Vet tech Nav performs an ultrasound guided local anaesthetic block on a dog's abdomen prior to surgery.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland )
A University of Queensland initiated degree is helping alleviate the strain on Australia's busy veterinary clinics, but academics say industry reform is needed to solve the workforce crisis.
Graduates of UQ's Bachelor of Veterinary Technology program work as key members of veterinary teams with a professional skillset between vet nurses and veterinarians.
Associate Professor Rebekah Scotney from the School of Veterinary Science said recognition for vet technologists would help reduce the workload of veterinarians and provide more time to help seriously ill and injured animals.
"In a time of critical workforce shortages with veterinarians suffering from increasing levels of stress, burnout and high suicide rates, it is time to seriously consider transformational industry reforms," Dr Scotney said.
"We already have successful models of a mid-tier bachelor's degree in a regulated profession in Australia with the dental profession and dental hygienists.
"It's time for our veterinary industry to adopt this proven strategy, which increases accessibility and quality of services."
Vet techs perform high-level emergency first aid, diagnostic imaging, pathology tests, dental care, anaesthesiology, surgery preparation and postoperative care.
Traditionally, veterinarians would do these in addition to more complex tasks, compounding their workload and sometimes leading to burnout.
Currently, Western Australia is the only Australian state to mandate registering the qualifications of veterinary nurses and technologists.
The Queensland Government is currently reviewing the 90-year-old Veterinary Surgeons Act, which regulates qualifications, registration and disciplinary processes.
Dr Patricia Clarke was the coordinator of UQ's veterinary technologist degree when it became the first university in Australia to offer the course in 2000.
She is currently a member of the Working Party for the Statutory Regulation of Veterinary Nurses and Technologists in Australia.
She said the veterinary industry was lagging behind the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) that recently recognised veterinary technologists as a professional occupation alongside veterinarians, paramedics, dentists and dental hygienists.
"Based on the ABS recognition and recommendations from the New South Wales Government inquiry into veterinary workforce shortages, the time is ripe for veterinary technologists to become regulated professionals," Dr Clarke said.
"The Queensland Government is rightfully acknowledging how technology and para-professional roles have adapted since 1936 and we hope this brings on change in this state and beyond.
"Vet techs are currently academically qualified beyond what the law allows them to perform and we need to change this to support our vets and provide better care for animals.
"This is in the best interests of animal health and welfare and in the public interest, which includes improving accessibility to veterinary services."
Two thirds of UQ vet tech students are hired by the practice where they complete their placements.
Dr Scotney said official recognition of vet techs would enable veterinarians to delegate with confidence and concentrate on higher level tasks.
"Over the past 20 years, UQ vet techs have excelled in the specialist practice environment, particularly in emergency and critical care nursing with many progressing into leadership roles," Dr Scotney said.
"They are providing real improvements within a workplace that is often high stress, short on staff, struggling for funding and experiencing abuse from clients."
