Study Master of Medical Sonography (Vascular) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City East

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IMSO

SATAC Code
4CM224 (External)

Study as
Part-time only

Mode
Online

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

Professional Practice

Current registration as a Vascular Sonographer with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (or overseas equivalent, where accreditation was awarded following completion of a recognised degree)

OR

Higher Education Study
- Complete a letter of support confirming a training position within an ultrasound department or vascular laboratory that will be supervised by an accredited medical sonographer who is registered with ASAR (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry) or who has an equivalent registration; AND
- 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 considered on a case by case basis.

Note: Applicants who are not already registered with ASAR as a vascular sonographer are advised that the program requires the completion of 2000 supervised clinical vascular sonography experiences across various pathologies. 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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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 it's delivered online.

Degree overview

Broaden your career opportunities by extending your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of ultrasound imaging health trends, specialising in vascular sonography.
Study a master’s degree developed in collaboration with leading vascular sonography experts to meet current industry demands.
Join the only university in Australia to offer a full suite of accredited postgraduate sonography degrees.
Learn from award-winning teachers at a university with above world-class research in clinical sciences.¹
Focus on areas such as management and ethics, or research.
Get practical experience from 2,000 supervised vascular ultrasound cases and associated clinical examinations.
Apply for registration with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) as an accredited vascular sonographer upon completion of the program.
Suitable for qualified sonographers, health science, medical radiation and other allied health professionals employed in an appropriate practice.
Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in health.²

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ²ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018-20, Health Services and Support – Full-time Employment Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.

Snapshot

In three years of part-time, online study, you can attain a master's degree in vascular medical sonography, with the opportunity to learn advanced clinical skills, or pursue research.

Vascular sonographers specialise in the circulatory system including the arteries and veins that carry blood around the body. They require highly developed technical skills and a strong understanding of health science, physics, anatomy and pathology for examination of the circulatory system.

What you'll need

Applicants who are not accredited medical sonographers registered with ASAR are responsible for organising a letter of support confirming their own training position in an ultrasound department, in order to meet entry requirements.

What you'll learn

Through a combination of theory and practice, you’ll gain advanced technical skills and a strong understanding of health science, physics, anatomy and pathology. The curriculum explores the circulatory system for signs of disease or obstruction.

You’ll acquire:

advanced knowledge in a specialist area of medical sonography
critical thinking and analytical skills for effective practice as a vascular sonographer
foundational research knowledge.

You can choose to study areas of your interest, including management and ethics, or research.

You’ll also complete at least 2,000 supervised vascular scanning cases (verified by an ASAR accredited sonographer or equivalent).

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
LEVEL 1
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation	RADY 5030	4.5	Rule(s): 2,3
Professional Issues for Sonographers	RADY 5024	4.5	Rule(s): 3
Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology	RADY 5036	4.5	Rule(s): 3
Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology	RADY 5037	4.5	Rule(s): 3
LEVEL 2
Abdominal Sonography	RADY 5013	4.5	Rule(s): 4,6,8
Vascular Sonography	RADY 5016	4.5	Rule(s): 4,6,8
Advanced Vascular Sonography	RADY 5034	4.5	Rule(s): 4,6,8
Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio	RADY 5035	4.5	Rule(s): 5,7,8,9
LEVEL 3			Rule(s): 1
Research Design and Development	HLTH 6014	4.5
OR
Allied Health Research Evidence Translation	REHB 5118	4.5
Plus 13.5 Units of electives chosen from the following:
Health Ethics	HLTH 5002	4.5
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care	NURS 5153	9
Health Science Advanced Skill Project	HLTH 5184	9
Health Science Advanced or Extended Practice Report	HLTH 5147	4.5
Managing Employee Performance and Rewards	BUSS 5398	4.5
Qualitative Design for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research	NURS 5151	4.5
Quantitative Design for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research	NURS 5152	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Vascular) from the University of South Australia (or equivalent) will be granted 36 units of credit and will commence the program from level 3.

2. 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.

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

4. 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 (ASAR).

5. Students must maintain a clinical experience logbook which documents a minimum of 2000 examinations of supervised vascular 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..

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

7. Students must have completed at least 1800 hours of clinical vascular ultrasound experiences and at least 2 Clinical Progress Reports to enrol in this course.

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

9. 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 3 years, and is offered only by external delivery.

2. 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 (Cardiovascular). The Graduate Certificate exit award will NOT provide the student with ASAR accreditation.

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 Master of Medical Sonography (Vascular)

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. Practical learning is a major focus, with students embarking on 2,000 vascular ultrasound cases and associated clinical placements.

As Australia’s University of Enterprise, UniSA has become a renowned centre of innovation in the sectors driving Australia's future forward, including health. In the most recent Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation (2018), 100% of our assessed research in public health and health services was rated at world-class or above.

This degree is only offered online, with attendance at an on-campus final clinical assessment.

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.

During your studies you’ll complete 2,000 vascular ultrasound cases and clinical examinations, supervised by 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.

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

As a graduate, you can find work as an accredited vascular sonographer in metropolitan, rural and remote locations, including:

vascular laboratories
hospitals
private practice
tertiary education providers.

Medical Sonographers perform a broad range of tasks and duties, including:

explaining procedures to patients, answering questions and ensuring patient welfare throughout the exam
examining referrals from and writing reports for doctors
operating equipment to ensure the interior images are clear
positioning patients, equipment and screens for maximum exposure and clarity
selecting the images needed for diagnostic purposes

¹National Skills Commission, Skills Priority List 2021

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.

Industry facts

Employment for medical imaging professionals is projected to increase by 15.1% by November 2025.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

To November 2025, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 249,500 jobs.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

Check you meet the full entry requirements for this program.
Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

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Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

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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

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.

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International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

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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 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.

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.

Dr Jessie Childs

Program Director

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Dr Jessie Childs

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

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.
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.
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.

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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.

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Related degrees

Master of Medical Sonography (General)

Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac)

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