Teaching students to mentor: Near-peer mentoring in undergraduate medical radiation science education

Mentoring is emphasised as a professional requirement by national bodies which administer the registration of new graduate medical radiation professionals. 'Near-peer' mentoring, where the mentor and mentee are similar in social or professional status, has the potential to develop necessary mentoring skills and attitudes in the undergraduate setting. This is in addition to the positive benefits experienced by the mentee, who is beginning to navigate the university environment. In this educational perspective, the concept and value of near-peer mentorship within undergraduate medical radiation curriculum is discussed. Based on the literature, recommendations and strategies are described for educators looking to implement near-peer mentoring programs within their universities or healthcare institutions.