The very first group of Diagnostic Radiography students at the University of Worcester will soon be heading off out on placements as they begin to help tackle a national shortage within the profession.
Since they started their studies in September, the 14 students have been learning about patient care and communication as well as the technical parts of the job by examining images and learning how to make sure they’re suitable for diagnostic purposes.
They’ve already had members of the local health trust deliver sessions before they begin their placements, where they’ll be working with patients straight away.
Hilary Baggs is the Course Leader and Principal Lecturer in Diagnostic Radiography. She said: “We are really excited to have our first cohort of students who are about to go out into local hospitals to begin their first placements.”
“Our local trusts are recruiting trained radiographers in both Worcestershire and Herefordshire and we’ve got placement spaces in both of those counties so our students will be becoming part of those teams, those families, within the hospital.”
She added: “From day one on their placements they’ll be imaging patients straight away, and that’s the most exciting part of the job. As someone who has worked as a radiographer, it makes a huge difference to have people coming to work with you when they’re well trained and have that experience in hospitals”.
University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE DL said : “We are delighted to see our very first cohort of Diagnostic Radiography students moving on to their placements where they will add vital practical experience to complement the classroom learning and simulation skills they have already gained. This year more than a thousand new graduates in the health professions have completed their studies at the University of Worcester, and joined the NHS workforce”.
Professor Green added: “It is wonderful that in a little over two years’ time our nurses, nurse associates, midwives, paramedics, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and physician associates will be joined by diagnostic radiographers and, just a year later by medical doctors.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk