BSc (Hons) Radiography Student Profile – Jyoti Vara

Jyoti Vara is a First Year student on the BSc (Hons) Radiography (Radiotherapy and Oncology) course at AECC. She tells us more about studying on the course, what motivates her to study to become a Therapeutic Radiographer, and why she’s proud to study at AECC:

Starting out

“I was actually initially interested in studying Medicine, but when I heard about the course at AECC University College from a friend I decided to look into it.

“I have a personal reason for enrolling on this course. My dad passed away from cancer and I wanted to give back to the Radiotherapy department. They were so great and supportive and positive during such a difficult time for my family.

“Losing my dad is what set me on my path to become a Therapeutic Radiographer, specialising in Radiotherapy and Oncology.

“When I qualify, I’d like to work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) – a team of health and care professionals who work together to support people with complex care needs.

“I want to help people feel comfortable and positive, even in very difficult circumstances or experiences.”

Studying on the course

“The lectures have been fantastic. Because we’re the first cohort for this course, it’s a relatively small group. The lecturers are really happy to go over things that we don’t understand.

“We do practical work alongside theory; we have the lecture and then we get to go to the lab and relate it to real life. It’s really good.

“It’s been amazing learning about Anatomy and Physiology. In the first week, I was just blown away by the human body! The lecturer recommended some extra reading for me and I’m really enjoying it.

“AECC University College has Anatomy TV and that’s really helpful. If you don’t understand something in the lectures, you can go onto Anatomy TV and look into further. It also gives you a break from reading textbooks. Sometimes seeing it in front of you helps.  

“I’m really interested in learning about advanced technology; in particular proton beam therapy and how that works in treatment. That’s quite a recent development and I’d love to learn more about it.”

Starting a placement

“I’ve just started my first placement. I’ll be on placement for five weeks now at Southampton General Hospital. It’s amazing – I’m loving it.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about communicating with patients. It’s not always easy; you need to be able to empathise with patients and understand what they’re feeling. I hope I gain the skill of being able to communicate with patients really effectively and am able to put them at ease during their treatment.”

New facilities

“The Therapeutic Radiography facilities are brilliant. We’ve used the X-Ray room and the ward room; last week, we were learning about positioning a patient correctly in the ward room. We talked through how you’d bring a patient in from the waiting room. Those little details make a big difference to patient care.”

Proud to study at AECC

“The lecturers are really great and such experts in what they do. They don’t make you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing and you can ask them anything. They are really friendly and approachable.

“I’m the type of person that during my A-Levels wouldn’t put my hand up in class, but here at AECC University College, I talk so much with the lecturers! I’m really proud of that.

“I love the small community too; we all know each other so well already.”

Read more about the BSc (Hons) Radiography (Radiotherapy and Oncology) course.