Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science

Effective from 01-JAN-2025 : Code T78

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. Graduates will have core knowledge and skills 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 as well as professional reflective practice. 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 registration status to Accredited Medical Sonographer, with professional accreditation by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).

Disclaimer

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.

Practicum Requirement

There are 2 WIL units in this course which will result in a total of 1152 hours of WIL being completed at the end of the course.

Duty of care

To be eligible to undertake clinical practice and fulfil 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

Attendance requirements

Students may be required to undertake part of this study in a rural or regional setting.

Enrolment process

Students will need to enrol in the 2 units: - SON3103 Introductory Sonography Clinical Placement in Year 3 Semester 1, and - SON3202 Intermediate Sonography Clinical Placement in Year 3 Semester 2.

Professional practice rules

The practice education/fieldwork component of the course needs to comply with the Professional Accreditation Standards for the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Students must be registered with ASAR prior to commencing their clinical placement and have to complete their accredited degree (4 years comprising the Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science and the Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography) within 5 years of registration and with no more than a 12 month break in study.

Implications of failing

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.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply broad medical sonographic knowledge and theory in a range of clinical and practical scanning situations.
2. Critically analyse and interpret sonographic information to diagnose clinical conditions and factors which impact upon the diagnostic formulation.
3. Use creative thinking techniques to anticipate challenges and generate solutions in medical sonography contexts.
4. Use digital technologies and information literacy to access, evaluate and synthesise information from multiple sources.
5. Communicate sonographic knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently, sensitively and with independence with patients and colleagues.
6. Interact professionally and respectfully with patients and colleagues, demonstrating a global outlook and support for cultural diversity, including delivering culturally secure services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.
7. Work collaboratively to initiate social, sustainable, safe and ethical practices for positive client outcomes.
8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and quality improvement practices.

Professional Recognition

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.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 4)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Diploma or equivalent;
• Undergraduate Certificate;
• Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course; or

English Language requirement (Band 5)

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:

• IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.5 (with no individual band score less than 7.0), or
• Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 72 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
• TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 102 and the following minimum score in each section of the test:
  • 24 for listening
  • 24 for reading,
  • 27 for writing, and
  • 23 for speaking

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:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Skils for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

Course Specific Admission Requirements

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 3 Years
• Part Time: 5 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Part Time, Full Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Clinical placements may occur outside of the standard timetable.

Course Coordinator

Dr Afrooz NAJAFZADEH ABRIZ

Course Structure

# 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.