Nurturing Molecular Testing Professionals in HK
(29 April, 2024, Hong Kong) In response to the “Hong Kong Blueprint for Innovation and Technology Development” announced by the Hong Kong SAR government in late 2022, Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU LiPACE) has launched a two-year full-time programme, the Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing, to provide necessary knowledge and skills to students looking for a career in the life and health science industry.
HKMU LiPACE’s Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing
HKMU LiPACE’s Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing covers fundamental medical theoretical knowledge such as chemistry, diagnostic science, biology, physiology, and pharmacology, with a strong emphasis on practical experience. HKMU LiPACE has collaborated with renowned testing and certification companies such as BGI (Beijing Genomics Institute), Grant Technology, Intertek Testing Services HK Ltd., and SGS Hong Kong to provide practicum opportunities. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 hours of internship at laboratories in Hong Kong, receiving professional training in molecular diagnostics skills (such as PCR, ELISA, Next-Generation Sequencing). They will also gain knowledge of advanced equipment and instruments used in the industry and develop an understanding of practical work regulations to prepare them for future careers in relevant industries.
Multiple Pathways for Further Education and Employment
Graduates of Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing have a wide range of career opportunities. They can pursue roles such as product sales representatives or technical support personnel in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostic product industries. They can also work in diagnostic, testing, and certification laboratories, universities, and research institutions. In terms of further education, graduates have the opportunities to pursue relevant bachelor’s degree programs in life sciences, testing and certification, and natural sciences at local universities. Additionally, they may transfer credits or receive exemptions to continue their studies in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science program at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia and the Bachelor of Biotechnology program at Clark University in the United States.
Entrance and Progression Scholarships
New students who meet specific requirements based on their HKDSE results will be granted an Entrance Scholarship of HKD $20,000. Furthermore, students who achieve a designated cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in their first year of study will be awarded a Progression Scholarship of HKD $20,000. The program is also eligible for reimbursement under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF).
Dr. U Kin-Pong, the program leader of Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing, stated, “The life and health sciences industry plays a crucial role in the city’s economic development and the well-being of its citizens. Students who are interested in entering this thriving industry should be well-equipped themselves properly.”
香港都會大學李嘉誠專業進修學院 (都大LiPACE) 配合香港特區政府2022年底公布的《香港創新科技發展藍圖》，開辦2年全日制健康及分子檢測高級文憑課程，為有意投身生命健康科技行業的同學提供必要的知識及技術。
LiPACE健康及分子檢測高級文憑課程
LiPACE健康及分子檢測高級文憑課程，內容除化學、診斷科學、生物學、生理學、藥理學等基礎醫療理論外，還特別著重實踐學習， LiPACE與BGI (華大基因) 、Grant Technology、Intertek Testing Services HK Ltd.及SGS Hong Kong等知名的檢測及認證公司合作，學生需到香港實驗室完成最少100小時的實習時數，接受分子檢測技能 (如PCR、ELISA、Next-Generation Sequencing) 專業培訓，了解業界先進的設備儀器及實際工作規範，為未來投身相關行業作好預備。
多元化的升學就業路徑
健康及分子檢測高級文憑課程的畢業生出路廣泛，除了可以成為製藥業、生物及診斷產品業、醫療集團的產品營業代表或技術支援人員，亦能於診斷、檢測和認證實驗室、大學及研究機構工作。升學方面，畢業生除了可升讀本地大學生物科學、檢測認證、自然科學等相關學位課程，銜接升讀澳洲昆士蘭科技大學生物醫學及美國克拉克大學生物技術學士學位課程，還能豁免或轉移部分學分。
入學及晉級獎學金提供實際支援
DSE學生報讀健康及分子檢測高級文憑課程，如符合指定成績要求可獲頒入學獎學金$20,000元；入讀後首學年取得指定的累計平均積點 (CGPA) 更可獲頒晉級獎學金$20,000元。課程亦已加入持續進修基金(CEF)可獲發還款項課程名單。
都大LiPACE健康及分子檢測高級文憑課程統籌余建邦博士表示：「生命健康科技將會成為香港炙手可熱的行業，它對香港的經濟發展及市民健康均非常重要。香港極需要專業的檢測及化驗人才，有志入行的同學要及早作好準備。」
