What happens when an electrician decides to follow a long-held fascination with healthcare? Northern Territorian Cameron Proctor shares his story.
“I didn’t finish Year 12 with a great score, so I was doubtful my application to Flinders would be accepted,” he says.“It was quite a shock to my family when that acceptance letter came through.”
Studying paramedicine in the Territory
Born and raised in Darwin, Cameron was excited when Flinders University introduced its Bachelor of Paramedicine locally. “Darwin doesn’t usually have many options for tertiary study,” he says. “When I heard Flinders were starting a paramedicine course, saying I was excited would have been an understatement.”
Finding confidence in learning
Beginning university later in life was daunting, but Cameron quickly found his rhythm. “I hated high school and always thought I’d never do well studying,” he says. “Once I began, I found a new love for learning.”
One of the first-year topics, Introduction to Paramedic Practice, made a lasting impression. “The lecturer was amazing and the topic content was incredible. It really sparked an enormous amount of desire to learn and give everything I had to study.”
Lessons that last
While family circumstances have changed his career plans, Cameron is grateful for what he’s learned. “The knowledge and skills I gained have already proven invaluable in supporting my family,” he says.
Cameron’s advice to anyone considering paramedicine at Flinders is simple: “Just apply. The course is incredible, and the content you learn is life-changing.”