The nursing professions have a clear career path and prospects. With the ageing of Hong Kong’s population and the successive completion of new hospitals and homes, the medical and nursing professionals in the industry are in great demand. In both private market and public sector, there are plenty of job opportunities and good pays and benefits. The medical and nursing grades comprise three categories, including medical and nursing staff, allied health care personnel and nursing staff.
Doctor
Duties
Duties include examining and diagnosing patients, prescribing medicines, conducting courses of treatment or surgery, and will also be responsible for health care administration, such as the promotion of public health. There are a wide range of medical practitioners, including private practitioners, Hospital Authority doctors and doctors from the Department of Health. The following are the main duties of doctors:
- To diagnose, treat, and take care of a patient, such as a physical examination
- Relieve or relieve the patient of physical and psychological pain
- Explain and explain the condition to the patient and his / her family members
- Confidentiality for patient privacy
Working hours
About 48-65 hours a week, shift work and on-call duty
Working environment
Generally work in hospitals, clinics, work pressure, the content of work requires a high degree of focus
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Doctor / Resident Physician
Approximately from $62,225
Senior Doctor / Deputy Consultant
Approximately from $105,880
Consultant Doctor
Approximately from $135,950
Note: The above pay is based on the Master pay scale for Government grades (with effect from 1 April 2018). If you are working in a non-governmental organization, your salary will vary.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in general medicine from the University of Hong Kong or the Chinese University of Hong Kong, or equivalent
- Holds a medical qualification that may be registered in Hong Kong under the Medical Registration Ordinance
- In the Common recruitment examination (CRE), the use of Chinese and English in the use of a grade note 1, or equivalent
Note 1: If you are working in a government agency, you need to pass the Common recruitment examination (CRE).
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Enrolled Nurse
Duties
There are two main categories of nurses: General Practice and Psychiatry. They serve and care for patients with different needs. The following are the main duties of nurses:
- Take care of the patient
- Register, dispense, or dispense medication to a patient
- Nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse
Working hours
About 44 hours a week, shift work and on-call duty
Working environment
Generally work in hospitals, clinics
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Enrolled Nurse
Approximately from $17,685
Note 1: enrolled nurses can be promoted to registered nurses through further training courses.
Entry requirements
- Level 2 or equivalent or above in five subjects (including Chinese Languages, English Languages and Mathematics) in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination
- Completion of accredited pre-registration care courses
- Holding a certificate of enrolment issued by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
- Open University of Hong Kong - Higher Diploma in Nursing
- HKUSPACE Community College - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
- Hong Kong Baptist Hospital School of Nursing - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
- Teresa Hospital School of Nursing - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
Bachelor’s Degree
- The University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing
- Chinese University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Nursing
- Open University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing with Honours (General)
- Tung Wah College - Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) degree
Hospital Authority Institute of Health Care
Registered Nurse
Duties
There are two main categories of nurses: General Practice and Psychiatry. They serve and care for patients with different needs. The following are the main duties of nurses:
- Patrol wards and monitor the patients in hospitals
- Injection, cleaning, dressing and preliminary assessment of the patient (e. G. Body temperature, blood pressure, etc.)
- Assist doctor with treatment or surgery
- May need to work with a doctor to make a clinical judgment
Working hours
About 44 hours a week, shift work and on-call duty
Working environment
Generally work in hospitals, clinics
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Registered Nurse
Approximately from $28,040
Senior Nurse
Approximately from $47,240
Consultant Nurse
Approximately from $65,740
Note 2: the above pay is based on the Master pay scale for Government grades (with effect from 1 April 2018). If you are working in a non-governmental organization, your salary will be different.
Note 3: nurses are classified into general and psychiatric departments with different starting salary points.
Entry requirements
- Level 2 or above in five subjects in the secondary school diploma examination, level 3 or above in Chinese language and English language
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
- Holding a certificate of registration issued by the nursing council of Hong Kong
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
- Open University of Hong Kong - Higher Diploma in Nursing
- HKUSPACE Community College - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
- Hong Kong Baptist Hospital School of Nursing - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
- Teresa Hospital School of Nursing - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
Bachelor’s Degree
- The University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing
- Chinese University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Nursing
- Open University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing with Honours (General)
- Tung Wah College - Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) degree
Hospital Authority Institute of Health Care
Midwife
Duties
The midwife is responsible for the preparation before labour delivery, clinical guidance and post-natal follow-up. Their work requires a high degree of focus. Their main tasks include:
- Provision of guidance and care to women during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum
- Prenatal education for parents
- Be ready for delivery at any time
- Teach mothers to breastfeed and take care of their newborn babies
Working hours
About 48-55 hours a week, depending on the organization
Working environment
Work in a hospital
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Midwife
Approximately $23,000-37,000
Senior Midwife
Approximately from $47,000
Advanced Practising Nurse
Approximately from $65,000
Note: The salary after promotion varies according to experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and registration with the Nursing Council of Hong Kong as a Registered Nurse (General)
- Completed the full-time midwifery training course in a recognised training institute, passed the Midwives Council Examination and registered as a registered midwife
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
- Open University of Hong Kong - Higher Diploma in Nursing
- HKUSPACE Community College - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
- Hong Kong Baptist Hospital School of Nursing - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
- Teresa Hospital School of Nursing - Higher Diploma in General Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
Bachelor’s Degree
- The University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing
- Chinese University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Nursing
- Open University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Nursing with Honours (General)
- Tung Wah College - Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) degree
Hospital Authority Institute of Health Care
Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Duties
The main responsibility of Chinese medicine practitioners is to diagnose and treat patients, and to use the theory of traditional Chinese medicine to diagnose symptoms. As the Government is preparing for the construction of a Chinese medicine hospital, the demand for Chinese medicine practitioners has been increasing in recent years. The following are the main duties of Chinese medicine practitioners:
- Through “look, smell, ask, cut” the four methods of diagnosis
- Analysis based on diagnosis and determination of treatment
- Prescription of traditional Chinese medicine according to patient’s condition
- Acupuncture, cupping, massage etc
Working hours
About 44 hours a week, depending on the organization
Working environment
General in hospitals, Chinese medicine clinics
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Junior Physician
Approximately $14,000-18,000
Chinese Medicine Practitioners
Approximately $20,000 or more
Note 1: Pay varies according to performance, experience and agency.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or equivalent
- Passed the Licensing examination of Chinese Medicine Practitioners and completed registration with the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
- The University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Chinese Medicine
- Chinese University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Chinese Medicine
- Hong Kong Baptist University - Bachelor (Honours) degree in Chinese Medicine
- Hong Kong Baptist University - Bachelor of Chinese Medicine Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (Hons)
Dentist
Duties
Dentists mainly examine, diagnose and treat patients with oral problems. The following are the main duties of dentists:
- Treatment of patients with oral diseases
- Examination and diagnosis of oral problems
- Perform dental treatment or surgery, such as extraction or filling
- Education of patient care of dental knowledge
Working hours
About 44 hours a week, depending on the organization
Working environment
Generally work in hospital, clinic
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Dentist
Approximately from $56,755
Note: the above pay is based on the Master pay scale for Government grades (with effect from 1 April 2018). If you are working in a non-governmental organization, your salary will vary.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor of Dentistry from the University of Hong Kong, or equivalent or
Registered in Hong Kong under the Dentists Registration Ordinance - Holding a valid practising certificate issued by the Dental Council of Hong Kong
- In the Common recruitment examination (CRE), the use of Chinese and English in the use of a grade note 1, or equivalent
Note 1: If you are working in a government agency, you need to pass the Common recruitment examination (CRE)
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Psychiatrist
Duties
- Treat mental health disorders
- Give prescriptions and authorized dispensing of psychiatric drugs
- Conduct physical examination and psychotherapy
- Perform neuroimaging such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography
Working hours
About 48-65 hours a week, work in shifts and be on-call for duty
Working environment
Usually work in hospitals and clinics
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Kind
- Logical and analytical
Promotion and Reference Salary
- Doctor/Resident doctor: About $62,225
- Senior Doctor/Deputy Consultant: About $105,880
- Consultant: About $135,950
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade salary scale (From April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A recognised bachelor degree in medicine, or equivalent
- Medical qualifications registered in Hong Kong under the Medical Registration Ordinance of the Laws of Hong Kong
- Level 1Note in the Chinese language application and English use or equivalent in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE)
Note: Pass in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) is needed only if working in the government
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Orthodontist
Duties
- Inspect, diagnose, treat irregularities and other abnormalities, and design instruments for correcting teeth and jaws
Working hours
About 48-65 hours a week, work in shifts, and be on-call for duty
Working environment
Usually work in hospitals or clinics
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Kind
- Logical and analytical
Promotion and Reference Salary
- Orthodontic doctor: About $50,000 - $110,000
- Advanced orthodontist: About $110,000 - $140,000
- Orthodontic Consultant: About $140,000 - $240,000
Entry requirements
- Knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating dental diseases
- Medical qualifications registered in Hong Kong under the Medical Registration Ordinance of the Laws of Hong Kong
- Level 1Note in the Chinese language application and English use or equivalent in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE)
Note: Pass in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) is needed only if working in the government
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Physiotherapist
Duties
The physiotherapist is a specialised medical professional who is responsible for the treatment of spinal strain, pain, sports injuries, burns, rehabilitation of the limbs, rehabilitation of the brain and nervous system. Physiotherapy is a non-pharmacological treatment that generally restores bodily functions through different physical stimulation of the human body. The main tasks of a physiotherapist include:
- Clinical examination and treatment by means of electrical, magnetic, hydraulic, refrigeration, thermal and other mediums, and diagnosis of diseases related to bone, muscle and nervous system
- Use different equipment and therapies for rehabilitation and relieve the pain of patients
- With the application of physiological, psychological, pathological and anatomical sciences, investigate, study and develop more appropriate treatment for patients with pain
Working hours
About 48 hours a week, work in shifts in public hospitals
Working environment
Usually work in a private clinic or hospital
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Grade 2 Physiotherapist
Approximately from $28,725
Grade 1 Physiotherapist
Approximately from $48,540
Senior Physiotherapist
Approximately from $70,590
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent
- Be registered as a physiotherapist with the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association and hold a valid practising certificate
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Physical Therapy Assistant
Duties
- Assist the physiotherapist in the treatment
- Residential care
Working hours
About 50 hours per week
Working environment
Generally work indoors
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Good at communication
Promotion and Reference Salary
- Physical Therapy Assistant: $12,000 - $14,000
Entry requirements
- Hold a recognizable physiotherapy assistant certificate
- Basic computer operation knowledge
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Auditory Therapist
Duties
- Examine and treat patients with hearing-related diseases
- Provide auditory training
- Sometimes do some hearing related research
Working hours
About 44 hours a week
Working environment
Usually work in private clinics or hospitals
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Kind
Promotion and Reference Salary
- Hearing Therapist: About $29,455
- Senior Hearing Therapist: About $65,150
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree in Speech or Auditory Science from an accredited institution, or equivalent
- Fluent in Cantonese and English
- Good writing skills in Chinese and English
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Occupational Therapist
Duties
The Occupational therapist is a specialised medical professional who use specially designed activities, devices and environments to help people with autism, hyperactivity, dyslexia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and mood disorders to return to normal lifestyles. Clients include the elderly, adults and children. The main tasks of an occupational therapist include:
- Develop treatment plans, design and conduct training for patients
- Assist patients to resume their ability to take care of themselves in general daily life
- Improve patients’ daily living environment and arrange assistive tools
- Examine and evaluate the patient’s condition and understand the need for treatment
Working hours
About 48 hours a week, work in shifts in public hospitals
Working environment
Usually work in a private clinic or hospital
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Grade 2 Occupational Therapists
Approximately from $28,725
Grade 1 Occupational Therapists
Approximately from $48,540
Senior Occupational Therapists
Approximately $70,590
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
- Registered as an occupational therapist with a valid practising certificate by the Occupational Therapists Board of Hong Kong
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Speech Therapist
Duties
The Speech therapist is an allied health professional serving persons with communication and deglutition disorders, including stuttering, cleft lip, autism, aphasia, hearing impairment, mental retardation and developmental retardation. The main tasks of a speech therapist include:
- Examine, evaluate, and develop appropriate treatment for patients
- Observe and listen to the patient’s words and actions, and understand the patient’s problems and difficulties
- Give treatment to patients through training, or the use of equipment and assistive tools
- Provide advice and guidance to patients and their families
Working hours
About 44 hours a week
Working environment
Usually work in a private clinic or hospital
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Speech Therapist
Approximately from $31,685
Senior Speech Therapist
Approximately from $50,825
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Therapy from a recognized institution, or equivalent
- Fluent in Cantonese and English
- A good command of written Chinese and English
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Master Degree
Pharmacist
Duties
The pharmacist is a specialised medical professional. With the gradual completion of hospitals in Hong Kong and the dramatically increase in the demand for manpower in the health care system, the pharmaceutical industry has also increased its demand for drug control work. The main tasks of a pharmacist include:
- Supervise dispensers in dispensing work
- Dispense medicine to a patient according to a doctor’s prescription
- Properly label a drug
- Proper handling and storage of drugs
Working hours
About 44-48 hours a week
Working environment
Works in private clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, pharmaceutical factories, drug wholesalers, government laboratories, etc
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Resident Pharmacist
Approximately from $39,350
Pharmacist
Senior Pharmacist
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Hong Kong or the Chinese University of Hong Kong, or equivalent
- Trained in Hong Kong by the Hospital Authority for a period of one year as a rule
- Registered as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Dietitian
Duties
The areas of specialization of a dietitian include clinical nutritional therapy, dietary therapy, food science, human nutrition and biochemistry. The main tasks of a dietitian include:
- Design, implement and evaluate patients’ nutritional status and nutritional diet
- Provide dietary advisory services and nutrition education to patients and their families
- Monitor the quality and safety of patients’ diets to ensure a balanced diet
Working hours
About 44 hours a week, may vary depending on medical establishments
Working environment
Working in a hospital, clinic or private medical establishment
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
- Be logical
Promotion and Reference Salary
Dietitian
Approximately $31,685 or more
Senior Dietitian
Approximately $50,825 or more
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from a local university and Diploma in Therapeutics in Nutrition from the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Hong Kong; or
- A licence for an overseas registered dietitian is granted upon completion of the training and further studies of an approved registered dietitian in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada or Australia, completion of the clinical practice training and passing of the professional examination.
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
- Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education Po Leung Kuk Community College - Higher Diploma in Food Health and Business Management
- School of Continuing and Professional Studies The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Higher Diploma in Human Nutrition
- LiPACE The Open University of Hong Kong - Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Sports Science
- Caritas Institute of Community Education - Higher Diploma in Health Care, Nutrition and Physical Fitness
- Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education - Higher Diploma in Applied Nutritional Studies
Bachelor Degree
- University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Science
- Chinese University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Science
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Food Science and Safety
Master Degree
- Chinese University of Hong Kong - Master of Science in Nutrition, Food Science and Technology
- University of Hong Kong - Master of Science in Food Industry: Management and Marketing
Postgraduate Diploma
Optometrist
Duties
The optometrist is a specialised medical professional who is primarily responsible for the diagnosis, examination and care of eyes. The main tasks of the optometrists include:
- Use specialized ophthalmic equipment to examine patients’ eye health
- Provide appropriate eye care advice and education to customers or patients
- Check the eyesight of a customer or patient
- Provide appropriate treatment and eye training for patients with eye diseases such as strabismus or amblyopia
Working hours
About 44-55 hours a week, may vary depending on medical establishments
Working environment
Working in a hospital, clinic or private optometry centre
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
- Be logical
Promotion and Reference Salary
Optometrist
Approximately $20,000-25,000
Senior Optometrist
Approximately $30,000-40,000
Manager Optometrist
Approximately $40,000 or more
Note: The salary after promotion varies according to experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor of Science in Optometry from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University or equivalent,
- A holder of a practising licence as a registered optometrist at the Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Clinical Psychologist
Duties
The clinical psychologist is a specialised medical professional, mainly for serving abnormality or the mental illness patient. Unlike psychiatrists, clinical psychologists cannot treat patients with medicine. The main tasks of a clinical psychologist include:
- Responsible for psychological assessment of patients, psychotherapy and coordination of rehabilitation services
- Assist, plan and coordinate clinical psychological services in the context of health services, including the development of assessment methods
- Participate in the planning and development of health teaching materials / educational activities and the implementation of health promotion activities
- Participate in health and psychology research
- Offer psychology related training for health care professionals and junior staff
Working hours
About 44-55 hours a week, may vary depending on medical establishments
Working environment
Working in a hospital or private clinic
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
- Be logical
Promotion and Reference Salary
Clinical Psychologist
Approximately $53,195 or more
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from any university in Hong Kong, or equivalent; and
- Grade 1 results in the use of Chinese and English in the Common recruitment examination (CRE), or equivalent
- Fluent in Cantonese and English
Note: If you are working in a government organization, you need to pass the Common recruitment examination (CRE).
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
- University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology
- Chinese University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology
- City University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology
Master Degree
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Duties
The medical laboratory technologist is a health care professional specializing in the fields of cytopathology, clinical chemistry, blood and transfusion sciences, and medical microbiology and virology. The main tasks of a medical laboratory technologist include:
- Handle substances extracted from the human body, such as human tissue, urine, blood, and even faeces
- Provide pathological or genetic tests, laboratory results and data to assist doctors in the diagnosis of these substances
- Dispensing of reagents, arrangement of equipment and evaluation of laboratory methods
- Participate in research related to infectious diseases
Working hours
About 44-55 hours a week, may vary depending on medical establishments
Working environment
Working in a hospital or a private laboratory
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
- Be logical
Promotion and Reference Salary
Associate Medical Laboratory Technologist
Approximately from $27,690-47,007
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Approximately from $49,158-70,981
Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist
Approximately from $79,552-98,235
Posts at Hospital Authority
Medical Laboratory Technician I
Approximately from $20,270-40,420
Medical laboratory technician II
Approximately from $42,330-55,705
Chief medical laboratory technologist
Approximately from $48,540-70,090
Posts at Department of Health
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Biological Sciences or related courses from any university in Hong Kong, or equivalent; and
- A holder of a qualification of a registered medical laboratory technologist (part I or part II) of the Medical Laboratory Technologists Board
- No colour blindness
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Note: Articulation to a bachelor’s degree programme is possible after completion of a higher Diploma in relevant subject areas.
Bachelor Degree
Health Worker
Duties
Health workers mainly serve the elderly, but they also serve other people in need. Most of them work in homes for the elderly or rehabilitation centres to take care of the daily life of the residents. Their work require patience and they need to deal with obnoxious work. The main tasks of a health worker include:
- Tidy up residents’ personal belongings
- Arrange meals for residents and assist residents who have difficulties in taking care of themselves
- Take care of infirmary inmates’ personal cleanliness (e.g. Bathing, diaper changing, wound cleaning)
- Assist residents in follow-up, consultation, medication feeding, dressing and rehabilitation campaigns
- Assist medical staff or follow the guidelines for health checks (e.g. Blood pressure measurement, blood sugar testing)
- Follow up residents’ health and social status and handle paperwork
Working hours
About 48-55 hours a week, may vary depending on the rehabilitation centres or infirmaries
Working environment
Generally working at home, hospital, rehabilitation centre or elderly home Personality: Be responsible, helpful and patient
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Junior Health Worker
Approximately from $19,030
Health Worker
Approximately from $24,270
Senior Health Worker
Approximately from $30,165
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Completed the Employees Retraining Board “Health worker Certificate” course with a pass on the course assessment, or equivalent
- Attended and passed professional examinations for health workers in residential care homes for the elderly approved by the Social Welfare Department andcommon training courses for health workers
- Registered as a health worker at the Licensing Office of Residential Care Homes for the Elderly of the Social Welfare Department
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- Yan Oi Tong YES Professional Training Programmes - Certificate in Health Worker Training
- Lingnan University Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies - Health Worker Training programme
- Hong Kong Association of Gerontology - Elderly Care Service Course Certificate in Health Worker Training
- Hong Kong St. John Ambulance - Health Worker Training programme
- Hong Kong Health Care Federation - Health Worker Training programme
- Caritas Institute of Community Education - Certificate in Health Worker Training
- Hong Kong Red Cross - Certificate in Health Worker Training (Co-operated with Employees Retraining Board (ERB))
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Rehabilitation Assistant
Duties
Rehabilitation assistants work with physiotherapists or occupational therapists and help clients during their stage of rehabilitation. Their main tasks include:
- Assist clients in rehabilitation
- Contact with the clients and encourage them during treatment
Working hours
About 48-55 hours a week, may vary depending on the rehabilitation centres or infirmaries
Working environment
Working in a hospital or a private sector
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Rehabilitation Assistant
Approximately $11,575 or more
Entry requirements
- At least Secondary 3 or above, depending on the rehabilitation centres or infirmaries
- Completed the relevant courses and obtained the qualification certificate
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- Yan Chai Hospital Social Service Department - Certificate Course for Occupational (OTA) and Physical (PTA) Therapeutic Assistants
- Mckenzie & Associates Rehabilitation Service - Rehabilitation Assistant Training Course
- Yan Oi Tong Y.E.S - Certificate in Rehabilitation Assistant Training
- Hong Kong Health Care Federation - Rehabilitation Assistant Training Course
- The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Group Continuous Learning Centre - Certificate of Assistant Physiotherapy
- Hong Kong Red Cross - Certificate of Assistant Physiotherapy
Medical Assistant
Duties
The medical assistant is mainly responsible for the daily operation of the clinic. The main tasks are as the follow:
- Reception and registration for clinic patients
- Processing of laboratory samples and assist in dispensing
- Assist a doctor with examination or treatment
Working hours
About 44-55 hours a week, depending on the medical establishments
Working environment
Generally work in a medical clinic
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Medical Assistant Trainee
Approximately from $9,000-9,500
Medical Assistant
Approximately from $10,000-13,000
Senior Medical Officer
Approximately from $15,000 or more
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Relevant certificates or working experience are preferred
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Personal Care Worker
Duties
- Provide direct personal care and assistance with daily activities for elderly and disabled people at the client’s home or in a day care centre
- Help clients with personal and household hygiene, prepare meals
- Provide health care services, instruct clients to do simple exercises training
Working hours
About 48 – 55 hours a week, work in shift
Working environment
Generally work at the clients’ home or in a day care centre
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Personal Care Worker
About $10,000 – 20,000
Senior Personal Care Worker
About $ 20,000 – 40,000
Entry requirements
- Secondary 5 or above education level
- Complete training courses on elderly care or health services
- Must be registered health workers with completion of approved health worker training course
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Veterinarian
Duties
More and more people are keeping pets in Hong Kong, therefore the demand for veterinarians is also increasing. For the time being, only the City University of Hong Kong offers a veterinary degree programme. Interested graduates can also study overseas. The following are the main tasks of a veterinarian:
- Help the pet in body checking, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment
- Conduct tests for pets and analysis of inspection reports and results
- Help pets treat diseases with medical equipment and medicine
- Observe the change of pet’s conditions and take corresponding measures to cure it
- Carry out epidemic prevention work for animals
Working hours
About 44 hours a week, may work in shifts in private clinics and longer working hours
Working environment
Work for Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department or private veterinary clinics
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Veterinarian
Approximately $63,930
Note: The above salary is based on the government grade total salary scale (from April 1, 2018). If you work in a non-government agency, the salary will be different.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine from University (available in accredited institutions in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, etc.)
- Qualification to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance
- Level 2 or equivalent or above in five subjects (including Chinese and English Languages) in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE) , or equivalent
- Grade 1 results in the use of Chinese and English in the Common recruitment examination (CRE), or equivalent
Note: If you are working in a government organization, you need to pass the Common recruitment examination (CRE).
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Veterinary Assistant
Duties
The duties of a veterinary assistant are similar to a nurse, who works closely with veterinary officers to take care of different species of sick animals, including mammals and reptiles. The main tasks are as follows:
- Health check and treatment of different species of animals
- Assist a veterinarian to purchase required nursing supplies
- Take care of the injured, hospitalized and recovering animals
- Assist a veterinarian in performing a surgical procedure and monitor the condition of the animal while the operation is being carried out
- Clean and disinfect surgical tools and prepare medical and surgical instruments
- Explain animal needs and answer questions to animal owners
Working hours
About 54 hours a week, work in shifts
Working environment
Work in veterinary clinics
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Attention to details
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Veterinary Assistant Trainee
Approximately $8,000-12,000
Veterinary Assistant
Approximately $12,000-18,000
Senior Veterinary Assistant
Approximately $18,000 or more
Note: If you are required to perform night shift work, you will generally be paid a higher salary.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Basic knowledge of animal nursing
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Health Club Attendant
Duties
- Provide supporting services to the operations of the health club
- Ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of the health club
- Need to handle customer enquiries and requests
Working hours
About 45 hours a week
Working environment
Work indoors or outdoors
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Sociable
Promotion and Reference Salary
Health Club Attendant
About $10,000 – 15,000
Health Club Supervisor
About $15,000 – 20,000
Health Club Manager
About $20,000 – 25,000
Entry requirements
- Secondary 5 – 7/ HKDSE
- 1 to 3 years’ relevant working experience is preferable
Example of related training and courses
Bachelor Degree
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree