Demographics and Employment Destinations of a New Group of Veterinary Technologists in Australia

Abstract

This article provides a descriptive analysis of the demographics and employment destinations of the first three cohorts (2003-2005) of graduates (N=69) from a program that is unique in Australia: the Bachelor of Applied Science (Veterinary Technology) at the University of Queensland. Data for this study were collected in February 2006 via e-mail, telephone, or personal communication with graduates, and from university records. Ninety-three percent (64/69) of the graduates were female. The mean age was 23 years, and 58% (40/69) had entered university directly from high school. Employment destinations were determined for 96% of the graduates (N=66). Of those, 52% (34/66) were employed in veterinary practices. Government agencies and allied animal industries accounted for 15% (10/66). Another 14% (9/66) had enrolled in further undergraduate study. Three percent (2/66) had enrolled in a research honors year or a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree program at the School of Veterinary Science. Eight percent (5/66) were employed in wildlife parks, zoos, or universities, and the remaining 9% (6/66) were traveling overseas, seeking employment, or employed outside the field. The study revealed that graduates were employed in diverse veterinary and allied animal health occupations. There appears to be a niche for Australian veterinary technology graduates educated in a university environment that complements the role of the veterinary profession in the twenty-first century. This reflects trends emerging in other countries, most notably the United States and the United Kingdom.