Assist Me with My Future Career.

[Leigh 87]

These are the careers that I find the most remarkable and I would feel the most honoured to actually have, irrespective of the pay.

 

Bachelor of medical radiation science (nuclear medicine)

 

Nuclear medicine scientists are medical imaging professionals who are responsible for the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals, performing patient imaging procedures and digitally analysing the images. When you study nuclear medicine at the University of Newcastle, you will learn a diverse range of nuclear medicine skills in world-class facilities and are ensured a challenging and rewarding career ahead of you.

Graduates of our nuclear medicine degree are highly regarded as the degree is focused on student development to ensure you are career ready. Nuclear medicine graduates from University of Newcastle have an impressive employment history over nearly 20 years and are in demand within Australia and across the world. Our graduates demonstrate work ready skills, and many have had the opportunity for rapid career advancement to either senior or management roles within Australia and overseas in a relatively short period.

 

Bachelor of medical radiation science ( Radiation therapy)

 

Radiation therapy is one of the key treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer, integrating patient focused treatment and care with high end technology.

As a radiation therapy student, you will work with sophisticated computer based systems on and off campus and constantly emerging technologies that help image and treat patients. You will participate in researching, testing and implementing new imaging and putting treatment equipment into practice.

The medical radiation science degree will also teach you to be a good communicator who is focused on the well-being of patients that are in your care for an extended period of time. You will learn to communicate closely and extensively with patients and their families, and collaborate with a range of other health professionals.

We focus learning around patient and clinical scenarios, where you will work closely with other students to solve the types of problems that are encountered in clinical practice.

Radiation therapy graduates from the University of Newcastle are very employable and are highly regarded, with many of our graduates finding employment in radiology prior to or soon after finishing their studies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I would be willing to totally relocate my life in order to work in EITHER of those professions, because they simply sound like... a career I would truly be proud of even if the work is repetitive, difficult and challenging. My parents and I would be thrilled if I could even pass such a degree, it such sounds remarkable and the day to day lives in such jobs which I have viewed is also doable - no job is a picnic and your "true passion" for most, however; the work is challenging and interesting to begin with, and it

would probably take a while to even get the hang of, and then get good at.

 

I would, however, need to begin both math and physics tutoring NOW if I am to even PASS either degree.

 

The actual physics is offered as a entire course for year one, but after that here are no actual hard physics courses.

 

I can see myself getting good grades in the subjects where memory and study/hard work are key. However, if I do not have a natural aptitude towards physics I MUST find that out NOW, via my tutor. I am sure my tutor will tell me if I just do not have what it takes to do a degree that involves physics.Then again, this is a lifelong investment; surely if I study hard and am still not the best at physics, I have YEARS of the career ahead of me in which to get better at it?

[Leigh 87]

Podiatry appeals a lot to me because

 

- it is science based ( the number ONE criteria I am searching for in a career)

 

- it focuses on human anatomy and physiology which are areas I am GOOD AT.

 

- it is located FAR closer than the bachelor of radiation degrees.

 

- I am much more likely to do well and get good grades in podiatry.

 

 

Podiatrists have a broad and interesting job caring for feet. Podiatrists are an integral part of the health care system in public and private sectors. Podiatry is an exciting profession that offers the opportunity to support and assist the wellbeing of many members of the community.

The Bachelor of Podiatry at the University of Newcastle is a three year degree and places a great emphasis on practical experience, giving graduates the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in podiatry.

We have new pre-clinical facilities at our Central Coast campus (Ourimbah) where you will gain valuable professional practice experience, which when combined with podiatric theory will make you a highly employable graduate.

[Leigh 87]

The Bachelor of Podiatry involves extensive study of:

• anatomy
  
• physiology and biomechanic
  
• podiatric theory
  

 

 

 

Bachelor of medical radiation science (nuclear medicine)

 

You will study:

• anatomy
  
• molecular imaging
  
• nuclear medicine instrumentation and radiopharmacy
  
• nuclear medicine theory
  
• patient care
  
• physiology
  
• psychology
  
• research
  

 

Bachelor of medical radiation science (radiation therapy)

 

anatomy

behavioural science

clinical methods

imaging and treatment technologies

oncology

physiology

research

[Leigh 87]

So..... if I am to do a bachelor od medical radiation science, either degree listed,

 

 

Would it be enough to start math and physics tutoring NOW in preparation?

 

 

Or would that not be enough for a person who has never learnt physics:(

 

 

 

 

 

I don't want to wait until after first semester of next year to start university really. I still feel like podiatry would be a good fit for me, but the radiation therapy and nuclear medicine degrees sound like the most ground breaking degrees in which I would feel the most proud to have achieved and get to work in that field.

[Leigh 87]

Okay.

 

 

 

I rang the tutor. He is a physics lecturer at a near by university.

 

He is actually a lecturer of a basic physics course offered at the University, similar to the level of physics I will learn in year one of a medical radiation degree......He has many materials and recourses that first year physics students study at a university level, that he said he could teach me.

 

He seems to think if I start NOW I will be able to "pass" physics in year one of the degree, and focus on getting higher marks in the other courses. He said he will look at the course content of the medical radiation degrees. Every course is listed, and within each individual course you can expand it further to read about what you will learn in each physics course.

 

He said he will assess weather a person like me with no prior knowledge of physics, would be able to handle first year physics.

 

He will also likely give me some sort of aptitude test.

 

I did a little physics in year 11 and 12 before I fell ill. It seems like if you stick to formulae and learn to understand what the questions are actually asking, novices like me can just learn to plug in the RIGHT numbers in the formulae.

 

One thing about math and physics is: there are always formulae. Formulae always has steps. If you remember the steps and learn how to determine what each question is actually asking, it is just a matter of plugging in the right numbers into each component of a formulae you memorize.

 

 

 

 

I wish those medical radiation degrees were offered closer to me.. it is a 2 hour there and two hour back trip..... Podiatry is just around the corner....I am willing to go above and beyond to simply DO a job that I feel proud of and good about irrespective of the pay.

[Leigh 87]

According to a new graduate of medical radiation science:

 

 

Just have a good memory for the physics formulas for each topic in order to pass the exams. Physics is quite easy if you approach the problems like a Year 6 student attacking long division. You may be given a lot of gibberish in the question, just find the few relevant numbers to pluck into the formulas (thats given to you btw) and pop it into your calculator. This was the approach I used during my degree and managed to get all HDs for physics. What's important is:

1. Know how to use your scientific calculator effectively and correctly

2. Know your units and measurement conversions and abbreviations eg. mGy

3. Able to tell when a number "looks" correct or simply absurd eg. 5 vs 9987.6667

You do not need a HD/D/Cr in physics to be employed as a radiographer nor be called for an interview. Potential employers rarely look at your GPA, they place more emphasis on your clinical reports (from your clinical placements), previous employment history (if any), and how you answer the interview questions dished out by the selection panel.

[Bigcitydreamer]

I'd pick the radiation therapy without a doubt from your last set of choices. It sounds like a really cool and interesting jobs and realistically how many radiation therapists do you know that don't have jobs? I'm not sold on podiatry because you keep brining up the fact that it would be easier to pass and that was one of your reasons for wanting to do social work.

 

Also a 2 hour drive is nothing compared to how far some people relocate for getting the career they want. Even if you had to take out loans or something to get an apartment near the university that offer radiationtherapry it would be worth it in the end!

[Glinda.Good]

Physics is quite easy if you approach the problems like a Year 6 student attacking long division.

 

Easy for HIM to say! Long division was heinous and I don't remember a bit of it, if any of it even went into my brain.

[Leigh 87]

I'd pick the radiation therapy without a doubt from your last set of choices. It sounds like a really cool and interesting jobs and realistically how many radiation therapists do you know that don't have jobs? I'm not sold on podiatry because you keep brining up the fact that it would be easier to pass and that was one of your reasons for wanting to do social work.

 

Also a 2 hour drive is nothing compared to how far some people relocate for getting the career they want. Even if you had to take out loans or something to get an apartment near the university that offer radiationtherapry it would be worth it in the end!

 

 

 

 

I agree. At my mature age ... I am far, far more driven than I was in my early 20's and late teens.d

 

Podiatry IS interesting to me and I would feel very good about myself in acquiring the expertise to be able to really diagnose and treat patients.

 

However.... radiation therapy or nuclear medicine just sound absolutely academically delicious; challenging, but the feeling I would get from "getting" it and passing would make me feel tremendous.

 

 

 

 

I am going to meet with the physics professor and talk to him about my prospects in physics.

 

 

He said he will be brutally honest if he feels I cannot handle basic physics but he said he does not think that will be the case.

 

 

He sees me as a person able to do such a degree if I applied myself and did whatever it took.

 

 

Still though, I need the professor of physics to at least go through EVERY course involved in a medical radiation degree, and tell me the exact physics I will NEED to know.......

[Leigh 87]

Easy for HIM to say! Long division was heinous and I don't remember a bit of it, if any of it even went into my brain.

 

 

 

 

I have a good memory and tend to remember formula and physiology and anatomy well.

 

That is the only basis I have to work with so I think it is a good idea to consult with the physics professor and show him the actual courses involved, and then get him to teach me basic physics and honestly tell me if I am cut out for the degree.

 

I have been fiercely ambitious since a young age but sadly, I suffered some setbacks in life that have held me back from going after my dreams career wise.

 

I do not believe it is too late for me. I have added support from parents. I live a very comfortable and stress free life without having to worry about bills.

 

I think I am in the prime position to find a degree I want to live and breath and then just put my everything into it.

 

I am on an Australian education forum right now, I am reading first hand from medical radiation grads....

 

Diagnostic radiography has more jobs apparently, followed by radiation therapy but radiation therapy is becoming more saturated.....

 

Where as podiatry is closer to where I live and the market is not as saturated.

[Leigh 87]

3rd yr studying @ QUT.

Just got drilled today by Q-health about how competitive it is and how I'm gonna end up wif no jobs blah blah.

120-130 students in my cohort.

2010 PDY positions = 51 , 48 really as 3 are rural scholarships

According to last yr's schedule private couldn't match it and roughly 10 came up from down south.

So that's roughly 48+ maybe 35 from private = 83 jobs in QLD. roughly probably an overestimation.

The Q-health PDY jobs found here

 

 

^^^^^ post made by a soon to me grad

 

Great. So you need top marks to get a job? I don't want to rely on top marks... I want hard work, good marks in SOME subjects and putting my hand up to volunteer/work for free ASAP to get me the job.

[Leigh 87]

posted 2010-Apr-1, 11:10 pm

 

 

I'm 2nd yr @ QUT

There is/will be a glut of radiographers in Qld, approx 130 coming out of QUT every year and JCU is rumored to be starting a medical imaging course soon. Everything I've heard from recent graduates has indicated that it's tough to find someone to take you on for your PDY and Qld graduates will end up spilling over into the other states.

Not only that but radiographers are deemed skilled occupations in demand by Australian Immigration and as such immigrating radiographers have their visas and permanent residencies fast-tracked.

While it is an easy and interesting course with potentially good pay, the competition is definitely there.

It's not much better for nuclear medicine or radiotherapy graduates since they are such small fields.

 

 

 

:(:(

[MidwestUSA]

 

Great. So you need top marks to get a job? I don't want to rely on top marks... I want hard work, good marks in SOME subjects and putting my hand up to volunteer/work for free ASAP to get me the job.

 

 

 

I think it goes without saying that high marks work in one's favor when it come to getting a job.

 

 

As for working for free, I doubt anyone would assume the liability. I'm covered with malpractice insurance to a certain extent by my employer. We don't take on volunteers because of the legalities involved; the state background checks, etc. It's a lot of paperwork, clearances and certifications. Not to mention physicals and vaccines. No one's going to pay to put you thru that so you can volunteer.

[Leigh 87]

Another factor for me to consider.

 

 

I prefer more repetitive jobs. I like doing the same thing day in day out.

[Leigh 87]

I think it goes without saying that high marks work in one's favor when it come to getting a job.

 

 

As for working for free, I doubt anyone would assume the liability. I'm covered with malpractice insurance to a certain extent by my employer. We don't take on volunteers because of the legalities involved; the state background checks, etc. It's a lot of paperwork, clearances and certifications. Not to mention physicals and vaccines. No one's going to pay to put you thru that so you can volunteer.

 

 

 

I hear that students in medical radiation science bachelors degrees tend to get first year positions offered to them after they complete their clinical placement.

 

My partner and I are both willing to move stated and live in a rural area in order for me to GET a job in the field.

 

 

I would do this degree in a heartbeat honestly, my only fear is that it is far too saturated for me to have a chance at a job UNLESS I am top of my class.

 

 

I believe I can get reasonable grades if I work really hard.

[Leigh 87]

I MOST wish to get entry into Bachelor of medical radiation science, DIAGNOSTIC.

 

However, the ATAR is 92.3

 

My ATAR was... 92. SOMETHING. UGH. I need to call the Uni to ask again.

 

There. I think that would be my dream career - it is all about diagnosing illness from the images. Diagnosing and predicting disease, based on xray images.

 

I have always been OBSESSED with diseases, particularly cancer. That I sone thing I regularly read about for fun.

 

Sadly, I doubt I have the score required to get in:(

 

Since nuclear medicine has less job prospects in Australia due to it being so specialised, a bachelor of "radiation therapy" would be the way do go.

 

If my marks are EQUAL to diagnostic, I will apply. Followed by radiation therapy as my second choice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then I am still unsure whether or not I should just pick podiatry because it is closer, and I believe I am still quiet suited to the degree and subsequent career opportunities.

[TigerLilly78]

Have you ever considered taking a year off of everything and just working? I don't know you just seam so here and there with all of this..Or getting a job that doesn't require any degrees?..

[Leigh 87]

Have you ever considered taking a year off of everything and just working? I don't know you just seam so here and there with all of this..Or getting a job that doesn't require any degrees?..

 

 

 

 

I know the area I want to go in, and the areas I do not.

 

Please stop insinuating that I have no clue as to what I want to do. I have a fair idea thanks. I am just narrowing it down.

 

I do not want another whole year off. That is not what is best for me. I am hungry to study a ta university level and I would not feel good about waiting another whole year to study.

 

I am taking HALF a year off though, which I feel will be good for me. I am about to get a job as an aged carer since I am currently doing an aged care certificate and there is plenty of work around.

 

I know the areas I am the most interested in so please stop questioning that I even know this much. It is just a matter of finding the ideal degree for me, of which I have narrowed it down to two degrees pretty much.

[Leigh 87]

I was looking hard core for any job: waitress, food server, retail, looking after kids, cleaning. I could not secure a job easily at all, I became very depressed.

 

My family and friends noticed I was just not happy with that way of life. Irrespective of how HARD I try, these type of jobs are not for me at all, I am ill suited to them, and I did genuinely give it my BEST shot. I applied aggressively every day looking for 100 plus jobs per day, from when I woke up to when I fell asleep. The rare chances I DID get I never got past the trial because even my best efforts are not really up to speed with natural hospitality orientated people.

 

Trust me I was not happy doing these jobs, nor could I easily find them.

 

I have therefore undertaken a certificate that is at your own pace and you can finish in mere 2 - 3 months.... And it has a lot of job openings and it is one on one care with elderly. I am currently volunteering in the field and love it. I work best one on one rather than trying to just get a waitress job.

 

Trying to just get a job you need no experience for has not worked for me. And trust me, I have genuinely given it my best effort. I would also be highly embarrassed if I were to serve an ex classmate who all have masters or PHD'S, their meals. I do not want to be in the public arena for all to see. I am an introvert but get alone best in either small teams or one on one.

 

I can say first hand that trying to get "any job" has not been the best way for me. I am far better off getting this quiet certificate then working full time or part time until college starts next year.

 

I have talked to my therapist and parents and partner about this all and they all said it was soul destroying for a person like me to try so hard to get bar or waitress work, and to be constantly turned down for these jobs which I hate anyway.

 

Everyone including myself thinks at least working in an area I have a certificate for and isn't hospitality driven is my best option.

 

 

 

 

 

I volunteer in the field currently and am due to get a job in 3 - 4 months.

 

I have occasional event work which is the only hospitality work I have EVER enjoyed.

 

 

 

 

I do not need to work for a living so I refuse to aimlessly look for waitress, bar or retail work to no avail; to either get no offers or to do trial after trial after trial and be deemed " not a good fit" for the jobs. Which is true, my best efforts are still not good enough when compared to those who have a natural inclination towards hospitality.

[Glinda.Good]

Please stop insinuating that I have no clue as to what I want to do.

 

Really. Nobody's insinuating anything. We are mostly all people who have gone to school or training or had a lot of experience to get to the work situations we are now in. I think I can speak for the other participants in this thread when I say that none of us can relate to your process here.

 

It is not a very realistic way to approach your future.

 

For example, a week or two you were all about "easy" courses, and now you are planning to tackle physics.

 

There is a happy medium there, you know.

 

I am taking HALF a year off though, which I feel will be good for me.

 

Haven't you had … every year off, so far?

 

Anyway, I really do hope you find what you are looking for and achieve your goals, and I bet the others here do as well. Just because we may question and even doubt some of your methods doesn't mean we don't want the best for you.

[TigerLilly78]

I know the area I want to go in, and the areas I do not.

 

Please stop insinuating that I have no clue as to what I want to do. I have a fair idea thanks. I am just narrowing it down.

 

I do not want another whole year off. That is not what is best for me. I am hungry to study a ta university level and I would not feel good about waiting another whole year to study.

 

I am taking HALF a year off though, which I feel will be good for me. I am about to get a job as an aged carer since I am currently doing an aged care certificate and there is plenty of work around.

 

I know the areas I am the most interested in so please stop questioning that I even know this much. It is just a matter of finding the ideal degree for me, of which I have narrowed it down to two degrees pretty much.

 

Hold your horses there im not insinuating anything I think your rather all over the place and have been for a long time on here. I don't have to insinuate that I am just telling you that cause its clear! one day being a foot doctor is your goal the next its something else a few weeks ago it was something else.

 

If you want people to take you seriously in life or any work place you have to try and focus and stick to one thing. Im sorry this is now the underwater down version of what I was nicely trying to say before. But since you want to be snappy so shall I and feel free to report me for it! or have this thread closed witch ever floats your boat Leigh..

 

My advice was simple maybe some time off to really think about what you want to do would have been helpful..

[MidwestUSA]

Leigh, how did you get around the fact that your high distinctions 'expired', so to speak. You said you needed to go to school in 2011 or they would no longer be valid.

 

 

 

Did the uni waive that restriction?

[Leigh 87]

Leigh, how did you get around the fact that your high distinctions 'expired', so to speak. You said you needed to go to school in 2011 or they would no longer be valid.

 

 

 

Did the uni waive that restriction?

 

 

 

 

I have rang the university. I did a year 12 equivalent through them.

 

More than one person has said that this university will still count my entrance score.

 

I have had more than one person at the University confirm that my entrance scores from 2009 are still valid for this university.

 

My entrance score is literally the only way in to getting into any bachelors studies. Without it I have no way of studying a bachelors degree, besides doing another year of study to secure ANOTHER entrance score.

[MidwestUSA]

I have rang the university. I did a year 12 equivalent through them.

 

More than one person has said that this university will still count my entrance score.

 

I have had more than one person at the University confirm that my entrance scores from 2009 are still valid for this university.

 

My entrance score is literally the only way in to getting into any bachelors studies. Without it I have no way of studying a bachelors degree, besides doing another year of study to secure ANOTHER entrance score.

 

Well, that's good!

[Leigh 87]

I rang the university one week ago to confirm that my ATAR is still valid.

 

I rang earlier this year and asked them to confirm the same thing.

 

They assured me I still have an entry mark that will get me a place in their bachelors degrees.

 

I would be royally screwed otherwise. I would have no way of getting into courses I actually wanted, as they all have 73 - to 88 ATAR requirements. I would need to sit a test and would be better off actually doing another one year course that gives you an "ATAR" (Australian University Entrance Scale)

 

 

But yes, they have confirmed I am safe and my marks are still valid.