The first students to complete a unique University of Queensland degree in veterinary technology are expected to find a ready job market when they graduate at the end of the year.
The three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Veterinary Technology and Management) degree is the only one of its type in Australia.
It combines animal production and clinical studies across the UQ Schools of Animal Studies and Veterinary Science.
The first intake is now completing a final year of clinical study at University’s St Lucia campus in Brisbane after two years of studies at UQ Gatton.
The Head of Veterinary Science Professor Neil McMeniman said the 28 graduating students would enjoy a wide range of employment options.
“They are a very motivated group of students who have been very well accepted within the Vet School,” Professor McMeniman said.
The broad nature of the course will equip graduates for a variety of careers in animal related industries from veterinary practice to pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing to government and research institutions to the pastoral sector.
A number of the first graduates are from rural backgrounds and would be seeking employment in rural areas.
Among the first students to qualify will be Tamara Draper who belongs to a pioneer cattle farming family at Samford, just north of Brisbane.
“I’ve always been interested in cattle and wanted to work in the veterinary field,”
Tamara said.
“This degree will open up a lot of job options for me.”
During this semester break Tamara has enjoyed gaining work experience at the local Samford Valley Veterinary Hospital.
For more information about the new veterinary technology degree, contact Trish Clarke (telephone 0418 767 821) or Anthony Smith (telephone 0409 265 587).
