Meeting educational needs of pharmaceutical stakeholders : veterinary medicine

Abstract

Continuing Personal Development (CPD) is critical for veterinary professionals to be updated with new techniques, research and trends whilst meeting both personal and professional goals. Pharmaceutical stakeholders in this study refer to veterinary surgeons, domestic per and farm animal owners and the veterinary team, including veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. A veterinary technician is an individual who has masters the science and technology involved with the profession, a veterinary nurse delivers medical care to animal patients alongside with the veterinary surgeon, and a veterinary assistant is trained informally while on the job. To date there is no accreditation for veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants in Malta. The noble gap in the educational competencies of stakeholders is acknowledged. There is a need for continuing education in this area. The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing. In the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits veterinary technology programs through the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. In the United Kingdom, the level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, Foundation of Science (FdSc) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Veterinary Nursing are nationally recognised qualifications.