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Author Topic: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography  (Read 22960 times)

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babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #15 on: September 15, 2017, 10:41:46 am »
+7
Been a few days since I've done this so..

12/09/17-
Glad to finally have a relaxing Tuesday, normally 9-5 with no breaks, but anatomy labs are finished for the semester, so I ditched my morning lecture too. Aunt was leaving to go home to the US so went to see her off early in the morning then spent some time resting at home. Went to uni at 12 for my tute which was fairly beneficial and the last one before next week's mock exam. Had three hours of lab after this, and man I don't know why but this was an absolutely exhausting day even though I took three hours off it.. Been falling asleep in lectures and tutes all over the place, not sure what's wrong with me at the moment. Lab did end up clearing up how to image ribs though which was helpful, had a lot of fun getting palpated in the coccyx by lab demonstrator  ::) Also cleared up a lot about imaging of sacrococcygeal spines.

13/09/17-
Wednesdays be fairly dull.. tute on clinical scenarios of the ribs and sternum, image practicum tute on lumbar spine. path tute on diabetes and respiratory diseases. Submitted wiki essay in the morning, glad to see the back of that tbh.

14/09/17-
All round a fairly shit day. Had a lecture at 10, fucking useless lecturer didn't even show up. Had a actually useful tute at 11 on image analysis of sacrococcygeal spine and image analysis review for Monday's test on cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, coccyx and SIJ imaging which really helped (would've helped more if my laptop wasn't retarded and didn't let me take notes  :-\ ). Had a lecture on lung neoplasia/metastasis and another path lecture on restrictive respiratory diseases and pneumoconiosis. Went home, had a generally shit time, had to fix up my essay due Friday but of course my laptop becomes a massive nuisance and froze every time I wrote a word.. Finally managed to submit that, slept a hell of a lot, miserable af day.

15/09/17-
Been an alright day, always pretty chill on a Friday. Lovely lecturer took my tute at 8.30 instead of 8, bless late starts, that was pretty chill looking at pathological wet specs, last tute for the semester on path, so glad that's over, didn't understand histological or autopsy images.. Three hour break at the moment, did a practice test for Monday's spinal image analysis test to see what I need to focus on for the weekend. Looking over physics of imaging lectures as I have a revision tute at 2. Keen as  ::)
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babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #16 on: September 17, 2017, 08:50:38 pm »
+8
Haven't done much lately but feeling thoroughly overwhelmed so thought I'd put an update out to clarify my thoughts.

Friday didn't end up being particularly effective, didn't understand my physics lecture slides so I ditched my tute and went to chadstone instead since I hadn't really been out to treat myself after some good days. Got home and got in trouble for going out so I went to bed at like 8.. Had a disruptive sleep, my alarm went off at 2.30am and I woke up so disoriented.. Didn't have the greatest sleep after that.

Woke up around 8 after only getting some solid sleep after 5am, had a physio appointment at 10 which I incidentally ran late for. Was my first appointment since getting hit by a fence over a month ago and apparently I was in worse condition than I thought.. I thought I'd healed up and was fine but my physio said I'm still really bruised and I've been compensating for it and after my massage my shoulders, neck, upper and lower back are so sore. Back on panadol and heat treatments :( took a few naps, had a generally unproductive day but studied a bit of the shoulder and some image analysis of cervical spine for Monday's spinal image analysis test.

Woke up at about 6 today which felt great, amazing weather so I started studying pretty early. Been at my desk all day which has definitely taken a toll on my back but what can you do.  :-\ Had a not so great evening but getting through the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacrococcygeal spine for image analysis notes has definitely helped. Need to do some practice questions and retake my quiz before bed.

Got a busy last week ahead.. Test and practice osce tomorrow, 9-5 day exciting. Tuesday have a mock radiographic pathology exam and some lectures, so tomorrow night I want to go over the pathology lectures from the whole semester. Wednesday is final tutes and we done! Ball is on Friday too which should be nice. Can't wait for this week to be over this semester has been a killer.
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2017: Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) @ Monash University
2020: Medical Imaging Intern @ Monash Health

babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #17 on: September 19, 2017, 06:07:51 pm »
+7
Had my last official in semester assessment yesterday. Honestly not too confident with the spine given your massive range of pathologies and less than optimal images but I'm fairly confident that I'll pass and I might even get a distinction. It's a pretty different ball game to abdomens and hips, so anatomy identification is difficult but imaging criteria is easier. Still glad it's over though. Practice osce was pretty chill which I'm kinda mad about cos the actual osce won't be that easy but it is what it is.

Today was a nicer day. Had a couple of lectures in the morning for revision of physics and anatomy. Fire alarm went off in anatomy so we were in the garden for like twenty minutes but otherwise pretty helpful. Got a long few weeks of revision though  :P Physics I straight up do not understand and MTFs and LSFs are the bane of my existence. Had my imaging mock exam which actually wasn't too bad, except some pathology that I will never be able to recognise :( played uno in the library for a bit after then went home and been chilling since as I finish tomorrow and already did my bony thorax image analysis quiz last week :D should start studying for exams though  ::)
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2017: Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) @ Monash University
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Joseph41

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #18 on: September 19, 2017, 07:06:16 pm »
+1
^What is it with Monash and fire alarms?!

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zofromuxo

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #19 on: September 19, 2017, 07:49:51 pm »
+1
^What is it with Monash and fire alarms?!
This quote should be What is it with Monash  RMIT and fire alarms?!
Jack of all trades, master of none.
Hence why i'm in all these different threads and boards.

lyoko

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #20 on: September 19, 2017, 07:53:51 pm »
+1
What fire alarms?

babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #21 on: September 19, 2017, 08:17:45 pm »
+4
Lmao I know right, don't think anyone can actually tell the difference between a drill and the real thing.. Like I think it was legit but we all took our shit and people still be evacuating fifteen minutes after the alarm  ::) Is it just me or does every fire find the students and teachers reading the evacuation plan in the middle of the evacuation?
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2017: Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) @ Monash University
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babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #22 on: September 20, 2017, 05:49:31 pm »
+10
20/09/17-

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!
So the first part of my semester is now officially COMPLETE :D don't ask me why but I'm in the fucking best mood, the weather is so much better, I've actually done alright in most of my in-semester assessments, I'm so excited for placement, I'm ending my learning term with good friends and on reasonable terms with my teachers, I'm feeling confident, ball is on Friday, having a family dinner out tonight (its legit been months) and just generally starting to feel somewhat good about myself! Obviously this burst of happiness isn't going to last long, but it finally kind of feels like things are looking up and I'm getting better. And it's not a one-day thing. It feels like the last couple of weeks have slowly been getting better, even despite the odd rough day, and I actually for once hope it isn't just a good phase. I'm going to work hard to make this feeling last :) So I had a bio tute in the morning which was just reviewing what's going to be on the exam. Had another tute on clinical methods (scenario typical exam question). Then had a 2 hour break and spent it with some friends I made earlier in the semester, and for the last few weeks I thought they hated me but they don't so feeling great about that :D Had my last image analysis tute and I'm actually getting so good at image analysis, so that makes me happy :)

Home now, going to clean my room which looks atrocious in the last week, going to change my sheets, going to write out my revision plans for swotvac over the next couple of weeks, practice my makeup for ball and then go out for dinner :)

HOPE Y'ALL ARE HAVING A FAB DAY <3 <3 <3

**side note lyoko if you're reading this I'm looking at getting a response to your queries up tonight too  :) :)
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lyoko

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #23 on: September 21, 2017, 11:43:40 pm »
+5
20/09/17-

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!
So the first part of my semester is now officially COMPLETE :D don't ask me why but I'm in the fucking best mood, the weather is so much better, I've actually done alright in most of my in-semester assessments, I'm so excited for placement, I'm ending my learning term with good friends and on reasonable terms with my teachers, I'm feeling confident, ball is on Friday, having a family dinner out tonight (its legit been months) and just generally starting to feel somewhat good about myself! Obviously this burst of happiness isn't going to last long, but it finally kind of feels like things are looking up and I'm getting better. And it's not a one-day thing. It feels like the last couple of weeks have slowly been getting better, even despite the odd rough day, and I actually for once hope it isn't just a good phase. I'm going to work hard to make this feeling last :) So I had a bio tute in the morning which was just reviewing what's going to be on the exam. Had another tute on clinical methods (scenario typical exam question). Then had a 2 hour break and spent it with some friends I made earlier in the semester, and for the last few weeks I thought they hated me but they don't so feeling great about that :D Had my last image analysis tute and I'm actually getting so good at image analysis, so that makes me happy :)

Home now, going to clean my room which looks atrocious in the last week, going to change my sheets, going to write out my revision plans for swotvac over the next couple of weeks, practice my makeup for ball and then go out for dinner :)

HOPE Y'ALL ARE HAVING A FAB DAY <3 <3 <3

**side note lyoko if you're reading this I'm looking at getting a response to your queries up tonight too  :) :)

*Thumbs up* Really happy for you babushka818! :)
I now understand when people say 'good vibes' because this post of yours is just radiating with it  ;D
I was just wondering when you say 'the ball' is it a Monash Uni. exclusive ball or are you allowed to bring +1 from other unis? Also I'm sure you will look stunning tomorrow at your ball. Pretty like a princess :D

Can't wait to read your response + just more updates in general

babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #24 on: September 24, 2017, 02:25:24 pm »
+4
*Thumbs up* Really happy for you babushka818! :)
I now understand when people say 'good vibes' because this post of yours is just radiating with it  ;D
I was just wondering when you say 'the ball' is it a Monash Uni. exclusive ball or are you allowed to bring +1 from other unis? Also I'm sure you will look stunning tomorrow at your ball. Pretty like a princess :D

Can't wait to read your response + just more updates in general

That's so sweet omg thanks for this reply :)) means a lot!
So I think all universities run some form of balls. At monash, many of the clubs and societies run their own balls for their members (harry potter clubs, cultural societies, faculties etc.) To all these events, you are allowed to bring other people who aren't in that faculty, or not a club member, or from a different uni, as long as they pay the ticket :P (often this is like a $5 higher ticket or something for non-members). Most people bring their partners or a friend, and my department is really small so we've only got about 200-300 people who go including guests :)

So ball was Friday night and legit got litttt ;) wasn't strictly speaking supposed to drink, but of course you're at a table with your rowdy friends who go clubbing every other weekend and there's unlimited drinks and table service and three boys who wanna see a conservative girl get shitfaced so that's always fun. Never had more than a couple drinks, five vodka raspberries later guess who's feeling dizzy and sleeping on my friend's shoulder and being woken up by security ::) but all in all an amazing night and I'm really glad I went :) wasn't planning to go again, but the environment is so nice and made heaps of new friends so I think I just might!

Took a fair bit of yesterday off to recover (though my feet still kill!) but getting back into it with the intent of writing up my psychosocial lectures and finish up image analysis revision examples of the spine and upper posterior ribs, and start reading through dosimetry before getting on to those notes tomorrow.
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2017: Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) @ Monash University
2020: Medical Imaging Intern @ Monash Health

babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #25 on: September 24, 2017, 02:28:40 pm »
+11
Hi Babushka,

I'm also thinking of doing Bachelor of Radiology but I'm not sure whether to choose Monash or RMIT. Could you give me a run down of what the course is like at Monash? What's the vibe like? Do you like it there?

Thanks!

Hey okay so finally getting around to replying to this.

So each university has its positives and negatives and are known and credited for various things, and it's really down to you of what you value more and the experience that you want. Obviously I go to monash, and I'll explain my reasons for doing so first.

Mostly, location. I live about 20 minutes from Clayton campus, but about 70-90 minutes from RMIT bundoora. I'm on campus five days a week, and I don't have the time to travel 15 hours a week, especially since I don't drive, and I wasn't looking at moving out of home for personal reasons.

Additionally, the bundoora campus just wasn't what I wanted in a university environment. Admittedly when I paid a visit, the semester was essentially over and no one was around, and monash is always busier, especially on the open days I've visited. However, I find the RMIT campus generally older, and slightly more dull, with brick buildings and a whole lot of those crunchy looking trees. I just don't find it a very motivating environment, but naturally that's personal preference. I like the life and business and openness of the monash campuses, and I feel more comfortable here. If you're tossing up your options, it's be worth paying a visit to both and seeing which one you feel better in.

In terms of entry, I don't know a lot about the RMIT selection criteria. This is from the website:

Quote
Current Year 12 prerequisites units 1 and 2 or units 3 and 4 - Biology or Chemistry, and units 3 and 4 - and a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods (any) or Specialist Mathematics; and a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English (EAL).

For monash, the following:

Quote
Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 35 in English (EAL) or 30 in English other than EAL, a study score of at least 25 in one of Mathematical Methods (any) or Specialist Mathematics and Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 25 in Biology or Physics.
Additionally, monash will shortlist about 400 students I think for interviews, of which we have about 80 successful candidates. A key thing to note about monash is you MUST have the course in your preference list by September preferences. If you add the course during December change of preference period, you will not be considered under any circumstances. You can move your preferences, but cannot add them any later than September (I think this is because interview candidates are selected as soon as ATARs are released).

Clearly the entry requirements are higher for monash, and personally I think they're more relevant in terms of science. Biology I think is a crucial prerequisite- every monash student I know has struggled this year in biology, and those who didn't take it in year 12 even more so, one of my friends even changing degree after first semester because she struggled so much. Apart from knowing the definition of an atomic number, I don't think we'll ever need that much background in chemistry. Physics background helps, but it is a different spectrum to high school physics, and most students who took physics say that it doesn't really help much, so everyone started physics on a fairly level playing field. I'd say the most important background you could have is a solid 30-35 in biology and you'll find first year fairly straightforward (at monash anyway). Of course the course may be structured differently at RMIT and they might have a chemistry based approach (I think their applied science radiation courses are somewhat melded in first semester with nucmed which is chemistry based). This is just something to think about with the subjects you've done.

Just to give you an idea of the monash course content (which should be similar at RMIT since its the same profession), we study physics, anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, psychosocial, professionalism, radiographic technique and positioning and radiation safety practices. We cover general x-ray, CT, MRI, fluroscopy, contrast imaging, and introductions to radiation therapy, ultrasound (sonography) and a little bit of nuclear medicine (though not a lot of this as its sort of a separate domain). We have skills labs in our on-campus radiography department, and in first semester a series of physics experiments. Throughout first year we've had regular anatomy labs looking at cadavers for muscles and doing heart dissections and the like. It's definitely harder than you think it is, and there's a lot of scope for the industry to change especially in the role of a radiographer (we're being trained in technical and diagnostics but the industry only offers technical at this stage) so you have to be open to life long training. On the plus side, you've always got heaps of options to go into later in life, like management, sonography, radiation therapy or clinical education if you get bored and don't want to fully change your stream.

Now I obviously have little interaction with RMIT and it's radiography education program, but last semester I did placement with a second year student from there, and I've met several students at ASMIRT events. I don't think there's anything inherently bad about RMIT's program. In speaking to the students, the only thing that really got mentioned was that their course structure isn't as well organised as at monash. This year at least, we pretty much look at one body region each week in my clinical unit, and there's associated weekly learning, like clinical situations, positioning, image analysis and pathologies. At RMIT, I'm sure it still follows some process, but seems a little less structured and time constrained. I don't know if that's good or bad, I like having structure and routine because I know what to expect and where I'm at. But you might be better talking to an RMIT student about the comparisons.

Clinical experience is the last thing I really wanted to touch on, and is arguably (or not) the most important aspect to your education in this field. From employers in the field- "Whether you have Ps or HDs is not relevant. If you have a good reputation in the clinical setting from placements or internships, that has significantly more weighting." At monash, we do a 2 week placement after first semester, 6 weeks after second semester. In second year, around June you have two back to back 4 week placements (effectively 8 weeks divided up at two locations). In third year, I believe it's 4 weeks in February and another 4 weeks maybe at the end of the year or midyear (not sure about this, think it's end of year though). In fourth year, you do six months of research and then six months of a paid internship. I like this structure, you get six placements throughout your main learning years, and with specific rotations (first semester is extremities and chests, second semester is generals for everything, second year you go to theatre and fluros, third year you start doing your CT rotations, etc). It's great that you don't just do one placement or internship after you finish learning, like you need to consolidate it and it's all about the clinical experience in the end so the opportunities offered are amazing. Of course $30000 by the time you graduate is a neat income too ;)

I don't know a lot about RMIT's opportunities. I think in first year they just do one placement (from what I understood from the guy I did my last placement with). But they I think do two placements a yearago following this. I think it's done as a three year course at RMIT but their processes are a little confusing. From what I've heard, they might be the last institution to offer a one year internship (I think paid). However, it says three years degree on their website, so I think the internship isn't offered through the university. At monash, I believe it's associated with the uni and included in the degree, but you do still have to apply and interview for preference of the institution you want to intern at from monash (rigorous process since you usually get offered a job at your intern location). I really can't say much about the RMIT stance on this, and I don't know if the one year thing is subject to change. You'd really be best placed to talk to an RMIT student about it, that'll get you a more confident and informed response.

Placements, whilst your opportunity to learn, are also a place to show your skills, professionalism, passion, communication, personality and attitude. Your clinical educators and other staff remember you. One placement in first year, and if you apply for an internship in fourth year or a job there five years later, they will remember your experience and hire you or not most likely based on that, so make the most of those opportunities and always leave a good impression. Monash also offers interstate and international opportunities. I know people who've gone to Dubai, Queensland and England, and those opportunities are incredible if you wish to take them on. Again I don't know about RMIT but you could always travel on your own and apply for international placements (though this may be more expensive).

All in all, the career is great, the pay is fairly decent (starting around $70k and goes to about $85k in Victoria), the job opportunities are pretty secure, shifts tend to be flexible. We all graduate with the necessary skills, and one institution isn't necessarily inherently better or worse than another. It all just comes down to what you want out of your education, where you can extract the most benefit, where you feel more comfortable, who you feel more comfortable around, your location and preferred living circumstances, your grades and entry ability, and what you think is best for you. For me, that was monash, and I'm happy and I've got no regrets. I know people at RMIT and they're happy, and they're skilled workers, and they're confident. Wishing you the best of luck with your choice and if you have any questions feel free to ask, preferably on the forums so more people can benefit :)
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2015: Maths Methods [33]
2016: English Language [36] | Biology [38] | Chemistry [37] | Specialist Maths [27] | Further Maths [42] |

2017: Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) @ Monash University
2020: Medical Imaging Intern @ Monash Health

lyoko

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #26 on: September 24, 2017, 10:08:18 pm »
+3
First of all,
THANK-YOU SO MUCH!!!!


(Sorry, wasn't sure how to add gifs)

I really do appreciate you spending time to write all of this. It's has help massively, especially with uni courses closing soon...in a few more days!

That's so sweet omg thanks for this reply :)) means a lot!
So I think all universities run some form of balls. At monash, many of the clubs and societies run their own balls for their members (harry potter clubs, cultural societies, faculties etc.) To all these events, you are allowed to bring other people who aren't in that faculty, or not a club member, or from a different uni, as long as they pay the ticket :P (often this is like a $5 higher ticket or something for non-members). Most people bring their partners or a friend, and my department is really small so we've only got about 200-300 people who go including guests :)

So ball was Friday night and legit got litttt ;) wasn't strictly speaking supposed to drink, but of course you're at a table with your rowdy friends who go clubbing every other weekend and there's unlimited drinks and table service and three boys who wanna see a conservative girl get shitfaced so that's always fun. Never had more than a couple drinks, five vodka raspberries later guess who's feeling dizzy and sleeping on my friend's shoulder and being woken up by security ::) but all in all an amazing night and I'm really glad I went :) wasn't planning to go again, but the environment is so nice and made heaps of new friends so I think I just might!
No worries  ;D Sound like you had a memorable night, can't wait to see if my designated uni holds one or not next year :) If I may ask, what department are you apart of?

Hey okay so finally getting around to replying to this.

So each university has its positives and negatives and are known and credited for various things, and it's really down to you of what you value more and the experience that you want. Obviously I go to monash, and I'll explain my reasons for doing so first.

Mostly, location. I live about 20 minutes from Clayton campus, but about 70-90 minutes from RMIT bundoora. I'm on campus five days a week, and I don't have the time to travel 15 hours a week, especially since I don't drive, and I wasn't looking at moving out of home for personal reasons.

Additionally, the bundoora campus just wasn't what I wanted in a university environment. Admittedly when I paid a visit, the semester was essentially over and no one was around, and monash is always busier, especially on the open days I've visited. However, I find the RMIT campus generally older, and slightly more dull, with brick buildings and a whole lot of those crunchy looking trees. I just don't find it a very motivating environment, but naturally that's personal preference. I like the life and business and openness of the monash campuses, and I feel more comfortable here. If you're tossing up your options, it's be worth paying a visit to both and seeing which one you feel better in.
I'm located in between both unis so location isn't really a factor for me. I've calculated that it's gonna take me about 1.5 hours travel to get to both by PTV. I actually did go to both unis this year for open day. Both appeal of them appealed to me but I guess maybe because it was open day and everything was on display?

Additionally, monash will shortlist about 400 students I think for interviews, of which we have about 80 successful candidates. A key thing to note about monash is you MUST have the course in your preference list by September preferences. If you add the course during December change of preference period, you will not be considered under any circumstances. You can move your preferences, but cannot add them any later than September (I think this is because interview candidates are selected as soon as ATARs are released).
If I may correct you here, while the course selection has to be in by September, Monash no longer does the multiple mini interview stage anymore...I found this out at Monsah open day this year that they only look at the clearly in ATAR which unfortunately doesn't really benefit me as I know that competition is tough and I'm not exactly the smartest kid out there

Clearly the entry requirements are higher for monash, and personally I think they're more relevant in terms of science. Biology I think is a crucial prerequisite- every monash student I know has struggled this year in biology, and those who didn't take it in year 12 even more so, one of my friends even changing degree after first semester because she struggled so much. Apart from knowing the definition of an atomic number, I don't think we'll ever need that much background in chemistry. Physics background helps, but it is a different spectrum to high school physics, and most students who took physics say that it doesn't really help much, so everyone started physics on a fairly level playing field. I'd say the most important background you could have is a solid 30-35 in biology and you'll find first year fairly straightforward (at monash anyway). Of course the course may be structured differently at RMIT and they might have a chemistry based approach (I think their applied science radiation courses are somewhat melded in first semester with nucmed which is chemistry based). This is just something to think about with the subjects you've done.
Noted! Thank-you for telling me this, I was beginning to worry a bit since I didn't do physic in VCE yet rather biology as stated on the Monash webpage. I was aware that Monash offers a physic bridging course so I was sort of using that as my 'physic background.'

Just to give you an idea of the monash course content (which should be similar at RMIT since its the same profession), we study physics, anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, psychosocial, professionalism, radiographic technique and positioning and radiation safety practices. We cover general x-ray, CT, MRI, fluroscopy, contrast imaging, and introductions to radiation therapy, ultrasound (sonography) and a little bit of nuclear medicine (though not a lot of this as its sort of a separate domain). We have skills labs in our on-campus radiography department, and in first semester a series of physics experiments. Throughout first year we've had regular anatomy labs looking at cadavers for muscles and doing heart dissections and the like. It's definitely harder than you think it is, and there's a lot of scope for the industry to change especially in the role of a radiographer (we're being trained in technical and diagnostics but the industry only offers technical at this stage) so you have to be open to life long training. On the plus side, you've always got heaps of options to go into later in life, like management, sonography, radiation therapy or clinical education if you get bored and don't want to fully change your stream.
:) Radiography I guess is like a stepping stone as ultimately I want to become a sonographer *thumbs up*

Now I obviously have little interaction with RMIT and it's radiography education program, but last semester I did placement with a second year student from there, and I've met several students at ASMIRT events. I don't think there's anything inherently bad about RMIT's program. In speaking to the students, the only thing that really got mentioned was that their course structure isn't as well organised as at monash. This year at least, we pretty much look at one body region each week in my clinical unit, and there's associated weekly learning, like clinical situations, positioning, image analysis and pathologies. At RMIT, I'm sure it still follows some process, but seems a little less structured and time constrained. I don't know if that's good or bad, I like having structure and routine because I know what to expect and where I'm at. But you might be better talking to an RMIT student about the comparisons.

 :)

Clinical experience is the last thing I really wanted to touch on, and is arguably (or not) the most important aspect to your education in this field. From employers in the field- "Whether you have Ps or HDs is not relevant. If you have a good reputation in the clinical setting from placements or internships, that has significantly more weighting." At monash, we do a 2 week placement after first semester, 6 weeks after second semester. In second year, around June you have two back to back 4 week placements (effectively 8 weeks divided up at two locations). In third year, I believe it's 4 weeks in February and another 4 weeks maybe at the end of the year or midyear (not sure about this, think it's end of year though). In fourth year, you do six months of research and then six months of a paid internship. I like this structure, you get six placements throughout your main learning years, and with specific rotations (first semester is extremities and chests, second semester is generals for everything, second year you go to theatre and fluros, third year you start doing your CT rotations, etc). It's great that you don't just do one placement or internship after you finish learning, like you need to consolidate it and it's all about the clinical experience in the end so the opportunities offered are amazing. Of course $30000 by the time you graduate is a neat income too ;)

I don't know a lot about RMIT's opportunities. I think in first year they just do one placement (from what I understood from the guy I did my last placement with). But they I think do two placements a yearago following this. I think it's done as a three year course at RMIT but their processes are a little confusing. From what I've heard, they might be the last institution to offer a one year internship (I think paid). However, it says three years degree on their website, so I think the internship isn't offered through the university. At monash, I believe it's associated with the uni and included in the degree, but you do still have to apply and interview for preference of the institution you want to intern at from monash (rigorous process since you usually get offered a job at your intern location). I really can't say much about the RMIT stance on this, and I don't know if the one year thing is subject to change. You'd really be best placed to talk to an RMIT student about it, that'll get you a more confident and informed response.

Placements, whilst your opportunity to learn, are also a place to show your skills, professionalism, passion, communication, personality and attitude. Your clinical educators and other staff remember you. One placement in first year, and if you apply for an internship in fourth year or a job there five years later, they will remember your experience and hire you or not most likely based on that, so make the most of those opportunities and always leave a good impression. Monash also offers interstate and international opportunities. I know people who've gone to Dubai, Queensland and England, and those opportunities are incredible if you wish to take them on. Again I don't know about RMIT but you could always travel on your own and apply for international placements (though this may be more expensive).

THANK-YOU VERY MUCH!
I have been wondering this very question. Whether it is about prestigious/academics or whether it's about experience/placements. So thank-you for answering this question for me  :D Yup, I will double check if the internship still runs at RMIT or not.

All in all, the career is great, the pay is fairly decent (starting around $70k and goes to about $85k in Victoria), the job opportunities are pretty secure, shifts tend to be flexible. We all graduate with the necessary skills, and one institution isn't necessarily inherently better or worse than another. It all just comes down to what you want out of your education, where you can extract the most benefit, where you feel more comfortable, who you feel more comfortable around, your location and preferred living circumstances, your grades and entry ability, and what you think is best for you. For me, that was monash, and I'm happy and I've got no regrets. I know people at RMIT and they're happy, and they're skilled workers, and they're confident. Wishing you the best of luck with your choice and if you have any questions feel free to ask, preferably on the forums so more people can benefit :)

THANK-YOU ONCE AGAIN BABUSHKA818 for this very insightful and detail response. I guess I've just gotta have a long hard think and decided where I want to go. I know for sure that radiography is my first preference for university, the question is really now, is it first preference at Monash or first preference at RMIT? I guess I better decided soon :) but honestly, thank-you - reading this has really helped me!



Mod edit (K888) - fixed formatting for GIF. You just need the image url (http, not https) and use [ img ] [ /img ] :)
« Last Edit: September 24, 2017, 11:47:27 pm by K888 »

babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #27 on: September 25, 2017, 08:32:16 pm »
+5
I really do appreciate you spending time to write all of this. It's has help massively, especially with uni courses closing soon...in a few more days!
 No worries  ;D Sound like you had a memorable night, can't wait to see if my designated uni holds one or not next year :) If I may ask, what department are you apart of?
I'm located in between both unis so location isn't really a factor for me. I've calculated that it's gonna take me about 1.5 hours travel to get to both by PTV. I actually did go to both unis this year for open day. Both appeal of them appealed to me but I guess maybe because it was open day and everything was on display?

haha that's really alright, I'm glad it helped and I'm so sorry it took so long to do!
I definitely had a great night :) its the MNHS (medicine nursing and health sciences) faculty, and the medical imaging department (i think the department named might be something a little different with the intro of radiation science now though!). If you come to monash, there'll definitely be a rad ball again ;) ;) otherwise I'll take you as my plus one  :-*

Ah that's rough but fair enough. Yeah open days are slightly different for establishing the actual vibe of the university huh? Generally, I think monash, esp clayton, has a bit more life going on, there's always a barbecue going on or someone selling baked goods, heaps of cafes and stuff around. Haven't found much at rmit but can't say I've looked too deeply, and this is definitely not your primary focus when choosing a uni :P also I had a few friends going to monash, which was comforting to me since my degree is so small and its not so easy to make friends as you don't have hundreds of people to choose from :P its nice to be able to catch up with them in the breaks. Also if you've got big gaps, there's a lot nearby and public transport is pretty easy from clayton (friday night chadstone trips are a regular for me!). Of course, you've got uni hill factory outlet close to rmit too, but I don't know much else about the area :)

If I may correct you here, while the course selection has to be in by September, Monash no longer does the multiple mini interview stage anymore...I found this out at Monsah open day this year that they only look at the clearly in ATAR which unfortunately doesn't really benefit me as I know that competition is tough and I'm not exactly the smartest kid out there
Noted! Thank-you for telling me this, I was beginning to worry a bit since I didn't do physic in VCE yet rather biology as stated on the Monash webpage. I was aware that Monash offers a physic bridging course so I was sort of using that as my 'physic background.'
:) Radiography I guess is like a stepping stone as ultimately I want to become a sonographer *thumbs up*

They don't do interviews?? Damn no wonder the ATAR clearly in went up so much! That's rough, but I have faith!! I'm sure you can make it, and because of this they might even offer some more places, I'm not sure :) as far as I know, the average for my cohort was around low 90s, so try and aim for around there if you think you can :)
Yeah I know a lot of people who choose this course do so because they are interested in health thus they take biology, and tend to stress about physics. I've had a few people PM me on AN alone asking about how heavy the physics workload is, and honestly, its not easy, but it is manageable, especially since everyone understands and doesn't understand a similar spectrum of topics! They do have a physics bridging course which you get online access to at the start of first year, and I think it has 5 components to it. If I'm honest, I did one and a half of them and I'm still doing okay :) I wouldn't stress too much!
Sonography is a great industry, and damn the pay is incredible! Start at around 130K, and I know someone who was applying for jobs asking for $90 hourly rate, but god forbid I couldn't identify a brachiocephalic vein on an ultrasound for the life of me  ??? I've been considering it too, but more so for pregnancy than pathology :)

THANK-YOU VERY MUCH!
I have been wondering this very question. Whether it is about prestigious/academics or whether it's about experience/placements. So thank-you for answering this question for me  :D Yup, I will double check if the internship still runs at RMIT or not.
THANK-YOU ONCE AGAIN BABUSHKA818 for this very insightful and detail response. I guess I've just gotta have a long hard think and decided where I want to go. I know for sure that radiography is my first preference for university, the question is really now, is it first preference at Monash or first preference at RMIT? I guess I better decided soon :) but honestly, thank-you - reading this has really helped me!

Yeah, its something you don't get told in high school, that industry experience matters. I have a friend who was giving a talk to year 12 students at her high school, and teachers said whatever you say, just make sure you don't tell them that ATARs don't matter. In the real world, academics don't really matter that much. As we say, Ps get degrees ;) you need to do well, sure, you don't want to be borderline as such, but none of it matters if you can't hack it in the industry. In my eyes, the internship would be the deciding factor for which university I choose, but of course that's your choice!
I'm really glad its helped! :)
VCE
2015: Maths Methods [33]
2016: English Language [36] | Biology [38] | Chemistry [37] | Specialist Maths [27] | Further Maths [42] |

2017: Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) @ Monash University
2020: Medical Imaging Intern @ Monash Health

lyoko

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #28 on: September 25, 2017, 10:28:34 pm »
+2
haha that's really alright, I'm glad it helped and I'm so sorry it took so long to do!
I definitely had a great night :) its the MNHS (medicine nursing and health sciences) faculty, and the medical imaging department (i think the department named might be something a little different with the intro of radiation science now though!). If you come to monash, there'll definitely be a rad ball again ;) ;) otherwise I'll take you as my plus one  :-*
No worries! I know you were super busy, especially towards the end of the semester. Sounds like a plan :)

They don't do interviews?? Damn no wonder the ATAR clearly in went up so much! That's rough, but I have faith!! I'm sure you can make it, and because of this they might even offer some more places, I'm not sure :) as far as I know, the average for my cohort was around low 90s, so try and aim for around there if you think you can :)
Yeah I know a lot of people who choose this course do so because they are interested in health thus they take biology, and tend to stress about physics. I've had a few people PM me on AN alone asking about how heavy the physics workload is, and honestly, its not easy, but it is manageable, especially since everyone understands and doesn't understand a similar spectrum of topics! They do have a physics bridging course which you get online access to at the start of first year, and I think it has 5 components to it. If I'm honest, I did one and a half of them and I'm still doing okay :) I wouldn't stress too much!
Thank-you for kind words :) Hopefully I can. My school is also under-represented at both unis so I'm hoping that may get me by. Sweet - looks like not physic isn't going to be an issue after all :)

Sonography is a great industry, and damn the pay is incredible! Start at around 130K, and I know someone who was applying for jobs asking for $90 hourly rate, but god forbid I couldn't identify a brachiocephalic vein on an ultrasound for the life of me  ??? I've been considering it too, but more so for pregnancy than pathology :)
Same here! :D More so pregnancy than pathology!

Yeah, its something you don't get told in high school, that industry experience matters. I have a friend who was giving a talk to year 12 students at her high school, and teachers said whatever you say, just make sure you don't tell them that ATARs don't matter. In the real world, academics don't really matter that much. As we say, Ps get degrees ;) you need to do well, sure, you don't want to be borderline as such, but none of it matters if you can't hack it in the industry. In my eyes, the internship would be the deciding factor for which university I choose, but of course that's your choice!
I'm really glad its helped! :)
Much appreciated Babushka818

Mod edit (K888) - fixed formatting for GIF. You just need the image url (http, not https) and use [ img ] [ /img ] :)

Thank-you K888! I will remember for next time :)

babushka818

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Re: See Me In CT - Babushka's Rad Journey Through Radiography
« Reply #29 on: September 28, 2017, 06:02:03 pm »
+6
No worries! I know you were super busy, especially towards the end of the semester. Sounds like a plan :)
Thank-you for kind words :) Hopefully I can. My school is also under-represented at both unis so I'm hoping that may get me by. Sweet - looks like not physic isn't going to be an issue after all :)

haha thanks for understanding! exams be killing me rn :/
that'll definitely help, since they've got rid of the interview, stuff like that will definitely help. I know at least 30-40% of my cohort had something like living far away or being underrepresented or rural, so definitely use as much of that as you can, they might pick and choose based on giving under-privileged students a chance :)
Physics definitely shouldn't be an issue :) just make sure you work hard if you do get in, because though you all start on a similar level, you don't all end that way, and at least half of the student who got kicked out in first semester did so because of physics.

Same here! :D More so pregnancy than pathology!
Much appreciated Babushka818

might see you in the industry some time ;)
don't mention it <3

As a general update for the past week;
Getting massively frustrated cos I couldn't find motivation to study from the weekend up until about tuesday, and I now have less than a week to study for two exams that includes a shit load of aetiology, sequelae and prognosis for over fifty pathologies.. anyone say failure? ::) prays i can finish psychosocial tonight (2 lectures to go, 110 lecture slides kms) and get onto dosimetry and imaging principles. Can't even think straight I'm losing my mind and I'm definitely not going to do well in these exams :( just not feeling the dedication right now.. prays I can pick it up though.
VCE
2015: Maths Methods [33]
2016: English Language [36] | Biology [38] | Chemistry [37] | Specialist Maths [27] | Further Maths [42] |

2017: Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) @ Monash University
2020: Medical Imaging Intern @ Monash Health