After four years of university study – including 41 weeks of learning on the job in radiation therapy departments – QUT graduate Natalie Peck is ready to start her new career helping people with their cancer treatments.
Natalie graduated last week with her Bachelor of Radiation Therapy and will start a new job as a graduate radiation therapist at a public hospital in Brisbane in early 2025.
It’s a career path that combines her love of technology and people.
“I chose to study radiation therapy as I have always been passionate about the health sciences and I liked the balance of technology and patient care that radiation therapy offers,” she said.
“But growing up I was undecided on which career I wanted to pursue. It wasn’t until submitting my preferences for QTAC in Year 12 that I had decided that radiation therapy was the field that I wanted to work in.
“During my degree I successfully completed 41 weeks of clinical placement in metropolitan, regional, private and public radiation therapy departments.
“This hands-on ‘work integrated learning’ developed my knowledge and skills to provide patients and their families with the highest standard of care during their radiation therapy treatment journey.”
Natalie received a QUT Academic Scholarship (Excellence) when she started university back in 2021.
These major $30,000 scholarships recognise outstanding students and are paid in semester instalments over three years to help students with study and living costs.
Recipients also automatically become part of the QUT College of Excellence, which provides personal and professional development opportunities, and a social network for like-minded, high-achieving students.
For Natalie, who is a former Ferny Grove State High school captain, it meant a smooth transition to uni life.
“Prior to orientation week in my first year, I was fortunate to attend a three-day camp organised by the College of Excellence at Noosa North Shore, where I formed many new friendships with students outside of my study area,” she said.
“It meant starting university didn’t seem as daunting anymore. There were already familiar faces when I went to orientation week.
“Throughout my degree I was part of many College of Excellence events. From welcome events, coffee catch ups and volunteering with the Common Good at the Ekka to sell strawberry sundaes, to end of year celebrations, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this community.
“Some advice that I would give to school leavers about uni in general would be to join and get involved in the clubs and societies at QUT. This has so many benefits. Not only do you get to meet new people and have a break from study, you can attend events, volunteer to do projects and learn more about all that QUT has to offer.”
Natalie said highlights of her uni journey included being part of QUT’s Peer Mentoring Program.
“My role was to help first and second-year radiation therapy students by guiding them through their practical classes in the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) room and in the computer labs,” she said.
“Another highlight was being the social media manager for QUT’s MedRad club – the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Society.
“I have been a member of this club since my first year of uni and personally felt that joining clubs like MedRad helped me maintain that important balance between study and life.
“My final highlight would be my employment as a QUT Student Ambassador, which involved doing presentations at schools and events that showcased my university experience to high school students, guidance officers and parents, and leading tours of the QUT campus.”
Natalie said her biggest challenge during her studies was completing a five-week block of clinical placement at the Royal Hobart Hospital during the second year of her course.
“Although I was very homesick during this time, the personal and professional benefits from this experience were invaluable,” she said.
“My clinical educator and mentors supported me greatly throughout my clinical placement and by the end I truly felt that I was a valued member of the team. The opportunity to work in and explore the beautiful city of Hobart is an experience that I will forever cherish.”
Natalie said she would encourage high school students to consider a career in health, particularly if they had strong support networks they could draw on.
“A career is health is rewarding but it can also be quite demanding physically as well as emotionally, so ensure that you have a support network you can lean on when times get tough,” she said.
“I’d like to give a massive shout-out to the small team that leads, coordinates, and teaches the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy degree at QUT, for their support, guidance and knowledge.
“I would also like to say a heartfelt thank you to my family – thank you for your encouragement, your empathy and your strength. Without your constant presence I would not be here today.”
QUT Media contacts:
- Mechelle McMahon, media@qut.edu.au
- After hours, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
