Survey on Demand for MSc in Biomedical Science Programme
Recently, the need of MSc in Biomedical Science qualification becomes
the hot topic of discussion amongst the MLT professionals. It is because of the
introduction of the HOKLAS’s Clinical Laboratory Accreditation Scheme and the
Hospital Authority (HA) employee grade review. According to the Clinical
Laboratory Accreditation Scheme, it is suggested a Laboratory Director should
possess at least a MSc. qualification. For the HA’s employee grade review it is
recommended that the minimum qualification required for promotion from Medical
Laboratory Technologist to Medical Laboratory Scientist is a MSc. in a related
discipline.
In order to meet the demand, the Association is discussing with local
institution on the possibility of organising an on-line distance learning
programme, with local teaching support, with an overseas university. The
Association has done a survey on the demand in early January and data are
collected for the future planning of the M.Sc. programme. For the survey, 1500
questionnaires were dispatched to HKMTA members and clinical laboratories of
Hospital Authority and private sector. From the results of the survey, 154 out
of 189 returns indicated that further training at postgraduate level is needed.
Of the 154, 135 respondents possess degree qualification and are immediately
eligible to enrol in a MSc programme. Sixty-three percent of them are from HA
laboratories and 26% from private sector. The 5 most popular areas of study are
Medial Laboratory Management, Molecular Biology, Laboratory Information System
and Technology, Quality Management, Proficiency Testing and Laboratory
Accreditation and Research Techniques.
Members will be informed
the outcome of negotiation and the further details of the programme in due
course.