Student Highlights
Josephine finds her feet studying podiatry

Having worked as a dental assistant for 10 years prior to becoming a mother, Josephine, felt ready for a change but she wanted to hold onto the aspects that she loved about her job - helping people and hands-on work.

“I decided to apply for the Bachelor of Podiatry at the University of Newcastle. I am used to working in a fast-paced environment and wanted something that was still in the health industry, so the Bachelor of Podiatry was a very good match for me.”

Specifically, it was the versatility that the program offered which really drew Josephine in.

“The biggest reason for choosing Podiatry is that you have many different areas you can work in such as high risk clinics, biomechanics or paediatrics. You will not be doing the same thing all day and you will always be learning. The short three-year duration of the degree, and the fact it’s very hands-on and still in the health industry, were also factors that lead to my decision to pursue a career in podiatry.”

During her studies, Josephine has been supported and mentored by her teachers.

“I was finding one of the subjects I was studying in my first year quite difficult but the support I received from my teacher was just so amazing. I am so thankful that every teacher I have had in my podiatry courses have been so helpful and nice.”

Not only has Josephine been supported academically at the University of Newcastle but she has also been supported financially through scholarship funding.

“I was awarded the Dr Beryl Collier Indigenous Scholarship of $15,000. It has been the most amazing help while at university.

“Being awarded the Scholarship was probably the most exciting day of my life. You never think it’s going to happen to you but anything is possible.”

The support provided to Josephine has allowed her to make the most out of her program and seize work integrated learning opportunities.

“The degree prepares you to communicate with patients along with skills and techniques to offer the best possible treatment. I’m a second-year student and have confidence in many techniques we have been taught already as we have been training in a practical learning environment from the beginning.”

Through her own initiative to study the Bachelor of Podiatry program and the support provided to Josephine along the way, she now has a clear vision for her future.

“I have loved everything in my podiatry courses and plan to work in private practice as a podiatrist.”

Josephine has found her feet within the health industry.

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Josephine Hancock

Having worked as a dental assistant for 10 years prior to becoming a mother, Josephine, felt ready for a change but she wanted to hold onto the aspects that she loved about her job - helping people and hands-on work.

I am used to working in a fast-paced environment and wanted something that was still in the health industry, so the Bachelor of Podiatry was a very good match for me.