Health Sciences First Year students asking staff further questions at the information expo after the event.
The Division of Health Sciences recently hosted the first of what will become an annual Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) Professional Programmes Admissions event.
Held late July in St David’s lecture theatre, staff from all eight health professional programmes gathered to explain to HSFY students what their study pathways offered and what their professions look like.
“The time for applying to programmes has come and so we’re having this event to give you insights into the different opportunities available as we look to develop a health workforce which represents and meets the needs of our growing society,” Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences, Professor Patricia Priest told the HSFY students.
“I would encourage students to consider programmes they might not have originally because there are a range of both realistic and rewarding pathways available to those of you wanting to become a healthcare professional here in Aotearoa.”
Lead Administrator Finn Butler shared details of the admission process with students, while representatives from Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Oral Health, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Dental Technology, Radiation Therapy, Dentistry and Medicine gave insight into each of their programmes.
Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor Patricia Priest encouraging students to consider professional programmes they might not have initially.
Associate Professor Hesham Al-Sallami from the School of Pharmacy shared that pharmacists are medicine experts meaning a graduate from their School could go into a variety of hands-on and innovative roles, like medicine optimisation, treating minor ailments, and research.
He also said pharmacy is a rewarding, well-paying career that is in demand and offers an excellent work life balance.
Representing the Medical Laboratory Science degree was Associate Professor Tania Slatter who says that this is the programme to do if students want to be scientists in a diagnostic laboratory.
She says that each day is different with workplaces varying from hospitals to community laboratories where scientists perform tests and then analyse and interpret their results making it a proactive and innovate role in healthcare.
Dr Ewan Kennedy from the School of Physiotherapy also presented at the event saying that “physiotherapists are autonomous health professionals who work across a wide range of areas to help everyday Kiwis get back on their feet and do the things they love.
“Our course is hands-on, with emphasis on labs where students develop skills and become excellent communicators, and with early exposure to clinical placements to gain experience.”
Dr Ewan Kennedy (left) explaining that physiotherapy students are put into exciting work placements comparatively sooner than other health programmes. Dr Joanne Choi (right) says that a Bachelor in Dental Technology enables students to treat patients directly in an occupation that marries both science and art.
The Director of the Radiation Therapy programme, Billie Mudie encouraged students to consider Radiation Therapy saying there’s more to this than meets the eye.
She explained that Radiation Therapists are specialised health professionals who work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to plan and deliver radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients, making it a very rewarding career.
“We make such a difference in the lives of cancer patients because we focus on their care specifically and ensure their healthcare experience is the best it could possibly be.”
Application guidelines for all Health Sciences Professional Programmes are here.
-Kōrero by the Division of Health Sciences Communications Adviser, Kelsey Schutte.