For Darwin local Kaiya Hancock, the path into healthcare took a few twists and turns. Now, as a paramedicine student in the Northern Territory, she has found where she belongs. “All I can say is that I can’t wait to get out on road and start working!”
Discovering the right fit
Kaiya always wanted a career in health but hit a roadblock when she first tried Nutrition Science in Brisbane. “I didn’t thrive in that environment and ultimately made the difficult decision to move back home,” she says.
Everything changed when she found Flinders University’s paramedicine program in the NT. “I can confidently say I have chosen the right path for me.”
Why paramedicine?
“I’ve always been drawn to healthcare, but I realised I needed a more hands-on way to contribute,” says Kaiya. What excites her most is the fast pace and unpredictability of the role, as well as the chance to support people when they need it most. “You’re there on one of the worst days of their life. That’s what motivates me.”
Real learning, real impact
The program’s balance of classroom learning and placements has been key to Kaiya’s success. “In the classroom, it’s easy to doubt yourself. But placements with experienced paramedics have shown me that good clinicians are defined not just by grades, but by empathy, calmness and confidence.”
Eyes on the future
Set to graduate in 2026, Kaiya hopes to begin her career with St John NT, likely in a rural location such as Gove, Alice Springs or Katherine. In the long term, she has her sights on retrieval medicine, combining advanced clinical care with challenging environments.
Her advice to you
Kaiya’s message to future students is clear: “Just go for it. The support from staff and students is incredible. I was nervous at first, but now I’ve made friends for life. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it rewarding.”