FHDHMT Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness about molecular testing and rapid diagnostic tests. In fact, these methods are being used in clinics and hospitals to aid disease diagnosis and for health screening purposes. The future of medicine relies on advances in diagnostic technology and now is the best time to study a programme that prepares you for the health care job of tomorrow.

Objectives

Upon completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Apply a range of generic skills, including language, interpersonal communication, information technology, problem solving and analytical skills to their daily life, further study and future employment;
• Explain the normal functioning of the human body system and changes in the diseased state;
• Perform sample analysis using proper techniques in accordance with standard laboratory protocols and safety procedures;
• Justify the use of appropriate instrumentation and rapid diagnostic test kits based on clinical benefits;
• Analyse the market for rapid diagnostic testing, products and applications;
• Communicate and work effectively with personnel in the pharmaceutical industry, diagnostic testing and research laboratory settings.

Applicants are normally required to meet one of the following requirements:

• Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects (including English Language and Chinese Language)^; or

• Satisfactory completion of Diploma Yi Jin; or

• Satisfactory completion of a QF Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent programme, e.g. Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) or by a post-secondary institution in Hong Kong; or

• Other acceptable equivalent qualifications (including non-local qualifications obtained in or outside HK, or other qualifications/experience deemed to be equivalent); or

• Mature applicants aged 21 or above, preferably with relevant working experience.

Note:
^ Applicants possessing “Attained”, “Attained with Distinction (I)" and “Attained with Distinction (II)” results in an Applied Learning (ApL) subject are deemed to have attained “Level 2”, “Level 3” and “Level 4” respectively in one HKDSE subject, with a maximum of two ApL subjects can be counted for admission purpose.

• Integrated Laboratory Safety and Practice 綜合實驗室安全與實務

• Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry 基本臨床化學

• Diagnostic Science and Instrumentation 診斷科學及儀器

• Introduction to Rapid Diagnostic Tests 快速診斷檢測概論

• Human Anatomy and Physiology 人體解剖及生理學

• Human Pathophysiology 人體病理生理學

• Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology 分子與細胞生物學

• Microbiology and Infection Control Management 微生物學及傳染病控制管理

• Basic Pharmacology 基礎藥理學

• Community Health Care 社區健康護理

• Work-integrated Learning in Health and Molecular Testing 健康及分子檢測實習^

• Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care 醫療倫理議題

• Public Health and Epidemiology 公共衛生及流行病學

• Introduction to Psychology 心理學概論

• Sociology and Health 健康社會學

• English for Communication I, II & III 英語溝通技巧 ( 一 )、( 二 )及( 三 )

• Effective Chinese Communication Skills 應用中文傳意技巧

• AI and Digital Literacy 人工智能與數位素養

[1] Students who have attained Level 3 or above in DSE English Language can be exempted from taking English for Communication I (ENGL3057EF).
[2] Non-Chinese speaking students can be exempted from taking Effective Chinese Communication Skills (CHIN4006CF). They will have to take a GE course as replacement for fulfilment of the overall credits for graduation.

^ Course includes not less than 100 practicum hours

Graduates can apply to study in top-up degree programmes in health sciences, biological and life sciences, testing science, and allied health disciplines both locally and overseas.

Graduates may articulate to:

• Year 2 of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Life Sciences offered by Hong Kong Metropolitan University

• Year 2 of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Testing Science and Certification offered by Hong Kong Metropolitan University

• Year 2 of Bachelor of Science with Honours in Science (STEM) offered by Hong Kong Metropolitan University

• Year 2 of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Food Testing Science offered by Hong Kong Metropolitan University

• Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences offered by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (2-year full-time)

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Sciences for Testing and Certification offered by The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong (2-year study with advance standing)

• Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences offered by City University of Hong Kong (3-year study with advance standing)

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science offered by Queensland University of Technology, Australia (2-year study with advanced standing)

• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (STEM) offered by Clark University, USA (2-year study with credits transfer)

Career Prospect

Graduates may find employment in diagnostic, testing and certification laboratories, and university departments and research organisations as technical officers, laboratory technicians, diagnostic laboratory technicians, and quality control technicians.

Graduates may also pursue a career in pharmaceutical companies, biological and diagnostic product companies and medical groups as medical representatives, product specialists, and technical support personnel.