in all other areas please complete this application form: School Pupil Shadowing/Observation Placement Application Form
Requests for a Work Shadowing or Observation Days from Students attending a Forth Valley Board Area College or University should be submitted by email to fv.school-placement-requests@nhs.scot providing the contact details of your college/university, year of study, placement specialty and preferred dates.
Medical Student Placement Requests
National and International medical students wishing to apply for an elective attachment/placement should contact our undergraduate team at fv.undergraduatemedicaleducation@nhs.scot providing details of your university, year of study, placement specialty and preferred dates for proposed placement.
Clinical Attachment Requests
Any queries or requests regarding clinical attachments to be sent to fv.medicalworkforcerecruitment@nhs.scot. Applicants should also send a copy of their CV and provide a covering letter stating which specialty(ies) they wish to be considered for.