Placements Panic!

Okay, so I had a little bit of a freak-out when I found out where my placement was. I soon got over it...

Stardate: 91300.62

Okay! So, us student radiographers at Leeds have finally found out which hospitals we're going to be working in for the next 3 years. There are currently four trusts that the University of Leeds place students at:

• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust
• York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust

My first reaction was to become upset and start panicking, big time (and I mean, Big Time). Mine is away from Leeds, which means I'll be needing to stay in secondary accommodation. So I'll be living out of a suitcase for half the year, while paying for a rented house, that half the time I won't even be living in!

But despite all the original downsides I saw, I realised it was still a placement, the course is still what I want to do, so I'd have to deal with it.

I looked into everything, and it turns out living in secondary accommodation isn't so expensive (especially as you can claim the travel and accommodation costs back). The two recommended places were about £64-75, and didn't look too daunting. Another upside, is that all of the students on placement will be from your course, and you're all in the same boat, so it'll be easier to make friends and bond (I suppose I can pretend I enjoy leaving my room on occasion!)

After speaking to the university about my concerns, I was paired up with a student mentor who had been in a similar situation to me last year, so it's calmed me down realising I'm not the only one who struggles! I suppose that's the biggest thing to remember, you're not alone, nearly ever NHS student has placement problems at some point!

During our induction week, we'll also be visiting our clinical placements, to receive our ID cards, and to look around, so hopefully I'll warm to my site by the end of the day!

LLAP and enjoy a complimentary jelly baby :)

SoR Membership

"I've got a free membership? Look at how shiny and free it is! Sign me up!"

Stardate: 91281.4

It's getting closer and closer until I start my first year as a student radiographer, and lots of information and forms have been flying about (as was mentioned in my last post). The latest has been an e-mail on behalf of the Society of Radiographers from UCAS, offering all first year students a complimentary membership. Which I plan to take full advantage of!

Now, I've already written a post concerning the Society of Radiographers, but I think it was a little vague, (so this is a little update, really) so what can students can get from it? The membership for first years starts from October 1st 2013 and finishes next year on September 30th 2014. After the first year, membership costs only £4 a month (which is actually rather cheap!)

The SoR membership benefits: 

• latest radiography news 
• a £5 million professional indemnity insurance
• professional magazines and journals
• full access to the Society's website
• an electronic portfolio to record continuing educational activities
• access to documents which will help with those impending assignments (watch out, they're coming!)
• information regarding conferences and seminars, including the annual student conference
• access to the student radiographer magazine StudentTalk
• officer visits to your university
• the SoR's Benevolent Fund - financial support for times of hardship
• Student of the Year award
• and finally, assignment publication

The membership application for first year students link was sent out yesterday, so if you haven't applied for it already, do so!

LLAP and Geronimo!

Loans and Forms and Mail, Oh My!

"Are you sure I've sent all the correct forms? Even the DBS one? What about the placement form?"

Stardate: 91276.61

One thing I've learnt since I began to receive correspondence from all the universities I applied to is: keep on top of everything they send you (e-mails included)!

You would think I would have learnt the first time around that every letter is important until you're actually at university! I've managed to lose my DBS reference number, so that resulted in a long telephone conversation chasing up my certificate's status; I managed to put the wrong postcode on my placement form, but not my student mentor form and so the problems persist! 

Considering I'm one of those people who consistently checks everyday to see if I'm the recipient of any form of post whatsoever, (nothing compares to that feeling when you get mail!) losing track of it is ridiculously easy.

So, to solve that problem, I invested in a mini-folder just to keep track of all my correspondence, and anything else to do with university: letters from Leeds, student finance, Occupational Health, the welcome packs; everything!

I'm being serious, the amount of times you lose that one important letter you need is amazing. And you always seem to find it after you need it! 

In terms of replying, try to complete and send back any forms the university sends you as soon as you can. Especially things like placement forms, as they're usually first-come-first-served based. DBS and Occupational Health forms are also important to get out of the way, as they can hinder your application and registration with the university if they're late! Honestly, you don't want to leave everything until the last minute, it takes longer to rectify!

Oh also, make a note of important dates down in diaries and post-its, just to make sure you don't forget about them. You never know, if you lose the letter, there's a note somewhere else to jog your memory! 

At least this way it's all in once place, right? It's also great to keep insurance documents with these letters. Actually, just keep everything to do with university together (clearly not your class notes... unless you don't like being over-organised... like me).

Two weeks to go until my Induction week!

LLAP and Allons-y!

Welcome Packs Abound

My face when I saw how much some of the textbooks on Leeds reading list cost!

Stardate: 91270.91

So, both the welcome packs have arrived from the University of Leeds and the time for moving into my new house is rolling around swiftly (September 17th, with Induction Week starting September 23rd)! We received information regarding the placement hospitals we could be working in, Fresher's Week, student ID numbers, an annual block timetable telling us when we'd be on placement, holiday weeks etc., a rough timetable for Semester 1 and 2, and finally... reading lists! And boy has that reading list got some expensive books on it! To name but a few:

• Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research
• Essential Physics for Radiographers
• Medical Imaging: Techniques, Reflection & Evaluation
• Digital and Radiographic Imaging: A Practical Approach
• Human Anatomy and Physiology

I'm tempted to invest in some of the textbooks, but as I already own Clark's Pocket Handbook for Radiographers (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clarks-Pocket-Handbook-Radiographers-Charles/dp/0340939931; reviewed with 5 stars by students) and around 5 anatomy and physiology textbooks, I may only purchase the 'Essential Physics' and one other, as from experience and advice, we can get these books from the university library.

I'm beginning to get excited about starting. I'm stuck in that limbo some of us get trapped in when we know we're on our way to new places, but aren't quite at that point of departure yet. I can't wait to get back to learning (I know I sound sad, but never mind!) and it'll be great to finally be doing what I want!

I'm still unsure whether I'm going to get myself down to any of the Fresher's Week events. I'm not much of a party animal, as I'd much prefer sitting at home with a cup of coffee watching Star Trek, Doctor Who or House! Who knows, I may push myself out of my 'comfort zone' and experience 'student life'... but it's called a comfort zone for a reason! We'll see! Maybe I'll make some good friends who'll try to convince me otherwise... maybe.

The timetable isn't too bad either. Although it is a rough one - but looking at it, I'll have Wednesday and Friday afternoons off! Not bad, not bad. The only downside to being a student radiographer seems to be the shorter holiday periods. We get about 7 weeks of holiday a year. But I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end!

Anyway, good luck to all you other student radiographers starting this September!

LLAP and Geronimo!

Good News Everyone!

Stardate: 91230.09

Good news, everyone! 

It's been a while, but here's the final update from all that UCAS application fiasco, results etc.. I got more than expected in my results! Which means, as of this September, I will become an official Student Radiographer at the University of Leeds!

Welcome packs are being sent out soon, and the Fresher's Madness will begin again. I'll get to pick where my placement will be, and the fun will begin, and I will finally be able to start putting useful and more interesting posts onto this blogs. As we all know, I will also be writing about student life, but from a student radiographer's view.

I've even been looking at which societies and clubs I'm interested in. So far, it's been narrowed down to: the Taekwon-do club, the Chess club, the Radiography Society (RadSoc), possibly the Physics society, the Sci-Fi and Fantasy society, and finally... the Archery club! I know I won't make it to all of them, but the first 3 are a must for little old me! 

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting back into fully writing this blog, and I hope I write stuff that keeps my readers entertained!

LLAP guys!

The Society of Radiographers

The Society of Radiographers was founded in 1920.

Stardate: 90983.56

Okay, so I decided that it was about time I wrote a properly Radiography-related topic. So, I decided to research the Society of Radiographers. 

The SoR represents 90% of all the diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers in the UK. Their objectives are:

• to promote and develop the science and practice of radiography and radiotherapeutic technology for the public benefit
• to promote, study and research work in radiography and radiotherapeutic technology
• to further public education
• to protect the honour and interests of those engaged in the practice of radiography and radiotherapeutic technology 

The College of Radiographers (CoR) is a subsidiary of the SoR, that are directed towards education, research and other activities in support of the science and practice of radiography. It assesses the programmes of both pre-registration courses, post-registration training and ongoing professional registration. 

The SoR issues different publications including:

• Imaging and Therapy Practice - provides coverage of the latest professional education issues that affect the day-to-day lives of therapeutic and diagnostic radiographers. 
• Synergy News - a news digest of what is currently happening in the world of radiography and wider healthcare area. It covers a wide-range of issues such as: career progression, role development, pay, research and equality issues.
• Radiography - an international peer-reviewed journal of diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy.
• Imaging & Oncology - an annual publication that will coincide with the United Kingdom Radiology Congress.

The SoR also maintains grants and awards, including:

• Overseas Placement Award - established in 1988. Supports a number of radiography placements in developing countries.
• Fellowship of the College of Radiographers Award -  an honorary title, bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contribution to the radiographic profession.
• and many others coinciding with outstanding contributions to the radiography field.

Looking into it, joining the SoR when you become a Radiography student is quite beneficial, as they offer access to magazines and journals, a downloadable document library, attendance to conferences and events, a benevolent fund and certain awards.

I'm sure when you start a university course, the SoR will be mentioned, but it's always good to look at what's out there, in terms of having a little preparation before everything begins!

Coping with Work-load!

So this film was just amazing. It was one of the things that convinced me to finish my assignments!

Stardate: 90983.56

Good evening readers!

I know you're all hoping that today's post will entail something radiography related, but once again, I apologise, but I'm limited in what I can post at the moment, due to my time being pretty much split up into college, part-time work, Taekwon-do classes, exercise sessions and then college work. So I'm a little thin-on-the-ground when it comes to radiography topics, but I promise when I start university, I will back on track. I know my main interest for this blog should be what I originally started it for, but it's also an outlet for myself, too.

Anyway, as the post image suggests, I have found my coping mechanism has come in handy greatly at the moment. College has chosen to culminate all of our final assignment deadlines on the same week, so in order to cope, I've turned to my favourite thing... Star Trek. Of course, as some of you may know, the new film came out in May. I urge you all, watch it!

But really, this post is literally about finding your way to cope with work-load. As I've been informed by many university radiography course leaders, finding a way to relax after a long day, (especially when on placement) is incredibly important for those working in health-care. It can range from anything: reading, watching TV, sports, or even rock-climbing (if that's your thing!) As long as you gain satisfaction and a "get-away" feeling from it, it's good for your mental-coping!

This doesn't just apply to those in health-care, it applies to everyone who has a sufficient amount of work and tasks they do through the week. Without relaxation, stress builds, and with stress, comes a less effective immune system. 

So in summary, don't feel guilty when you take time out for yourself! It's good for you! (It's also a brilliant excuse for a little procrastination from time to time!)

University Choices Confirmed

You can never plan too meticulously, as I've found out...

Stardate: 90944.89

Well, to begin with, today happens to be May 4th.... so May the Fourth be with you, guys! 

Anyway, I decided to not update anything until I'd finally made my final decision about universities. As some of you already know, my heart was always set on going to the University of Leeds, for varying reasons, but all the universities I applied to would have made me just as happy, as I would be studying a course I wanted to! 

It took me a good while to choose out of the other 3 offers I'd received as to which would be my insurance choice. I had a really good range of choice, but after hours/days of deliberating and really thinking hard, I chose to insurance the University of Salford.

So now all I have to do is pass the Access Course..... with 45 credits at Distinction... not setting myself any difficult targets or anything, right? But seriously, if I hadn't set myself such a high aim, I would never have ended up doing the Access course in the first place, and I'd still have been stuck in a rut studying Japanese and Health Studies. Don't get me wrong, the courses are fine... for those who want to continue a career with Japanese... Which wasn't me.

I like learning languages, it's a great hobby of mine, and I gain great pleasure from using them, but... my heart is most definitely focused on the sciences. 

But back on topic...

In about 4 months I'll be starting university. And I'll be a student radiographer. And I'll be able to write about student life properly. And how I cope with life as a student health professional! I'm still also planning to study abroad with these courses, so I'll be able to talk about what it's like to study radiography in other countries! I got that excited about everything recently I spent 2 hours researching PhD programmes... talk about getting carried away...

Interview Anxiety

"I'll just pretend I'm not here". This is how I'm currently feeling...

Stardate: 90756.77

So, the final realisation that I have my admissions interview at  the University of Derby tomorrow morning has arrived. And I'm incredibly nervous. But, I always do get nervous before interviews.

People have been giving my pointers all week, like:

• Keep calm
• Don't be overbearing (I couldn't even if I tried!)
• Try to ask questions
• Be confident

These are all well and good (I mean, I myself have been saying this advice on my blog and to others going for interviews), but now my interviews are coming closer, I've turned on my heel and hidden!

Well... hopefully my interview will go well. I even have a nice new suit... They always say dress to impress...

That Feeling...

Even Mr. Spock had his moments. I did exactly the same thing to my computer when I finished my assignment. Tears of joy and relief, of course.

Stardate: 90707.97

Captain's Log, Stardate 90707.97: the assignment from the Psychology department I received three weeks ago is almost complete. Progress with Biochemistry is going exceedingly well, with all-around enjoyment and mutual understanding. Reports have shown that my bridge officers are having difficulty in initiating an assignment from the Health Studies department, though Engineering have tried to enforce a reboot of the main power systems to get back on track. I hope our efforts do not become a waste of useful resources and time...

Yes, my assignments are being to pile up, but for once I'm grateful for the workload! You know your course is paying off when you begin to help someone else with an assignment you just handed in. Not only are my assignments piling up (and getting interesting), but my university interviews are looming closer, and some preparation is indeed in order. My "well-timed" excursion to Japan in March means I'll be taking a Biochemistry and a Psychology test earlier than the rest of my course, but thankfully, I feel completely prepared for both (Biochemistry is luckily one of my strengths).

In regards to Health News, as of late, (aside from the inquiry at Staffs Hospital), I was nosing about the usual websites and newspapers that I trawl, and I was reading a really interesting article about how the benefits of CT scans outweigh the cancer risk. Harvard Medical School carried out some research and analysed imaging records of 22,000 patients in the age group 18-35 who underwent CT scans in 2003-2007. They basically found that over an average follow-up of 5.5 years, 11% collectively had died, which is higher than the originally predicted 0.1%.

I won't spoil the whole article, but you can read it here:
http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/ct/content/article/113619/2126709

 This post is getting slightly long, and I've assignments and revision to be getting on with. Hope you enjoy the article (if you read it!), and I'll try to find something interesting to write about tomorrow (and in more detail).

LLAP!

Interview Preparation!

Due to being a Trekkie, I will express my relief using Captain Jean-Luc Picard!

Hello all! 

The Nerd has returned to her blogging status, the only thing I won't be blogging now, is informative posts or my WOTD (until my dictionary is back to its former glory). Only because, I've ran out of things to write about, and as I've systematically only cited photographs and images used, I'd rather not put my foot in it, especially not before even getting into a university.

My excitement is due to being offered interviews at 4 out of the 5 UCAS choices I made to study Diagnostic Radiography. Win! So, being the over-eager person I am, I ran straight to my college's Careers office, and booked an interview preparation session.

It was in fact actually very helpful, giving me hints on how to keep a cool head during one-on-one and group interviews. The main one of course, is trying to relax. Looking professional, of course, is a no-brainer. You wouldn't want to turn up looking no less than perfect, would you?

Anyway, the main things I took away from my advisory session were:

• appropriate eye contact - especially in the one-on-one interviews, as sometimes, there may be two interviewers. One will be asking questions, the other taking notes. Despite one being more vocal than the other, don't forget the note-taker! It shows that you are including them in the discussion. It also shows your communication skills.
• remember your personal statement - it's no use writing it, if you don't know what you've written; you never know what you'll be asked! Not only this, but research the course and subject, as it is highly likely you will be asked questions about what drew you to them etc.
• never use the words 'no', 'but' or 'wrong' - although it's difficult to not use these words, apparently these are a big no-no! Especially the word 'wrong', as it is quite direct. Re-word your phrase, to avoid these.
• NVC (non verbal communication) - body language speaks loudly. If you have your arms folded, you'll look very closed and defensive. But if you're too relaxed, it sets a wrong impression. Sit up straight, but not like you've been electrocuted. Don't fidget too much, nerves aren't always your friend!

I could go on, but generally, most interview advice is common sense and goes without saying. Just remember to smile and keep calm. And when it comes to group discussions, make sure you give others the chance to talk, but don't become too quiet or too overbearing. Both are quite undesirable, and shows poor communication and teamwork.

Good luck to those with interviews in the near future! Here's hoping my own advice stays in my head for my own interview dates!

LLAP.

Lack of Posting Apology

Hello everyone! I am writing this blog entry, due to the fact I have noticed how long ago it was that I wrote an entry here. The reasons behind this lag is due to both work, college and extracurricular busyness. I apologise for my silence, but when I eventually get back around to typing entries they will be back to my normal standard.

To keep you updated on how I'm doing, my personal statement is finished, I just need to have someone check it over, and my university application is complete! 

Good luck to all those reading this who are going through the same process!

Radiography Assistants & Imaging Support Workers

A CT scanner team consists of two radiographers, a radiologist and a radiography assistant.

Photograph: NHS

Okay, so I was looking into my options if the unexpected happened e.g. if I  :

a) didn't pass my Access course this year

or

b) didn't manage to get a place onto a university course. And I was looking around, and I discovered support roles in radiography! (Even if I don't get a place for 2013, I will still apply again for 2014!)

Radiography assistants and imaging support workers are people who assist qualified diagnostic/therapeutic radiographers. These assistants have certain responsibilities depending on the nature of their team's work.

They generally aid patients as part of their job role, but their other duties include:

• processing film images
• preparation and assistance in general/specialised procedures 
• keeping the working environment hygienic and clean
• preparing treatments
• manual handling of patients
• basic equipment maintenance
• recognising and reporting faulty equipment

To work as a radiography assistant/imaging support worker, there are no formal entry requirements, but 4 or more GCSEs, or their equivalent may be required for more advanced work. There is an NVQ available, but it is not a route towards qualifying as a radiographer. It is also possible to get into this role via a level 3 apprenticeship.

These workers are usually train while on the job, but there are short courses available. The Society of Radiographers (SoR) has developed accreditations for assistant practitioners working in these settings. It is to ensure the qualifications and training is recognised by the NHS. It is also possible to work while studying part-time towards a professional radiography degree.

So, again, there's always a way to learn about the job even if the scary things happens!

Riveting Reads

A brilliant book to read due to its depth. Photograph: plodit.com

Hey all! I apologise for not posting anything yesterday. I was incredibly tired out and in pain from a Taekwon-do session, so I ended up falling asleep as soon as I got home!

Anyway, people at my college are all in the same boat as me, and are wondering what textbooks are good and which aren't for different things. At the moment, I can only really suggest Anatomy and Physiology textbooks, and other books of interest (these are pretty vital, and also highly interesting!).

So far, I've managed to find 5 books that I've thoroughly enjoyed and have taught me a great deal (and help me to write and understand my posts!). For anyone who just wants to understand the Human Body a little bit more, my favourite book (complete with an overused spine) is DK's 'The Human Body' (ISBN 9781405316255). I have had this book (both in paperback, which has been passed down to my brother, and hardback) for over three years, and there is so much to learn and look at. Being a visual learner, it does help having colour and diagrams to better my understanding :)

For Anatomy and Physiology on the other hand, I recommend two specialised textbooks. These are:

• Anatomy & Physiology Made Incredibly Easy (I have the 3rd Edition, but they have released a 4th recently ISBN 1451147260)- This book really is amazing. I love it, and it isn't too heavy to carry around. It utilises diagrams and quizzes, too.
• Ross and Wilson Anatomy & Physiology in Health and Illness- This book is highly detailed, and is recommended by many college and university students.
• Ross and Wilson Anatomy & Physiology Colouring and Workbook- I kid you not, this book does wonders :) It is a companion to the above book, but you can use it with others if need be.

And finally, I do recommend the BMA's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. This book is where I find my WOTD, and also if I'm bored, I like to flick through and learn something new. Only problem is the spine is on its way out now...

So there we are for now :) These books are very helpful and interesting, and yes, I do own them 
all (Play.com is good). I also own the Anatomy & Physiology for Dummies, but I do prefer the others. 

Eventually, I'll get round to amassing a list of Radiography specific books (e.g. Clark's), but for 
now, I'm focusing on getting to Radiography beginning standard of understanding the body.

Sorry this entry wasn't as interesting! I'll try to have something more fun tomorrow for you!

Diagnostic Vs. Therapeutic

Radiography is one of the crucial fields of medicine. Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Since I made the final decision to study Diagnostic Radiography, I've been asked by a few people what the difference between a Diagnostic Radiographer and a Therapeutic Radiographer actually is.

Diagnostic

Diagnostic radiographers work mainly within the radiology and imaging departments of hospitals (NHS trusts or private sector) but may also work in surgeries/clinics. When you have an accident and go to hospital, most often than not, you will see a Diagnostic Radiographer. They provide a service within most hospital departments, and work closely alongside other health-care professionals.

They use most types of imagining techniques, but they can later specialise in one particular area of choice. Some of the imaging techniques they use are:

• X-ray – looks through tissue to examine bones, cavities and foreign objects
• Fluoroscopy – images the digestive system providing a live motion x-ray
• CT (computed tomography) – creates a 3-D image which can be split into individual slices
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – builds a 2-D or 3-D map of different tissue types within the body
• Ultrasound – well known for its use in obstetrics and gynaecology. Also used to check circulation and examine the heart
• Angiography – used to investigate blood vessels

Therapeutic

Therapeutic radiographers are becoming better known as radiotherapists. They work closely with doctors, nurses and physicists and are key members of oncology teams to treat patients with cancer. Radiotherapists deliver doses of X-rays and other ionising radiation to patients, most cancer patients. Radiotherapy radiographers may be involved in the care of the cancer patient from the initial referral clinic stage, where pre-treatment information is given, through the planning process, treatment and eventually post-treatment review (follow-up) stages. 

Therapeutic radiographers in particular get to know patients because they see them regularly through the course of treatment. It is important that they can develop a rapport with the individual and their family.

I hope this makes the difference a little bit clearer for those who get a bit confused or just wanted to know!

Starting a Personal Statement...

So, it's about time I began writing my personal statement. I was thinking about it today, and although I've written one before, and it was a successful statement, writing this one seems a much bigger deal. So, I thought I would write a little advice entry, for anyone else who's struggling with their statement.

Plenty of people I've asked are having the same trouble writing theirs. Why? Well, I think it has something to do with how well people can actually sell themselves, yet so little space to do it in and of course, who their audience is. It's like those assignments I did for Health Studies in 1,000 words... it's just not enough! From what I plan, to what I actually write, only the most important stuff goes in! Nobody likes writing a personal statement, but I think my process to writing one isn't half bad. 

To start with:

• What am I planning to study? (Pretty obvious question, but this helps you focus for the whole statement, I promise you)
• Why do I want to study it? (Any personal experience, or what interested you in the subject)
• What skills have I got that link in to studying this? (As I'm applying to be a Diagnostic Radiography student, I'm using this site:  http://www.radiographycareers.co.uk/  to help me.
• What are my other interests? (Generally, pick the ones that show your versatility. For example, I do cross-stitching when watching TV, play video games, read anatomy books for fun AND do Taekwon-do... and many more, but it was just to show you how varied my hobbies are)

Now, starting, I know, is the hardest part of writing any long piece of writing. But both the start AND the end are really important, as the start gets whoever is reading it interested, and the end  usually helps them to remember it. That's not to the say the middle isn't important! But the start is the reader's "first impression" of you.

Another important thing I can think of to write about this difficult task, is what NOT to do in it:

• Don't list what you're doing now. Only put in the relevant skills linked to your course. Show how your hobbies and interests would help you succeed on your course. E.g. I play video games and like new gadgets. Radiographers need to be able to adapt to new technologies (as the field is always improving) and they need to be confident when working with it. As I said, it's an example :P
• Don't be arrogant, and don't tell the university about their own subject. They do teach it and know it pretty well.
• Be pretty strict with your work and cut out any parts that waffle on too much. It just takes up space where something else could be.

• Don't mention skills and then not explain what you learnt from them. Anyone can write "I'm a good communicator" but that doesn't have any back up or evidence, does it?

• Don't bring up anything before GCSE, unless it really is relevant as an anecdote.

• Don't be vague when talking about interests.

• This one is obvious: don't exaggerate or lie. If they bring it up in your interview, you'll have a hard time keeping it up.

• Don't be biased towards one university. This puts off the others you are applying to!

• This is the most important one: Don't copy someone's else statement! If you are found to have plagiarised someone else's work, it could jeopardise your whole application!

And finally, get somebody to check it when you're done! Of course, check it over yourself, then have a parent, a friend or a tutor check it, too. After they've checked it, check it yourself, again, or have another person check it! I generally get three other people to check mine: my parents (yeah, I'm classing them as a single entity for now), a friend (or if you know somebody who's already applied to university, ask them, too), and then my tutor. Everybody will have a different opinion, but they may see something someone else didn't.

Anyway, this entry is getting long enough! Good luck anybody else who's doing their personal statement. I hope this has helped a little :)

Now to just get my own done.... *sniffle*

Advancing in Medical Imaging

CT scans. Photograph: Getty Images/Aurora Creative

Well guys, as some of you know, I've recently been musing about what I would like to do after I graduate as a Radiographer. I know some of you probably think: "But you've not even started your degree yet!" I know that, but as I've found out from previous personal experience, knowing what direction you'd like to be heading in and what you need to get there, always helps you in the long run.

From childhood I've always aimed to achieve at least a Masters. So, last night I was browsing some of the university websites, mainly those I'm thinking of applying to. 

In regards to getting onto a Diagnostic Radiography course, so far, I've looked at applying to:

• University of Salford
• University of  Liverpool
• Birmingham City University
• University of Leeds

These are in order of choice. So, I'm hoping I get into Salford (or any of these universities, all their courses look awesome!), as I like the look of the modules, and I've heard great reviews about the universities themselves... Not only that, they're not too far from home!

So anyway, I was browsing these universities Postgraduate courses, and so far I'm liking the sound of what Salford has to offer post-grad. But I found some interesting courses which I think would interest me to further my studies:

• MSc in Advanced Medical Imaging
  University of Salford
• MSc in Radiography
  Birmingham City University
• MSc in Diagnostic Imaging
  University of Leeds
• MSc in Medical Imaging
  University of Leeds

Now, as I said, it's a little early to be thinking about my academic progression right now, but these courses seem broad enough to become a Reporting Radiographer, which means I can look at a radiographic image, and give an initial diagnosis! Which is exactly the kind of thing I want to do! Either that or specialise in CT scans.

Anyway, as I said, I'm just musing for now, but it's always good to have a direction you want to go in. I think it could help when going for university interviews! Anyway, in the style of Joe from Family Guy "Bring it on!"

My Day Shadowing a Radiographer

I blame Scrubs for my expectations for x-rays. I only got to hold an x-ray cassette, not a print!

Well, I finally managed to get myself some work experience at a hospital. This day of experience was undertaken in August 2012. I had an amazing day, the staff in the X-Ray Department were lovely and helpful. From the time I started until I finished I really enjoyed my day shadowing a Radiographer. The day started with a good laugh, due to me having to wear an old-style Nurse's dress! It was long, uncomfortable and strangely fitted, but never mind! I did love my souvenir hygienic hand gel!

I saw an amazing array of x-rays, ranging from chest to foot. All of them were uniquely different and intriguing and I enjoyed learning how to position the scanner, setting the dosage (and pressing the button to administer the x-ray!). The patients were all friendly and quite happy for me to observe what was going on.

I also managed to sit in on two shoulder arthrograms on two different patients (I didn't faint during the first one.. honest!... Okay, maybe I did, but it was because I needed sugar!), one for an aspiration, the other to alleviate the injected area for an MRI. This MRI experience was slightly long, yet short, due to the scans having to be re-done and re-done, but the experience was interesting all the same.

I learnt a great deal about working as a General Radiographer, as well as the duties and systems one would use on a daily basis. As the hospital I was at happens to be an orthopaedic hospital, most of my day was spent in the X-Ray department, meeting patients who were having check-ups on their joint replacements etc.

I was also shown an interesting previous x-ray of a hip that had been damaged due to a horse falling on it. This hip had been repaired and replaced and looked completely different. It amazed me at how far medical technologies have advanced over the years.

I can't wait to book another work experience day at a bigger hospital so I can experience what other Radiographers do, including CT scanners and a more indepth look into MRI scans.

Things seem to be coming together... Now just to get started on the necessary evil also known as the personal statement!

Anticipation Access!

I'm getting slightly nervous! Soon enough I'll be starting my Access to Health Related Studies course at South Cheshire College. My modules will be:

• Life Sciences:
  - Cells and Tissues
  - Human Physiology
  - Introduction to Genetics
  - Microbiology
  - Biochemistry
  - Digestion and Nutrition
  - Human disease and prevention & Infection and immunity
• Psychology:
  - Psychological Approaches
  - Abnormal Psychology
  - Social Influence
  - Developmental Psychology
• Health Studies:
  - Stress
  - Development of Healthcare Services
  - Health Promotion
  - Equality & Diversity

I'm excited to get back into studying something academic and prepare myself for the hard work ahead of me. I'm also looking forward to wearing a lab coat.

Hmmm, this leads me to reminisce on my day shadowing a radiographer....