The country already faces a veterinarian shortage and veterinary technologists were beginning to lessen some of that burden though there is a shortage of them too.
Massey says the degree is not viable in its current form. From its inception it has been on the same government funding rate as science courses, compared to the higher rate Massey receives for veterinary science students. It is yet to apply for a funding category change to address the funding issues.
In an email sent to course students while they prepare for end-of-year exams Massey’s vet school head Professor Jon Huxley explained the extent of the resources required.
“Graduates from the BVetTech are highly valued in New Zealand’s animal health and veterinary industries, in part because of the substantial component of clinical training they receive in the school’s veterinary teaching hospital.
“However, delivering hospital-based practical training requires considerable resources in terms of staff time and use of hospital space and equipment.”
The programme was launched in 2009 and is the only veterinary technologist course available in NZ.
About 100 students a year enrol in the pre-selection semester and have to compete for one of 48 places in the degree. The programme has a low attrition rate and a high employment rate among graduates.
Vet technologists are working at senior levels in veterinary practices with multiple species. They have roles in biosecurity, food safety, animal welfare and research with various employers such as AssureQuality, DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Veterinary practices have been developing roles specifically for graduates. Vet technologists gain sound technical knowledge, practical skills and an in-depth knowledge the veterinary and rural sectors. They also are trained in companion animals, including equine, large animals, wildlife and gain an extensive science background.
Many are in educational and support roles in the sector and some work on farms.
There is a different level of understanding a vet technologist can provide compared with other qualifications and many courses would be required to cover the same components as the BVetTech. Graduates obtain critical thinking skills and are equipped to help farmers and veterinarians with both routine work and investigating deeper problems.
Veterinary technologist Hayley Squance was the driving force in establishing the programme in NZ. She got her qualification at Queensland University.
“The core of the veterinary technology programme is crucial,” Squance says.
“Foundational science underpins the knowledge required to understand the pathophysiology of the diseases and the pharmacology of medicines to understand how this will affect patients. It is learning about the diagnostic process and putting it into practice.”
Alternative study programmes are different to the BVetTech. There is no direct alternative offered in NZ.
She says as the value of veterinary technologists is becoming more understood it is gaining momentum internationally.
“NZ has been world leading with their BVetTech programme and the uncertainty for its future imposes significant risk to many parts of the sector,” she says.
“This closure will impact our agricultural sector and the closure poses a significant risk to animal welfare, biosecurity, food safety and rural communities.”
