Grad's anatomy: from classroom to mortuary

Amanda Jones

15 April 2014: Just one month after completing his Bachelor of Science degree, Mick Young was conducting autopsies in his role as a mortuary technician at the Forensic Medicine Centre in Phillip.

“My job as a technician is to complete autopsies and allow the pathologist to examine the organs to establish an exact cause of death,” Mr Young explains.

Mick Young pictured at graduation. Photo: Michelle McAulay

Mr Young also works in the front office of the mortuary where he is responsible for contacting funeral homes and accepting and releasing bodies.

The 21-year-old said he chose to study at the University of Canberra because, “there was a much wider variety of classes available that interested me, as well as a strong practical component compared to other universities”.

“By being able to learn the information and then apply it – especially in anatomical and chemistry courses – allowed a much deeper understanding than book learning alone,” he said.

Mr Young originally wanted to be a forensic toxicologist, but after completing several anatomy units which he “really enjoyed” he changed his course from having a forensic focus to a broader Bachelor of Science and now plans to study medicine.

“I was inspired to study medicine after working as an animal behavioural assistant at the Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital and seeing the amount of dedication and work that they put in to helping the animals,” he said.

Mr Young said his degree is already giving him the edge over his colleagues.

“UC helped me get completely familiar with anatomical knowledge, such as anatomical terms, landmarks and large scale anatomy that have already put me ahead of the learning curve at the Forensic Medicine Centre. The practical components also got me used to working as an individual, but also gave me the confidence to ask for help when required.”

Read more University of Canberra graduation stories:

Top Indigenous grad wins UC medal

Typhoon didn't stop graduate's degree dream

Alumna Alison's amazing Sydney adventure

Olympic grads dive into education

Passion for nursing leads to PhD

Canberra CEO awarded honorary degree

Honorary degree for first ACT Chief Minister

UC sports grad now coaching in Japan

Graduate explores Indigenous identity

Hakim hopes to help others

Mainstream music biz off key for Indigenous acts

Sharmila set for success