Which year of Medical Imaging are you in?
I'm currently in my third year of Medical Imaging at RMIT university.
Why did you decide to study Imaging?
I knew that I wanted to study something healthcare-related but didn't know what to do. My Dad suggested Medical imaging as he knew someone who had done it and heard about their great experience. I thought it was an enticing course that also blends medicine and photography/art which I thoroughly enjoy.
What have you enjoyed the most about placements you have been on so far?
I really enjoyed the routine it positioned me in. I would be occupying my time well, knowing that I was getting lots out of the experience that ultimately prepared be for working as a radiographer. I also enjoyed making connections with the radiographers and hospital staff to where it became very casual and easygoing. It made the work style a lot more enjoyable and their advice was greatly appreciated. Plus it's great to keep in contact with them after placement is done too!!
How did you prepare for your first placement?
I mainly prepared by going through the placement logbook which had all the instructions and assessments so I could plan out what I needed to get done. I'd also talk to other students in higher year levels and teachers during labs about the placement experience and how to approach it.
How were you feeling before your first placement?
I did not know what to expect on my first placement so I was very nervous, timid but curious. It was like going into an unknown territory for 2 weeks!
How were you feeling on the last day of your most recent placement?
I was feeling pretty sad to leave as I had gotten so used to the workplace and I had formed good relationships with the staff. But overall, I was proud I made it through and very satisfied with all the new things I had learned from there.
What do you think changed in between?
I think my mindset changed. After knowing what to expect and the teaching style on placement, I realised I had to build lots of confidence and be open to learning new things.
Do you have any advice for first years who haven’t been on placement yet?
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to take initiative. I was very shy on my first placement and still am in the early days of placement, so it's very understandable! But it's so important to ask your radiographers questions so you can learn and take feedback, and they love answering anything. Taking the initiative to try taking x-rays by yourself or maybe observing in theatre allows you to become more independent and get more learning out of your time on placement. It's probably the best way to learn as you have to take the opportunities that will build routine to improve your skills and ultimately become a better student! It also shows that you are eager to learn and who knows, you might see something pretty cool.
I really enjoyed the routine it positioned me in. I would be occupying my time well, knowing that I was getting lots out of the experience that ultimately prepared be for working as a radiographer. I also enjoyed making connections with the radiographers and hospital staff to where it became very casual and easygoing. It made the work style a lot more enjoyable and their advice was greatly appreciated. Plus it's great to keep in contact with them after placement is done too!!
How did you prepare for your first placement?
I mainly prepared by going through the placement logbook which had all the instructions and assessments so I could plan out what I needed to get done. I'd also talk to other students in higher year levels and teachers during labs about the placement experience and how to approach it.
How were you feeling before your first placement?
I did not know what to expect on my first placement so I was very nervous, timid but curious. It was like going into an unknown territory for 2 weeks!
How were you feeling on the last day of your most recent placement?
I was feeling pretty sad to leave as I had gotten so used to the workplace and I had formed good relationships with the staff. But overall, I was proud I made it through and very satisfied with all the new things I had learned from there.
What do you think changed in between?
I think my mindset changed. After knowing what to expect and the teaching style on placement, I realised I had to build lots of confidence and be open to learning new things.
Do you have any advice for first years who haven’t been on placement yet?
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to take initiative. I was very shy on my first placement and still am in the early days of placement, so it's very understandable! But it's so important to ask your radiographers questions so you can learn and take feedback, and they love answering anything. Taking the initiative to try taking x-rays by yourself or maybe observing in theatre allows you to become more independent and get more learning out of your time on placement. It's probably the best way to learn as you have to take the opportunities that will build routine to improve your skills and ultimately become a better student! It also shows that you are eager to learn and who knows, you might see something pretty cool.
