I am a 3rd year student, studying Therapeutic Radiography in the West Midlands. Patients are normally prescribed a course of radiotherapy, so you get to know the patients quite well and although demanding you have the satisfaction of helping someone from day 1 of their treatment to their last. It’s always nice to see patients finishing radiotherapy, feeling happier than when they started and when they thank you for what you have done for them.

I chose to do radiotherapy because I like the idea of working within a group and radiotherapy offers this as you work closely with other radiographers, doctors and physicists. In radiotherapy you meet a lot of patients with different types of cancers and it is interesting to see how different cases are treated and how their management varies.

Radiotherapy not only involves delivering treatment but you can also get involved with treatment planning which involves a lot of maths and physics. Treatment planning is an aspect of radiotherapy I enjoy as I find it quite challenging.

There are many aspects within radiotherapy in which radiographers get involved. Our role is constantly expanding so our days vary and opportunities for role development are vast.

Mick is 37, and currently in the second year of a BSc Hons. Degree in Diagnostic Radiography at Salford University. Having spent the previous 12 years as a professional session musician and music tutor, Mick qualified for the course under the APEL (Accreditation of Previous Experience and Learning) scheme.

“Although I had 3 A-levels from my previous education, there had been an 18 year gap since then, and I was unsure as to whether or not I would be accepted onto the course without first undertaking some kind of foundation course. However, I was given an interview and asked to prepare a portfolio on several learning outcomes to demonstrate whether I could still present information in written form. In addition, my previous tutoring experience was considered, demonstrating my ability to interact with and relate to people.”

“It’s not been easy, but so far I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the course! As a mature student, it has taken a lot of self-discipline and organisation to apply myself to the work involved, and the change in lifestyle, but it was worth it when I received my exam results in summer! It’s so rewarding to learn a new skill, and it’s especially rewarding when you receive thanks from the patients.”