From butties to broken bones

Marie Robson will complete a journey that began with butties and ends with broken bones when she graduates from the University of Teesside today, Wednesday 21 November. She will also receive the Best in Performance Prize from her degree cohort.

Marie, 43, from Middlesbrough, will graduate with a first-class degree in Diagnostic Radiography and has secured her first post working as a Radiographer at James Cook University Hospital.

Just six years ago, she was working as a catering assistant at the University. She was inspired to enrol on a degree after reading about the courses available at the University’s School of Health & Social Care.

After attending various discovery days at the University and completing an access course, she enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography degree.

Marie said: ‘I’ve worked in catering for over 20 years at various places, including the Highfield Hotel in Middlesbrough. I applied for a job at the University in 2001, working as a catering assistant. I was just looking through some course literature one day and was really interested by the radiography programme.

‘I’ve always been passionate about learning and was excited to hear about the different opportunities available at the University. As a mature student, I was a bit worried about being the oldest on the course, but there was actually a wide blend of ages and different backgrounds. We all got on very well and the support from our tutors was first class.

‘The facilities at the School of Health & Social Care are excellent, with specialist laboratories that simulate real-life environments. The Learning Resource Centre is well stocked with a comprehensive range of books, journals and IT equipment.’

Marie, who is married with two children aged 17 and 20, had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience whilst on placement. She said: ‘I spent half of the first year at the University, and the rest of the year on placement at James Cook. In total, you spend around 50% of the course on placement. The practical experience, together with the first-class support from staff in the Radiology Department, is invaluable and I’ve particularly enjoyed the management of complex cases and anatomy modules.

‘I’m enjoying being part of a team that helps to look after the health of local people. The NHS is such a fast-paced organisation, with plenty of opportunities to specialise in an area that interests you.’

---