The city's first bachelor's degree programme in veterinary nursing will be launched next year, helping to satisfy rising demand for professionals.
Thirty-nine students will be admitted on the four-year programme, organised by Polytechnic University's faculty of health and social sciences and University of London's Royal Veterinary College. It will be self-financed, which means the students will have to pay the HK$273,000 course costs.
Programme leader Dr Mayur Gohel, the faculty's associate dean, said there was huge demand for trained veterinary nurses. 'There are over 300 vet clinics now, compared to just 60 only 10 years ago.'
In addition to theoretical training, the programme involves a 54-week placement in clinics, hands-on training with the Jockey Club and Ocean Park, and exchange trips to London, where students will work with animals at London Zoo. Elements of Chinese medicine like acupuncture are also included.
The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong says there are 520 registered veterinary surgeons in the city, compared with 361 four years ago. Gohel said this sharp rise had created a huge demand for professional veterinary nurses. 'We did a survey last year on 40 practising vets. Seventy per cent said they were willing to employ vet nursing specialists.'
With many veterinary assistants having no formal training before they take up work, Gohel appealed to the government to initiate professional registration for nurses. 'More customers expect quality service. The course can raise standards of veterinary care across the board.'
Dr Jane Gray, chief veterinary surgeon with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the course was a big step forward for animal welfare.