Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2021
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IGSO
Fees
2021: AUD$ 31,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
International Admission by Country
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CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold a Bachelor Degree or higher in an approved Field of Education.
Approved Fields of Education
Higher Education Study 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 approved at the discretion of the Program Director.
Note: Applicants are advised that the program requires the completion of 2000 clinical vascular sonography experiences across various pathologies in a supervised clinical placement. Applicants are responsible for organising their own training position in an ultrasound department in order to acquire the scanning experience required to remain enrolled in the program.English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/ employment was English.English language testSee equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
Australian citizens must complete at least 1 course in Australia. New Zealand citizens and Australian Permanent Residents must complete all courses in Australia. Alternatively refer to IGSOF. Offered externally part-time only.
Degree overview
- Broaden your career opportunities by extending your knowledge and practical skills in the specialist area of cardiac sonography.
- Suitable for health science, medical radiation and other allied health professionals employed in a suitable practice with access to clinical cardiac ultrasound experience.
- Gain practical experience when you complete 2,000 supervised cardiac cases and associated clinical assessments throughout the duration of your degree.
- Developed in collaboration with leading cardiac sonography experts to meet current industry demands.
- Apply for registration with ASAR as an Accredited Cardiac Sonographer upon completion of the program.
- Learn from award-winning staff who are active in their professional areas of expertise.
- Benefit from flexible, online study options, with optional on campus workshops
- Learn from a University that has well-above world standard research in Clinical Sciences.1
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
In just two years of part-time study you will extend your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of this specialised area.
Practical learning is a core component, with students embarking on 2,000 supervised cardiac scans throughout the duration of the program. You will gain valuable real-world skills and important industry contacts.
This graduate diploma is only offered online, with attendance at an on-campus final clinical assessment required. It can only be studied part-time over a minimum of two years. There are some optional workshops held on campus for scanning courses.
Completion provides credit toward the Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac).
What you'll need
Applicants are responsible for organising their own training position in a cardiac laboratory in order to complete the required scanning experience.
Please note; competition for limited clinical training placements in cardiac sonography is very high. Applicants from a non-imaging background are strongly advised to secure their clinical placement before undertaking this program.
What you'll learn
Through a range of assessments and practical experience, you will develop the knowledge, clinical skills, critical thinking and analytical skills to practice as a medical cardiac sonographer.
You will graduate with the ability to apply theoretical principles, logical thinking and critical reasoning to arrive at a provisional diagnosis and a list of differential diagnoses, and the competence to respond to the current and evolving healthcare needs of the multifaceted community both within Australia and internationally.
You will learn:
- Anatomy and embryology of the cardiovascular system
- Physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system
- Development of an appropriate imaging strategy for safe and confident completion of cardiac ultrasound examinations in a clinical environment
- Haemodynamic principles and calculations for estimation of cardiac pressures
- Congenital heart disease (including imaging in the pre and post-surgical patient)
- Advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practice autonomously and responsibly with expert judgement and adaptability as an accredited cardiac medical sonographer, as described in the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) Program Accreditation Guidelines.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac)
This degree is the only one of its kind in South Australia, and UniSA is the only university in Australia to offer a full suite of accredited postgraduate sonography degrees.
We have a well-established history of teaching sonography and are recognised both nationally and internationally for our sonography specialisations.
Benefit from the flexibility that comes with online learning – we offer accessible digital learning facilities and dedicated support staff who are with you every step of the way. Together with practicing teaching staff who are experts in their field, you are assured the very best in academic resources, learning facilities and support.
Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia, with 100 per cent of our assessed research rated as world-class or above.1 We are fast becoming a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors that will drive Australia's future, such as health and biomedicine. It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
Your career
There is a current shortage of specialised sonographers in Australia and New Zealand.1 Sonographers require highly developed technical skills and a strong understanding of health science, physics, anatomy and pathology for examination of the heart. As a graduate, you can find work as an accredited medical sonographer in metropolitan, rural and remote locations, across settings including:
- private and public medical imaging departments
- specialist areas including cardiac laboratories and cardiology practices
- hospitals
- tertiary education providers.
1Parliament of Australia, Diagnostic imaging workforce.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program enables graduates to apply for full professional accreditation from the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) under the Cardiac Sonography category. Evidence of scanning experience in an Australian or New Zealand clinical setting is required for such accreditation.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.
Your study experience and support
As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:
- careers advice
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- services offered through our student association, USASA
- accommodation services
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
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How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
What others are saying
It is rewarding to work as part of a dedicated professional team helping patients throughout their cardiac journey and leading them to an improved quality of life. I see the heart as a fascinating organ and enjoy the complexity of scanning such a dynamic structure, whilst providing the best patient care and results.
Sheree Brooks
Employment: SA Heart
Role: Clinical Services Manager
