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A sonographer is a highly skilled medical imaging professional within the allied health sector who performs diagnostic medical examinations with an ultrasound machine. Sonographers are like medical detectives, working direct with patients using real-time ultrasound imaging to investigate the structure and function of the body as a first-line investigation in health care. Sonographers apply knowledge in applied anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, application and operation of ultrasound imaging systems, ultrasound image recognition and comprehension, patient assessment, care and communication, critical thinking skills, ultrasound physics, occupational health and safety, infection control and quality assurance. Completion of the Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science is a pre-requisite for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography, which will commence in 2027. On successful completion of this course you will fulfill the requirements for registration as an Accredited Medical Sonographer (AMS) with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).
This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.
Students complete two 40 CP units, totaling 3 days per week attendance in a clinical placement site over 48 consecutive weeks during the enrolled year.
To be eligible to undertake clinical practice and fulfill their duty of care, students are required to complete risk management protocols on commencement of the course and carry out amendments in subsequent semesters, as appropriate. Risk management protocols include, but are not restricted to: Certificate of National Police Clearance Current WA Department of Health Criminal Record Screening Clearance Card Current First Aid Certificate Evidence of immunisation status as per the Department of Health schedule, more information at <a href='https://www.health.wa.gov.au/articles/f_i/immunisation-in-wa'>https://www.health.wa.gov.au/articles/f_i/immunisation-in-wa</a> MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment Working with Children Check, more information at www.workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au
Students may be required to undertake part of their placement in a rural or regional setting. Students must attend a minimum of 3 days/week at any clinical placement sites.
The practice education/fieldwork component of the course needs to comply with the Professional Accreditation Standards for the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Students will be registered with ASAR as student sonographers prior to commencing their clinical placement and have to complete their accredited degree (4 years comprising: 3 years of Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science and one year of Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography) within 5 years of registration.
The practicum/fieldwork component of the course is attached to core units and successful completion of these core units, and minimum number of hours, are requirements for graduation. A pass grade for the practicum/fieldwork component is required to achieve a pass for the relevant core unit. Students who fail the practicum/fieldwork component are required to repeat the unit. This could increase the duration of the course.
This course has been Accredited by: ASAR: Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry.
This course is part of a 4-year offering accredited by Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Prior to the first clinical placement, students will need to apply to be an Accredited Student Sonographer. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science (T78) and the Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (T77), students are eligible to upgrade their status to be an Accredited Medical Sonographer.
International students and internationally schooled applicants (other than those students schooled in a recognised country) are required to provide an English language test approved by ECU with a score equivalent to the following minimum requirements:
Note:
English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings.
Recognised countries for English language purposes are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or the United States of America. The medium of instruction must be English.
Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:
Requirements from 01-JAN-2027: All applicants are required to complete a Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science (T78).
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.
Students require to attend a minimum of 3 days per week clinical placement from January to November of the year of enrolment including the mid-semester and end of semester breaks.
Dr Afrooz NAJAFZADEH ABRIZ
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| NRB5112 | Translational Science | 20 |
| SON5101 # | Sonography Competency Clinical Placement 1 | 40 |
| SON5201 # | Sonography Competency Clinical Placement 2 | 40 |
| MMP6102 | Medical Science Masters Project | 20 |
# Designated Unit - a Unit or Unit of Competency which a School has designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the School Progression Panel.
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.
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