BlogUniversityPros and Cons of a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) at USYD

Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) at USYD

So you’re considering a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) at USYD, but want to know what it’s really like to study?

Meet Andrea, a third year Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) student. Andrea will take us through the pros and cons of this degree, including why she chose USYD, what she wished she knew before she started, and the career paths available.

So let’s dive in!

Why should you study a Diagnostic Radiography degree at USYD?
Top 3 Pros of a Diagnostic Radiography Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Diagnostic Radiography Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying USYD Diagnostic Radiography
Potential Career Paths

Why should you study a Diagnostic Radiography degree at USYD?

A Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) at USYD is a specialised course offered in few universities in the Sydney area.

It will teach you the skills and knowledge to produce high-quality medical images (X-ray scans) with the latest technology, to assist the diagnosis of illnesses and injuries. The equally theoretical and practical aspects of this course will equip you for a career in the field of radiography and grant you immersive professional and clinical experience over the course of your degree!

Top 3 Pros of a Diagnostic Radiography degree

#1: Skills to help others 

Radiography is the first-line investigation for suspected bone pathology, before other imaging modalities such as MRI or CT. The degree fulfils my dream of helping people and lays an important foundation for studying to be a doctor in the future,” says Andrea. 

Indeed, this course will develop your skills in use of radiographic technology, patient care and communication, and X-ray imaging through a range of practical and applied activities, including an immersive work-experience program that places you in real-life patient care scenarios.

#2: Always something new to learn 

Andrea says, “It is never too old to learn, and studying radiography confirms that. There are always some new pathologies and investigation modalities for us to learn, which means this degree is always updating the knowledge for students.”

In line with this, the University of Sydney’s training facilities are always up-to-date with new technologies, including wet lab tutorials where students investigate real anatomy on human bodies. 

#3: University culture and cohort 

USYD Diagnostic Radiography - Quote

She adds that the smart, hard working culture of the degree means people are helpful and friendly; study groups are common as you work through often challenging content.

On a side note, the uni’s Biology Society (Biosoc) and Science Society (SciSoc) are excellent opportunities to engage in uni life, meet new people and even take on roles outside of your degree! These include a range of events including balls, competitions, free food, yoga, academic coaching, and meme-posting.

Top 3 Cons of a Diagnostic Radiography degree

#1: Competitiveness

“It is really competitive. As the ATAR required for this course is pretty high, you will be very stressed studying the course with all of those smart kids out there,” says Andrea. 

The ATAR requirement for this degree is 95 guaranteed, however you may be able to transfer into the degree after one year from another degree either at USYD or from a Group of Eight university.

In addition, Mathematics as well as one of either Biology, Chemistry or Physics HSC subjects is strongly recommended (assumed knowledge) by the University of Sydney if you’re planning on studying a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography). 

#2: Physical strain of the job 

“There is a lot of standing, lifting and looking at the screen everyday. You really need good eyes to pick subtle pathology on the images and get used to standing for the whole day in placement,” says Andrea. 

Students of a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) must do a compulsory 1680 work experience hours by the end of their degree. It involves both observation of a medical supervisor and practical experience in radiographic imaging at your chosen location over the four years of your degree. 

#3: Stressful and packed schedule 

You need to be able to study and work under stress, especially if you have placement and assignments at the same time,” says Andrea. 

Indeed, one placement unit, or ‘integrated learning unit’, in one semester alone is around 35 hours per week! In fourth year, you will do two of these in both semester one and two.

 

Any regrets? What do you wish you had known before starting USYD Diagnostic Radiography?

Despite the various cons named above, Andrea is very positive about the degree and does not have any real regrets. 

I have a group of friends who help each other a lot during hard times. The teachers are also very supportive,” she says.  

She adds that she wishes she had a better foundational knowledge of physics before she enrolled in a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography). 

Andrea shares, “I didn’t do Physics for HSC and the physics in this degree was just killing me for the first two years. Luckily, I survived!” 

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

Diagnostic radiography is an uncommon degree, says Andrea; “Not many universities offer this course and I myself wanted to stay in Sydney. That’s why I chose USYD.”

Similar course options in NSW and near it may include:

What inspired you to choose this degree?

Andrea states that the main factors that influenced her choosing this degree included being curious about X-rays, achieving the required ATAR to get into the course, and dreaming of studying at USYD — presumably the aesthetic and prestigious qualities of a historic university with a strong campus culture!

What are the possible career paths?

USYD Diagnostic Radiography - Careers

Studying this degree gives graduates a range of career opportunities, from working in small regional to large city hospital departments and clinics, as well as other academic or educational settings. 

Radiography is not the formal diagnosis of illness itself via written reports. Radiographers mainly operate the relevant technologies for diagnosis! However, students will also gain a solid foundation of image evaluation in their course. 

A few of the most significant career paths for a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) are: 

    • Imaging departments
    • Intensive care departments
    • Emergency departments
    • Surgery theatre
    • Private practice
    • Research
    • Education

Zara Zadro is a Content Writer for Art of Smart and a current undergraduate student at the University of Sydney. She studies a Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies majoring in Media & Communications and English. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and discovering new parts of Sydney. She has also written for the student publications Honi Soit and Vertigo. After she graduates, Zara hopes to do a Masters in creative writing and live overseas, which she cannot wait for!

 

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