Stephanie Sharp

Meet Steph, a graduate from our MSc Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) course. Juggling postgraduate study with a young family was no easy task, but determination and hard work saw Steph achieve her dream of becoming a sonographer. Now a Deputy Clinical Lead and soon to begin a PhD at Cumbria, she continues to embrace new opportunities in her field.

Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?  

I became interested in ultrasound when I was pregnant with my second child. I had planned to originally study diagnostic radiography at Cumbria (in order to progress into ultrasound), however, at the birth of my second child, I met a healthcare assistant working a bank shift on the post-natal ward who told me about the new MSc Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) at Cumbria. I then did plenty of research and decided to apply for the direct entry course instead. I’ve never looked back since!  

How did you find postgraduate study at Cumbria? 

I would be lying if I said it was easy, but you absolutely get out of life what you put it into it! I started the MSc programme with a 2-year-old and a 9-month-old baby. If I can do it, anyone can.  

What was the most difficult obstacle you had to overcome in your student journey? 

I think this relates to the lack of radiography background for me and having to work hard to be accepted. I felt like I’ve had to prove myself throughout my studies and placements. However, this has absolutely paid off. I am now the Deputy Clinical Lead of Ultrasound at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) and I am treated no different to anyone else. 

How did your tutors support you during your studies?  

I always found the lecturers at Cumbria very helpful. However, this is a postgraduate course and you have to take some accountability for your own learning. The lecturers were always there to support me, providing much-needed guidance.  

How is university life beyond your studies? 

As well as being the Deputy Clinical Lead for Ultrasound at ELHT, I am a Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA) champion, the deputy screening lead, and an audit lead. 

Last year, me and one other sonographer at our trust set up a completely new service at ELHT – the HyCoSy service. HyCoSy is an internal ultrasound scan used to assess the health of the uterine lining and to check whether the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked.    

In 2024, I presented at the UK Imaging and Oncology Congress (UKIO) on ‘The positive lived experience of a non-registered sonographer’. 

I have also recently been successful in a PhD application at the University of Cumbria, which I start in March 2025 (alongside my current role). I am very excited to be working closely with the Ultrasound team at Cumbria again. And would one day love to join them in some form of teaching capacity.  

What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?  

The course is not easy. However, as said previously, you get out of it what you put in. If you are willing to give 110%, you will undoubtedly be successful. 

You need a good network of friends and colleagues who you can ask for help and support. This started out with the people on my course at first and then progressed to colleagues in the workplace. It is important to build a good support network. I made life-long friends with a few people on my course, which finished six years ago.  

What are your career plans, and how is your course preparing you for your future career?  

I am not sure where my PhD will take me, but I will work hard and give it everything I have. I can’t wait to see where I will end up. My ideal job would involve lecturing in some capacity, but I do enjoy the challenges my current role as Deputy Clinical Lead provides. Who knows what the future holds!? 

Is there anything else that you’d like to add?  

Since graduating, I’ve had another child, so will now be embarking my PhD with a family of three children and a lovely husband. Support from family and friends is also essential when completing any postgraduate study.