Grainne Vaughan was born in Ireland and grew up in Saudi Arabia before moving to Australia, where she is now part of the pioneering intake for the four-year Bachelor of Medical Imaging program at CQUniversity Mackay.

She's keen to develop her new skills while sustaining her love of art and crafts as a hobby.

LINK to Medical imaging students have a 'phantom' patient for CT scanning

Medical Imaging student Grainne Vaughan

The keen student last year completed a Certificate IV TAFE qualification in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft on the Sunshine Coast, while working as a Clinique Beauty Consultant at Myer.

"Medical Imaging was always my number one priorty for my career since grade 10.  It is a ideal job for someone who loves working with people and has a desire to help and assist the sick," she says.

"Radiography as a job has so many appealing qualities. It appeals to me that we will continually learn and develop our skills.  With so many areas to learn and delve into, we will always be able to move into another sector of the medical field if we so desire.

"By the end of four years I will be more certain of what field, (CT, MRI or Mammography) I want to explore and build up my skills in. Another huge positive to the job is the security that it will provide. 

"For my clinical placement I got to experience radiography in the private setting and it was very comfortable and I got to experience so much (i.e theatre and various procedures) even as a first-year student.  The general hospitals are excellent for trauma experience and I can't wait to experience and learn from that in second and third year."

Grainne works with some of the new equipment on Mackay Campus

Grainne says she has been painting since the age of 13 and has 'dabbled in a bit of everything' more recently, while also engaging with her interest in fitness and beauty.

"I particulary enjoy both oil and acrylic painting and wheel-thrown ceramics. I am hoping to have my own studio one day just as a place where I can get away and build up my skills. I entered competitions when I was younger but for the next four years I am focusing more on university and will continue building up my skills as an artist on the side.

"Gym and beauty are also a very important part of my life.  I am in the process of completing my Cert III and IV in fitness this year and will have that completed by next year.  Working at Clinique has been one of the most amazing experiences.  Building upon my people skills and helping women become more confident in themselves and who they are is very rewarding."

Grainne says her busy life is underpinned by her faith, which stems from her grandfather.

"My grandfather who lives in Ireland taught me to believe that whatever decision I make, God and my judgement will lead me in the right direction.  My family and I travel back and forth to Ireland nearly every year and I enjoy the cultural diversity. It's one of the most exciting things about travelling and I hope to do a lot more travelling when I graduate.  We have travelled around Asia and some European countries such as Denmark and Sweden. I love learning and watching how other people live in different countries."