Archer Targets Radiology Work
Archer Targets Radiology Work
Education is a central tenet of Christchurch Radiology Group's (CRG) philosophy of providing world-class radiology services to patients in Canterbury and beyond. For several years, CRG has partnered with the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) to provide clinical learning opportunities for medical imaging students through clinical placements and by offering a holiday scholarship to second-year students.
Melissa Archer, 21, has recently begun her third and final year of study towards becoming a Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT). She thoroughly enjoyed the six weeks she spent with CRG as the recipient of the 2008-9 award, which she says complemented her course work ideally.
"The CPIT course is fantastic because it combines half-time academic work with hospital-based hands-on training, so theory and practical teaching go hand-in-hand. The scholarship's appeal was in gaining extra clinical time over the summer holidays, and being able to experience areas I hadn't seen much of so far."
Archer spent a week at a time in different CRG sites. "Learning about ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were particularly exciting, and I had the chance to work in the acute setting at the After Hours Surgery. The staff were brilliant. Protocols often vary between hospitals, and the staff always took the time to explain what they were doing and why. It was great to get experience of the private sector too."
Archer only decided to pursue medical imaging in her seventh form at school, and had to spend an extra year bringing her physics up to scratch. She says it was well worth the effort.
"Medical imaging is a great career. I love working with people, and there's plenty of interaction with patients, other staff and doctors. It's intellectually stimulating, and really varied, including working on mobile units in intensive care and theatre."
Archer thoroughly recommends both the course and the internship. "The scholarship's given me a lot of extra confidence. I'm enjoying my final year, and really looking forward to working as an MRT."
