Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (General)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
Online
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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 coursesApplicants 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
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.
Refer to Additional Information Form for pre-requisite requirements. Preliminary assessment of pre-requisites is not available for this program. International students in Australia on a student visa cannot enrol in this program as its delivered online.
Degree overview
- Broaden your career opportunities by extending your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of ultrasound imaging health trends.
- Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in health.1
- Suitable for health science, medical radiation and other allied health professionals employed in an appropriate practice with access to clinical ultrasound experience.
- Learn from award-winning teachers at a university with above world-class research in clinical sciences.2
- Get practical experience from 2,200 hours of ultrasound scanning and associated clinical examinations.
- Apply for registration with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) as an accredited medical sonographer upon completion of the program.
- Enjoy flexible study through online, part-time learning.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
In two years of part-time, online study you can extend your knowledge and practical skills in general sonography.
This graduate diploma will help you develop technical skills and a strong understanding of physics, anatomy and pathology for the sonographic examination of body parts such as internal organs, blood vessels, musculoskeletal systems, reproductive organs and pregnancies.
Completion provides credit toward the Master of Medical Sonography (General).
What you'll need
All applicants must have a letter confirming a training position prior to applying.
If you’re already registered with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) as an accredited medical sonographer, you might like to consider applying for a master’s program.
What you'll learn
Through a combination of theory and practice you’ll learn advanced technical sonography skills. You’ll also gain further understanding of health science, physics, anatomy and pathology advancements and trends. The courses will develop your knowledge, clinical expertise, critical thinking and analytical skills.
You’ll be required to complete 2,200 hours of ultrasound scanning experience (verified by an ASAR accredited medical sonographer or equivalent).
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, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. 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. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
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 (General)
This graduate diploma 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 programs.
We have a well-established history of teaching sonography and are recognised both nationally and internationally for our sonography specialisations.
You’ll enjoy the flexibility of online learning with UniSA’s digital learning facilities and dedicated support staff who are with you every step of the way.
Graduates are eligible to register with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry as an accredited medical sonographer upon completion of the program.
Real-world connections
Learn from world-class researchers and experienced medical sonography professionals via our online discussion forum and virtual classrooms. These virtual classes give you the opportunity to build important industry networks and relationships.
Through completion of 2,200 hours of ultrasound scanning and clinical examinations, you’ll build your networks with practicing clinicians.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
The field of medical sonography is always evolving with technological advancements, and strong future demand is predicted due to Australia’s national shortage of sonographers.1
Medical sonographers require highly developed technical skills, as well as a strong understanding of health science, physics, anatomy and pathology for examination of body parts such as internal organs, blood vessels, musculoskeletal systems, reproductive organs and pregnancies.
With this diploma you can find work as a medical sonographer in metropolitan, rural and remote locations, across settings including:
- hospitals
- private practices
- tertiary education providers
You may also choose to continue your studies with a Master of Medical Sonography (General).
1National Skills Commission, Skills Priority List 2022
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.
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
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.
Your program director
As Program Director, I am fortunate to lead a strong team of academics who have a diverse range of industry experience, along with national and international professional affiliations. My strong interest in education research fuels my focus on arming students with the knowledge and capabilities required for lifelong learning which are essential in the industry, such that they will continuously seek the best practice evidence for translation into their professional roles.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
Through studying medical sonography at UniSA I developed a range of niche skills that are highly sought after by specialist doctors. For example, I'm one of only two sonographers in Adelaide who perform high level detailed scanning for endometriosis surgical planning.
Alison Deslandes
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine), Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography, Master of Medical Sonography
Royal Adelaide Hospital and Specialist Imaging Partners
The flexibility to study externally was very appealing – I could continue shift work as a radiographer and obtain practical hours during the day in ultrasound. Study gives you all of the foundations to achieve great things, it’s a big competitive world.
Catrina Panuccio
Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography
Managing Director | Specialist Imaging Partners
I was attracted by UniSA’s reputation in the medical imaging profession as being one of the leading educators in ultrasound. The program introduced me to a broad spectrum of examinations that I would be exposed to in the industry and enabled me to develop skills in a supported environment.
Kosta Hellmanns
Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (General)
Specialist Sonographer | Women's and Children's Hospital
