Medical imaging a perfect fit for Ara CMCA scholarship recipient

_{Jodie Dean in action with the Magicians (Pic courtesy Photosport NZ)}

You could say Jodie Dean’s fascination for medical imaging started on the wrong side of radiology.

Growing up sports mad (representing Canterbury in cricket, football and tennis as well as playing basketball, volleyball and water polo) she nursed plenty of sports injuries on top of regular childhood bumps and breaks.

She remembers quizzing her radiologists as she underwent x-rays, CT scans and MRIs as a result of putting her body though the rigours of so much sport.

“I always found it so interesting. I wanted to see what was going on and have it explained to me. Then, when I was going through the options of what I wanted to do when I left school two years ago, I thought it could be pretty cool,” she said.

Dean started out by working in the environment as a radiology assistant, helping with patient transfers in the Christchurch Hospital emergency department, seeing behind the scenes and talking with staff.

Leap to 2023 and with the help of a Christchurch Metro Cricket Association (CMCA) scholarship, she’s now well underway with her Bachelor of Medical Imaging studies at Ara | Te Pūkenga.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed most about the course is switching from the academic setting to clinical placement because I personally find hands-on learning is the best way to learn,” the Canterbury Magicians Super Smash player said.

She added that the fortnightly scholarship payments were helping with the demands of study.

“Even outside of the cricket season I’m trying to fit in going to the gym and working twice a week on top of 40 hours a week on placement - so when training starts back up it’s really going to help take the pressure off having to work so much.”

The Community Partnership scholarship is offered by Ara |Te Pūkenga to registered players of any affiliated CMCA club. The partnership was set up in 2018 to build capability through the Christchurch cricket network, share knowledge and facilities, and increase community access to tertiary educational opportunities.

It’s open to all registered CMCA players aged 16 or over whether they’re taking on full-time, part-time, online or distance at learning at Ara. Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and meet entry requirements for their chosen programme. Successful applicants can elect to receive a fee-reduction or stipend payment.

General Manager, Christchurch Metro Cricket Mike Harvey said the association with Ara to date had enabled them to support three cricketers through their studies.

“We would encourage any current Christchurch cricketers who are studying at Ara to put in an application for a scholarship to support their study fee costs and help develop their cricket at the same time,” Harvey said.

Dean said she’d encourage anyone at any stage of their study to put their hand up.

“It means I’m not as stressed or having to do extra shifts like some other students. The other great thing about this scholarship is that it’s not just for first years – anyone at any stage can apply or reapply if they are involved in CMCA,” she said.

Current or future ākonga connected with CMCA are encouraged to apply before the end of July. To find out more or to access the application form, click here: CMCA Scholarship - Ara