In this article, Jamie Manalaotao shares her experiences of studying Health Science at WSU.
Register for Western Sydney University’s Open Day: Sunday 27 August, 2017.
Becoming a paramedic is so much more than just driving really fast with lights and sirens, and being a “hero”.
It’s about being there for people when they are at their most vulnerable. It’s about providing quality healthcare outside of a hospital setting in unpredictable environments. And it’s about educating the community about their own health, and potentially saving someone’s life.
These are just a few things I’ve learnt so far studying Health Science at Western Sydney University.
But how did I get here?
MY JOURNEY TO WSU HEALTH SCIENCES
Throughout my HSC year, I had a couple of experiences that led to me choosing WSU.
The first was receiving a scholarship to study at the university.
Then, just before my HSC trials, I had an opportunity to visit the Campbelltown campus to see their facilities, and meet some staff and students. I was able to learn about Medicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Sport and Exercise Science, and Paramedicine.
I was so impressed, and it was here that my interest in Health Sciences really flourished.
However, I still wanted to keep my options open. I found it quite difficult to choose a university degree, because I wanted to do everything!
I studied a subject from almost every KLA – Chemistry, PDHPE, Extension Maths, Advanced English, Studies of Religion and Economics. In the end, my UAC choices included Commerce, Pharmacy, Advanced Science and Education at a number of other universities.
But my number one choice was a Bachelor of Health Science at Western Sydney University.
WSU’s Bachelor of Nursing is the top-ranked nursing school nation-wide.
Check it out at the WSU Open Day: Sunday 27 August, 2017.
FAST FORWARD: SIX MONTHS LATER…
I was ecstatic to learn that I was offered a place in a Bachelor of Health Science at WSU.
Starting university came with its own challenges, of course. I was the only one from my group of friends who went to WSU Campbelltown – I was both excited and scared for a completely fresh beginning. Once I started my degree, I was amazed to be surrounded by other people who shared really similar interests and passions.
My cohort in Paramedicine consists of about 130 students, which is quite small in comparison to other university degrees. This is a unique experience to have at university; you have the opportunity to really get to know other students in your cohort. And your lecturers and tutors also get to know you personally – you become more than just another student number on their list.
WHAT’S IT REALLY LIKE?
Most if not all students studying Paramedicine do so with the intention of becoming a paramedic (either in Australia or overseas).
Some previous students are now working in NSW Ambulance, Queensland Ambulance Service, Ambulance Victoria and even London Ambulance Service!
As a Paramedicine student, you become exposed to countless opportunities to experience what it’s actually like to work with other paramedics and ambulance services. These placements range from 3-6 weeks, and give you a realistic picture of what your job in the future actually is.
We have placements all throughout the year to work with paramedics at special events, like football games, rowing events, motor sports and concerts. Excitingly, we also have the opportunity to be chosen for placement in South Africa, Finland, New Zealand and England.
Plus, we get to wear a really cool uniform!
The facilities at WSU are beyond excellent. An addition to the WSU Campbelltown campus is the new Paramedicine Building. It includes a simulation room, which replicates a real-life situation a paramedic may be in (for example, a loud club, or a dark park at night).
The School of Medicine’s facilities also include an anatomy laboratory, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a brand new neuroscience behavioural investigation laboratory!
The facilities at WSU really do give you a great opportunity to constantly learn through experience.
Brand new in 2018 is the Bachelor of Sport Development. If you’re interested in sport development, promotion and management, this will be a great course for you.
Check it out at the WSU Open Day: Sunday 27 August, 2017.
BUT IF PARAMEDICINE ISN’T FOR YOU…
If Paramedicine isn’t for you, the Health Science degree at WSU has some incredible other majors:
• Podiatry
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Health and Physical Education
When not in ‘Paramedicine-specific’ units, we work with students who study different majors. In these classes, we learn about a range of disciplines, including Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, and how different health professionals work together.
Other Health Science students at WSU also have the opportunity to work at the UniClinic. There, they are able to work with real patients, and get great hands-on experience working with professionals in their field.
Being a Health Science student at WSU gives you endless opportunities to experience working in the health industry, interacting with real patients and health professionals.
At WSU, you get the perfect balance between learning, getting experience, and having time to chill!
Register for Western Sydney University’s Open Day: Sunday 27 August, 2017.
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