Graeme said: 鈥淚 first thought about Radiography when I went on placement to South Cleveland General Hospital at the age of 17; there was a friendly atmosphere and it seemed rewarding to work with sick people. The degree gave a good grounding, particularly the anatomy and physiology modules, which are invaluable when looking at x-rays.
鈥淲e also completed sixty weeks of hospital placements, which gave me the practical confidence to do this job. Sunderland Royal Hospital has one of the busiest radiography departments in the UK. Working here has allowed us to quickly consolidate our training and develop the necessary skills for our profession. In the future I鈥檇 like to work as a Radiographer in Australia and Canada.鈥�
Steven, of Guildford Court, gained three 鈥楢鈥� levels in Social Biology, Sports Studies and Statistics before enrolling at the University. He said: 鈥淚鈥檝e always been interested in science and medicine. The course was hard work, combining the placements with academic work, but it was worth sticking with. I鈥檝e now got skills I can use all over the country and the world.
鈥淏eing a Radiographer is fulfilling, knowing that you鈥檝e made a difference to someone鈥檚 life. I鈥檇 like to work in Canada, and later in a more specialised field of Radiography.鈥�
Both Graeme and Steven are the first in their family to graduate from University. Graeme鈥檚 mother Julie and father Ray will attend his graduation today, and Steven鈥檚 mother and grandma will also be there for his ceremony.