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.
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/Shadowing Placement
We support requests from those aged 16+ who are not in Education or are attending College or University for Work Shadowing or Observation in locations and services across the NHS Forth Valley Board Area.
Placement Request Process
From Monday 4th August 2025 all requests for placements will managed through an online application process.
The link to request a placement will go live on Monday 4th August 2025.
Adult Work Experience (Observer) requests
Requests 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.
For requests from individuals who are not in education, please provide a CV and the reason for your request e.g. career development, support to gain employment etc.
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.