Melodie Mortimer
Melodie Mortimer
Graduate in BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
Radiographer, Ipswich Hospital
I was born in Ipswich and have lived and worked in Ipswich for the past 35 years. Before staring at UCS I worked full-time in an administrative post at a local acute NHS hospital, having previously been a medical secretary.
UCS has a very good reputation for teaching the diagnostic radiography course and the NHS hospital placement sites for the clinical aspect of the course were all within the East Anglian region making it possible for me to travel to all of them. I attended open events and found the advice and support offered by the academic staff to be beneficial and, as such, helped me to choose the most appropriate courses to develop my career.
This comprehensive course ensures you have the opportunity to experience working in a range of imaging modalities during your training, for example general radiography, dental, fluoroscopy (including contrast studies and theatres), CT, MRI and ultrasound. You are taught the safe use of radiation using modern and advanced technical equipment to produce high quality images to aid diagnosis. Previously, I worked in a healthcare environment in an administrative capacity, from this I realised I wanted a professional healthcare role so I could have more face-to-face contact with patients and people which this course allows.
The diagnostic radiography course combines an equal proportion of academic study and clinical practice in a hospital. This allows you to practically apply the theory in a clinical environment and suits both students who enjoy classroom-based learning and those who are more suited to hands-on learning. Over the course of three years I achieved the necessary skills and practical experience to successfully seek employment as a newly qualified radiographer. I particularly enjoyed the range of topics, including physics and anatomy, together with the variety of assessment methods such as posters, individual and group presentations, written examinations and clinical portfolios.
During the degree course there were certain aspects where I needed to refresh my knowledge, particularly statistics, so I took advantage of the one-to-one support available from the Student Support Team which was invaluable.
I now work full-time as a newly qualified radiographer at the hospital where I undertook my clinical placements during my 3 years of training.
Graduating with a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography has enabled me to commence my new career as a radiographer. After successfully graduating in June 2008 with a first class honours degree, I was nominated as UCS’s Diagnostic Radiography Student of the Year. In September 2008 I was very proud and honoured to be chosen by the Society of Radiographers as the national Diagnostic Radiography Student of the Year 2008 and attended a prestigious awards ceremony at the House of Commons. This award would not have been possible without the support and guidance of the academic staff at UCS, the clinical lecturers and diagnostic imaging staff at my clinical placement site for which I sincerely thank them.
At this time, after just completing the degree and gaining professional registration, I wish to concentrate on consolidating my knowledge and skills as a diagnostic radiographer. However, I anticipate undertaking further study at a later date at UCS because continual professional development is an important part of my professional role as a radiographer and as an individual.
For people who are interested in the sciences and like to work with people in a healthcare environment I would highly recommend making enquiries about the course. A requirement before joining is to spend at least one day in a diagnostic imaging department to give you a feel for the role of a radiographer and visiting different hospitals is recommended. I am enjoying the career change with no regrets about giving up my previous job to return to full-time study. I had no hesitation in supporting my daughter when she decided she would like to enrol on the diagnostic radiography degree course at UCS.