Start date
February
July

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Program Code
IGSO

Fees
AUD$ 35,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
  • IELTS speaking [7.0]
  • IELTS listening [7.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa

Degree overview

  • Grow your specialist knowledge and skills in vascular sonography.
  • Study a graduate diploma developed in collaboration with leading vascular sonography experts to meet current industry demands.
  • Suitable for health science, medical radiation and other allied health professionals employed in an appropriate practice with access to clinical vascular ultrasound experience.
  • Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers.1
  • Learn from award-winning teachers at a university with above world-class research in clinical sciences.2
  • Get practical experience from 2,000 supervised vascular cases and associated clinical assessments.
  • Apply for registration with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) as an accredited vascular sonographer upon completion of the program.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

Snapshot

In two years of part-time, online study you can extend your knowledge and practical skills in vascular sonography.

This graduate diploma will help you develop your knowledge of the circulatory system, including the arteries and veins which carry blood around the body, as well as your practical skills in ultrasound.

Completion provides credit toward the Master of Medical Sonography (Vascular)

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 vascular sonographer, you might like to consider applying for a master’s program.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Vascular Sonographers require highly developed technical ultrasound skills and a strong understanding of health science, physics and anatomy. Through a range of assessments and practical experience, you’ll develop the knowledge, critical thinking, clinical and analytical skills to practice as a vascular sonographer.

You’ll graduate with the ability to apply theoretical principles and critical reasoning to arrive at a provisional diagnosis and a list of differential diagnoses. You’ll also build your competence to respond to the current and evolving healthcare needs within Australia and internationally.

This graduate diploma will teach you:

  • 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 vascular ultrasound examinations in a clinical environment
  • haemodynamic principles and calculations
  • pathology and imaging principles including imaging in the pre and post-surgical patient

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
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
Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology RADY 5036 4.5 Rule(s): 2
Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology RADY 5037 4.5 Rule(s): 2
LEVEL 2
Abdominal Sonography RADY 5013 4.5 Rule(s): 4,5
Vascular Sonography RADY 5016 4.5 Rule(s): 4,6
Advanced Vascular Sonography RADY 5034 4.5 Rule(s): 4,6
Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio RADY 5035 4.5 Rule(s): 3,5,6,8

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 (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. 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.

Global opportunities

Why Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Vascular)

Why this Degree

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.

You'll gain advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practice autonomously with expert judgement and adaptability as a vascular sonographer, as described in the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR)’s program accreditation standards.

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 2,000 supervised vascular scans throughout the duration of the program you’ll build your networks with practicing clinicians.

Career outcomes

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

With this graduate diploma you can find work as an accredited vascular sonographer in metropolitan, rural and remote locations across:

  • vascular laboratories
  • hospitals
  • private practice
  • tertiary education providers

You may also choose to continue your studies with a Master of Medical Sonography (Vascular)

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 Vascular Sonography category. Evidence of scanning experience in an Australian or New Zealand clinical setting is required for such accreditation.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, 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 and laboratories, as well as spaces 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 gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, 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 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

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I have over two decades of experience as a clinical cardiac sonographer, a strong research background reaching national and international groups, and expertise in advanced echocardiographic techniques. All of this informs my teaching as Program Director of the Medical Sonography suite, where I’m dedicated to ensuring our students get a quality education that prepares them for rewarding careers.

Dr Bec Perry

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Bec Perry
Portrait image for Dr Bec Perry

Dr Bec Perry

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

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