Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (General)

Degree Level Postgraduate

Years

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City East

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IGSO

SATAC Code
4GD046 (External)

Study as
Part-time only

Mode
Online

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
- Complete a letter of support confirming a training position within a General ultrasound department that will be supervised by an accredited medical sonographer who is registered with ASAR (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry); AND EITHER
- A Bachelor Degree or higher in an approved Field of Education (FOE), and completion of the prerequisite courses at a Bachelor level or higher within the last 10 years (or prior completion with evidence of clinical application of prerequisite knowledge); OR
- A Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography Principles and Theory (General); OR
- Current registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (or overseas equivalent, where accreditation was awarded following completion of a recognised degree)
All applicants are required to complete the Additional Information Form and provide supporting evidence.

Prerequisite courses

Applicants are required to provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the following prerequisite courses:
- 0.125 EFTSL of Human Anatomy, which includes anatomy of the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, and the musculoskeletal and vascular systems; AND
- 0.250 EFTSL of Human Physiology; AND
- 0.125 EFTSL of Human Pathology or Pathophysiology OR
- equivalent courses in a sonography-specific program
Approved Fields of Education

Applicants are required to have completed a program of study (at Bachelor level or higher) in one of the following approved Fields of Education (FOE):
- Medical Studies
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Radiography
- Rehabilitation Therapies (excluding Audiology and Massage Therapy)
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Human Movement
- Paramedical Studies
- Health Science
Applicants with a qualification from a FOE not listed above may be considered on a case by case basis.

Note: Applicants are advised that the program requires the completion of 2200 hours of supervised clinical sonography experience. Applicants are responsible for organising and maintaining an ongoing training position to acquire the requisite experience; progression through the program is conditional upon meeting prescribed milestones.
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Students in this program are required to maintain their own supervised training position for the duration of their study otherwise they will not be able to progress in the program.

Aim

The program provides medical radiation and other allied health professionals with the mechanism to develop the competencies of a new advanced professional area in medical sonography.

Content & Structure

The program requires completion of eight prescribed courses (36 units of study), together with the satisfactory completion of 2200 hours of ultrasound scanning experience and associated clinical examinations. The prescribed courses develop knowledge, clinical skills, critical thinking and analytical skills for effective practice as a medical sonographer.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
LEVEL 1
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation	RADY 5030	4.5	Rule(s): 1,2
Professional Issues for Sonographers	RADY 5024	4.5	Rule(s): 2
Abdominal Sonography	RADY 5013	4.5	Rule(s): 2
Superficial Parts Sonography	RADY 5015	4.5	Rule(s): 2
LEVEL 2
Musculoskeletal Sonography	RADY 5029	4.5	Rule(s): 4,6
Obstetric and Gynaecologic Sonography	RADY 5014	4.5	Rule(s): 4,6
Vascular Sonography	RADY 5016	4.5	Rule(s): 4,6
Clinical Sonography Portfolio	RADY 5026	4.5	Rule(s): 3,5,6,8

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Credit will be given for this course if the student can provide proof of completion of the Diploma of Medical Ultrasonography Part 1, awarded by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine, within 5 years prior to enrolment in the program.

2. Students must successfully complete the four level 1 courses prior to enrolling in the remainder of the program.

3. Students must maintain a clinical experience logbook which documents a minimum of 2200 hours of supervised ultrasound experience (verified by an ASAR accredited sonographer) over the duration of the program. Students will be required to submit evidence at prescribed milestones set by the Program Director.

4. At the completion of this course students must submit a Clinical Progress Report.

5. Students must have completed at least 2000 hours of clinical sonography experience and at least 2 Clinical Progress Reports to enrol in this course.

6. Students must provide evidence that they have a supervised external training position for the duration of these courses. For all domestic students and for international students training in Australia, supervision must be provided by a sonographer(s) registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry.

7. Participation is required in clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

8. For this course all students must attend a compulsory OSCE examination on campus in Adelaide.

Notes

1. The program is offered on a part-time basis over a minimum of 2 years, and only by external delivery.

2. Applicants are advised that the program requires the completion of 2200 hours of supervised ultrasound experience. Applicants are responsible for organising their own training position in an ultrasound department in order to acquire the scanning experience.

3. Students who cannot maintain their training position throughout their enrolment will be offered to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography Principles and Theory (General). The Graduate Certificate exit award will NOT provide the student with ASAR accreditation.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program enables graduates to apply for full professional accreditation from the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) under the General Sonography category. Evidence of scanning experience in an Australian or New Zealand clinical setting is required for such accreditation.