Hi guys,
I am trying to decide between these two degrees.
B Echocardiography & Cardiac Physiology/Grad Dip Echocardiography - CQU
B Paramedicine - ACU
I would really enjoy both of the degrees and I believe both of the careers. I am already a uni student so would be transferring, and have loved my medical science related studies so far, but do not know if I want to pursue actual medical school. However, I definitely want a career in healthcare.
Paramedicine would allow me to perform some procedures in critical situations which really appeals to me. It is the closer to medicine out of the two degrees (though, yes, obviously still VERY far from actual medicine practiced by MDs, I know, don't worry). I like the idea of fast critical thinking, the patient interaction, even in the non-emergent cases (which will be the majority), and I think I would enjoy the content of this degree the most. I am worried about not being able to gain employment after graduation though - a huge amount of grads do not gain employment with the ambulance services in Aus as there is such an oversupply of grads these days. I know my personality, work ethic, and how I work in a variety of environments and situations and I think I would likely do well in assessments, but also -- a LOT of grads would also do well, and they still miss out. This is very worrying for me.
Echocardiography is also very appealing though. I love anatomy and physiology, I love the cardiovascular system particularly, medical imaging fascinates me, and sonography is the modality of imaging that requires the practitioner to use more clinical judgement because while not diagnosing, they need to pick up on abnormalities and possible pathologies to report to the radiologist. I would love to do this. There is clear room for career progression, with training in general medical sonography an option too. And the pay for graduates is quite good, with a lot of room to grow. In contrast to paramedics, there is a shortage of sonographers (including cardiac), and I would be able to find employment Australia wide. The two negatives for me are 1. The university: I have heard a lot of negative things about CQU and worry this will impact my future in the field, even though the degree is accredited, and even though it would not reflect who I am as a professional, and 2. The placements: these last months at a time, and could possibly involve relocation, which would be incredibly expensive. I have contacted the uni to see if it is possible to source alternative placements locally, and am awaiting a response. It is the only undergraduate pathway into the profession though, and if I choose to do this as a postgrad, I will need to first complete a degree in allied health anyway, and then seek a training position which is extremely difficult to get.
So I am just looking for any opinions or advice here. Any thoughts? Things I have not considered? What would you choose?
I am trying to decide between these two degrees.
B Echocardiography & Cardiac Physiology/Grad Dip Echocardiography - CQU
B Paramedicine - ACU
I would really enjoy both of the degrees and I believe both of the careers. I am already a uni student so would be transferring, and have loved my medical science related studies so far, but do not know if I want to pursue actual medical school. However, I definitely want a career in healthcare.
Paramedicine would allow me to perform some procedures in critical situations which really appeals to me. It is the closer to medicine out of the two degrees (though, yes, obviously still VERY far from actual medicine practiced by MDs, I know, don't worry). I like the idea of fast critical thinking, the patient interaction, even in the non-emergent cases (which will be the majority), and I think I would enjoy the content of this degree the most. I am worried about not being able to gain employment after graduation though - a huge amount of grads do not gain employment with the ambulance services in Aus as there is such an oversupply of grads these days. I know my personality, work ethic, and how I work in a variety of environments and situations and I think I would likely do well in assessments, but also -- a LOT of grads would also do well, and they still miss out. This is very worrying for me.
Echocardiography is also very appealing though. I love anatomy and physiology, I love the cardiovascular system particularly, medical imaging fascinates me, and sonography is the modality of imaging that requires the practitioner to use more clinical judgement because while not diagnosing, they need to pick up on abnormalities and possible pathologies to report to the radiologist. I would love to do this. There is clear room for career progression, with training in general medical sonography an option too. And the pay for graduates is quite good, with a lot of room to grow. In contrast to paramedics, there is a shortage of sonographers (including cardiac), and I would be able to find employment Australia wide. The two negatives for me are 1. The university: I have heard a lot of negative things about CQU and worry this will impact my future in the field, even though the degree is accredited, and even though it would not reflect who I am as a professional, and 2. The placements: these last months at a time, and could possibly involve relocation, which would be incredibly expensive. I have contacted the uni to see if it is possible to source alternative placements locally, and am awaiting a response. It is the only undergraduate pathway into the profession though, and if I choose to do this as a postgrad, I will need to first complete a degree in allied health anyway, and then seek a training position which is extremely difficult to get.
So I am just looking for any opinions or advice here. Any thoughts? Things I have not considered? What would you choose?
And thanks for the reply!