Radiography Personal Statement

Providing a tangible influence to people’s health is something I find personally stimulating and rewarding. I feel that studying radiography will give me the opportunity to study the body through advanced imaging techniques whilst allowing me to help people. I hope to achieve a career as a radiographer with the NHS in the future and specialise in particular departments using procedures such as ultrasound or X-rays. Therefore I consider this course would be great for me. My AS level choices biology and psychology have increased my knowledge and curiosity in human anatomy, particularly learning about the cardiovascular system and how angiography can be used to examine blood vessels. I found this captivating and beneficial to my knowledge as becoming a radiographer requires obtaining a good diagnostic image. Similarly, the biological aspects of psychology such as, learning about the use of CT scans in confirming enlarged ventricles in schizophrenic patients was predominantly appealing as I thought the link found through the use of technology awe-inspiring. Additionally,
English Literature and Business Studies helped me to develop analytical and communication skills which will be useful in a working environment as this course entails interpreting data from a variation of sources.
I enjoy reading about the different imaging techniques that I know the profession involves such as: X-rays, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and Angiography.
I have also read books related to radiography such as Chesney’s Radiographic Imaging. I found this book stimulating as it emphasises the change from purely photographic processes to electronic imaging methods which I could be dealing with in the profession; this helped me create an understanding of what this course comprises of. With experience at the Royal Blackburn hospital in which I was able to shadow a radiographer in the theatre. This gave me a more thorough understanding of a radiographer’s role in the hospital and in the health industry. I got the chance to ask questions to some members of staff and gained insight into the teamwork required and the areas to consider within the field, including diagnostic and therapeutic
radiography.
As interaction with patients is a key part of the job, I have gained valuable work experience at a pharmacy. Experience at the pharmacy allowed me to gain health care work experience as I was able to learn that some medicines prepared in this department in hospitals are important for the radiography department. For example, the use of barium meal in some x ray tests like the gut is used to outline and make the image clearer because it does not show up very well on ordinary x ray pictures. The experience helped me to enhance my communication skills when customers needed a friendly, informed assistant. I have also developed and demonstrated effective communication skills which are paramount for any health role. Experience as a secretary at Millennium Jeans Ltd enabled me to build up my social skills and show that I am a responsible, mature, young adult. I managed the telephone, and as I am bilingual I was able to take messages and refer visitors or clients to the appropriate member of staff. This also allowed me to develop clerical skills which are useful in recording patients’ vital information. I think these qualities will assist me in pursuing a career in radiography as it requires close liaison and collaboration with other health care professionals which is vital to become a safe, insightful and accountable practitioner.
Studying Radiography at university is something I believe I could be great at and will enjoy throughout the three years whilst gaining various significant skills and enhancing my knowledge. With the training on this course I hope to become a respected professional radiographer and would like to give back to the health and well-being of others.