University News Last updated 28 April 2009
Stoke-on-Trent job hunters are being encouraged to consider a career as a therapy radiographer.
Despite the economic downturn qualified radiographers are in demand. To highlight the opportunities available locally an open evening will be held in the Radiotherapy Department at University Hospital of North Staffordshire's Royal Infirmary Site. The department offers placements to students studying at Birmingham City University which is the only university in the West Midlands to run a degree course in radiotherapy.
Not only are there good career prospects in radiotherapy, students enrolling on the course can avoid running up a huge debt as their tuition fees are covered by the NHS. Some students may also be eligible for a means tested bursary.
The open evening is being held at the hospital in Princes Road, on Wednesday 29 April from 5.30pm to 7pm to inform people about the three year Bachelor of Science degree which combines equal elements of theory with clinical practice.
Birmingham City University is the region's first and foremost centre for radiography education, with strong links with hospital departments in, and beyond, the West Midlands, including the Royal Infirmary. The University has radiotherapy treatment planning facilities and a virtual radiotherapy treatment machine. As well as the Radiotherapy degree in Birmingham City University offers a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography.
Entry to the course is based on qualification and prospective students are expected to have passes in five GCSEs at grade C or above including English, Mathematics or Physics, plus A Levels, AVCE or a BTEC National Diploma with at least three credits. Approved Access courses in Science are also recognised.
Julie Hall, Professional lead for Radiotherapy at Birmingham City University, said: "Before Radiotherapy became a university based degree subject the Infirmary used to have a Radiotherapy school of its own. Most of the students based there were from the local area so there should still be a pool of excellent Stoke-on-Trent based candidates who would be interested in a career in radiotherapy." For further information about the open day contact Admissions on 0121 331 6295.