Jack Branson is an BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology student who is helping to cure cancer, here he tells us how he discovered the role of a therapeutic radiographer and what it's like out on placement.

When I was looking at university I was actually looking at a degree in diagnostic radiography at Sheffield Hallam. I then happened to see a documentary on proton centres, and began to learn about medical physics at college. From then I realised therapeutic radiography would be more suited to me and my passion for science so I applied to study BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology.

On placement you get to do so many different things. You could be part of the verification of treatments, matching images of CT scans to those taken on the day of treatment, controlling high powered machinery such as a linac (linear accelerator), helping to make a patient more comfortable and getting to see around pre-treatment areas where they make specialised moulds for targeting body parts.

You are supported by Sheffield Hallam throughout your placement, you have a placement learning tutor assigned to each site where you are based to make sure you are on the right track and plenty of appraisals to make sure you are meeting the goals you should be and to check in if you need any support.

The best moments I’ve had on placement have been when I’ve been helping people. One guy seemed to not gel with any of the staff, so when he turned around and said to me, ‘thank you for all your help you’ve made this a lot easier’ that meant a lot. One of my patients also knitted me an angel for my christmas tree.

I’d recommend studying radiotherapy and oncology as it’s always changing and always interesting, and it’s not every day you get to say you’re helping to cure cancer.