Division of Health Sciences
I studied laboratory medicine as initially I felt it would be a good
background to enable me to continue studies in another degree in other
areas of the medical field. Once I began I realised that the Medical
Science profession allowed me to work in several different disciplines.
Giving me the opportunity to either specialise in one field or continue
within a multi disciplinary environment.
UniSA unlike the other Universities offered a medical science degree
that is recognised by AIMS (Australian Institute of Medical Scientists)
which allows for better job prospects at the completion of study.
UniSA’s appeal was also the large open spaced campuses. As I came from
the country, this enabled me to transition into study life within a city
environment.
What I enjoyed most about studying at UniSA was that it provided an
environment in which I could best reach my potential. Modern teaching
facilities combined with experienced teachers allowed me to successfully
complete my study. The relaxed social venues such as the gate one bar
also provided me with the balance needed to break up a heavy schedule.
The university also allows people with common interests to come together
creating invaluable contacts within the medical science industry.
The teaching staff are highly experienced and have worked in the Medical
science industry before becoming teachers. This allowed them to
understand the environments we would be exposed to once completing our
degree and best train us to succeed in the work force. Each teacher also
had an obvious passion for his or her field and was always keen to share
this passion with the students. The communication between staff and
student was excellent and they were always encouraging us to contact
them if we needed further study advice, or if we wanted to further
explore their chosen field.
The new teaching laboratory at City East campus proved to be an
invaluable learning aid, it gave us the environment we needed in which
to practice and refine our skills. The addition, new computer pools also
allowed for more flexible study hours allowing me to study at the same
time as maintaining a part time job. The addition, course discussion
boards on the course website allowed me to stay in constant contact with
my colleagues and teachers allowing for a more interactive learning
experience.
The degree incorporates two semesters of work placement. This allowed me
to see how a clinical laboratory ran and how all the areas of the degree
come together. During my placement I was able to explore all aspects of
histopathology giving me the practical background and experience which
allowed me to secure a job within the industry. Most importantly it gave
me exposure to cytology, the discipline I went onto complete my second
placement in. I developed an immediate passion for the field and during
my placement I began the training and study required to become a
cytotechnologist, a heavily sort after profession.
The experienced gave me an insight into the daily routine within a
laboratory which allowed me to make a more educated decision as to which
field was right for me. Most importantly I completed my placement
knowing that medical science was the correct career choice for me,
motivating me to work harder in my final year.
Through my clinical placement I made invaluable contacts who approached
me as soon as a position became available within their organization.
I currently work for Adelaide Pathology Partners in the areas of
Histopathology and Cytology, performing routine diagnostic tests in
these areas.
Through my work as a medical scientist I am able to make a difference in
peoples lives. We provide the answers to doctors and health care
professionals that allow them to best care for their patients. Studying
Laboratory Medicine at UniSA has enabled me to enter a career in which
people share a common interest in the health and wellbeing of our
society.
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