MedDent students recently welcomed back two 2024 graduates as part of the MedDent Alumni Series, giving current students a genuine insight into life after school and into health degrees.
We were joined by Hayden Lam (Class of 2024), now studying Paramedicine at Griffith University, and Fletcher Harlow (Class of 2024), currently studying Nursing at Southern Cross University.
The session focused largely on what their first year at university actually looks like. Both students compared their courses and highlighted that while paramedicine and nursing differ in career pathways, the degrees share many similarities — particularly the strong emphasis on practical learning. They described the high volume of hands-on classes, including anatomy labs and patient care simulations, where students regularly practise clinical skills rather than only learning through lectures.
They also discussed clinical placement experiences. Hayden recently completed placement with the Queensland Ambulance Service in Cairns, while Fletcher undertook placement within an aged-care setting on the Gold Coast. Hearing about these real experiences helped students understand how early they begin working in real healthcare environments.
Another key topic was government funding opportunities available within some health degrees that can financially support students during study while also providing employment pathways after graduation. They explained how workload can vary significantly week to week depending on assessments, practical sessions and placement blocks.
The graduates also spoke honestly about the transition from school to university, reassuring students that once accepted into a course, school grades quickly become irrelevant — effort and consistency moving forward matter most. They finished by encouraging students not to stress too much about having a perfect plan, reminding them that there is always another pathway into health careers.
We thank Hayden and Fletcher for returning to Varsity College to support our MedDent students and provide such practical and reassuring advice.
Any past Varsity College students interested in speaking at a future session are encouraged to contact meddent@varsitycollege.eq.edu.au.
