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Beth Lakin is an apprentice Sonographer at Mid-Yorkshire NHS Trust, currently studying a degree apprenticeship in BSc (Hons) Medical Ultrasound at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.

"After graduating in Business Management, I needed a change. I found my way into the NHS, starting in a biomedical support services role. Soon, I wanted a more patient-facing career, so I applied to be a clinical support worker in the Ultrasound department. I loved it and being part of the team allowed me to start learning about sonography. When the Trust’s apprentice Sonographer role came up, I applied and was delighted to be offered the job."

"As an apprentice Sonographer, every day brings something new. I work across different settings, from hospitals to community clinics, performing ultrasound scans for patients on cancer pathways, in GP surgeries, and in obstetrics. Typically, I'm paired with an Advanced Practitioner Sonographer, which allows me to work increasingly independently while having expert guidance. This balance is key for my learning and for managing the pressures of the job."

"One of my favourite parts of the role is using my people skills to reassure patients and make them feel better. This is important because an ultrasound scan is often the start of someone’s journey through a difficult medical pathway. Having to break difficult news can be emotionally draining, but the hard parts of the role are worth it because I make a difference every day. A moment that stands out is when I questioned an issue on a patient’s ultrasound with a consultant radiologist, which led to an early cancer diagnosis. Because I flagged this, the patient was able to start treatment promptly and had a much higher chance of survival."

"My apprenticeship balances hands-on experience with academic learning. Every couple of months, I attend university where I can step back from patient care to refine my skills. I practice scans on models, learn how to communicate difficult news, and explore interdisciplinary working. Sheffield Hallam provides strong support, from wellbeing guidance to connecting with other apprentices who share similar experiences."

"While the time demands of being an apprentice can be tough, I really think an apprenticeship is the best way to become a Sonographer. Unlike other routes into the profession, by the time I graduate, I'll have had three years of on-the-job learning, which is priceless. I'm looking forward to working in sonography when I finish my course. Beyond that, I'm considering a master's in Advanced Clinical Practice, which would allow me to work at a higher grade level in sonography."

"Being an apprentice Sonographer can be a hard slog, but it's totally worth it for the feeling you get at the end of the day, and you'll have a support network who are always there for you."