Third-year Radiography student Yvanah Ria says whānau working at Hauora Tairāwhiti introduced her to her chosen career. The Manutuke woman is studying at UCOL in Palmerston North, but is regularly at the Gisborne Hospital on clinical placement. That involves 15 40-hour weeks in year 1 and again in year 2, with 32 weeks in the third year. Yvanah is in the final year of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology) degree, which will allow her to take general x-rays, fluoroscopy, portable x-rays and support theatre staff.
Before starting her degree, Yvanah completed a bridging course which was a Certificate in Science and Health, level 3 and 4. ‘‘Looking back, I wish I had done more physics at school. The learning is very fast paced. More physics would have given me a head start for the degree.’’
After completing her degree Yvanah can train further if she decides to specialise in CT, Mammography, Ultrasound, MRI or Echocardiography. She hopes to find a permanent position at Hauora Tairāwhiti when she graduates.
Yvanah enjoys the chance to give back to her whānau and community through her work. “Sometimes a familiar face is all you need in an unfamiliar place, she said.”
Her advice to prospective students?
“As long as you’re passionate about the people and their hauora, go for it. Being a compassionate person and having a positive attitude is also important.’’
She enjoys working in the Radiology department at Hauora Tairāwhiti. “We’ve become part of a great team here. They are determined to help us ultimately become the best radiographers we can be.
Yvanah Ria is enthusiastic about her chosen career in radiology and appreciates the strong support and advice of colleagues at Hauora Tairāwhiti.