Medical Ultrasound

This course is designed for individuals wishing to become accredited Sonographers.Students can exit the course after 48 credit points (minimum 2 years of part-time study) with a Graduate Diploma in Ultrasound which meets the qualification requirement for accreditation as a Sonographer in Australia.The final year of the course focuses on developing research skills via an ultrasound research project.

Following completion of the two foundation units (SON4000 and SON4010) students must be engaged in supervised clinical ultrasound training practice for a minimum of 3 days/week (or equivalent).

It is the student's responsibility to secure their own clinical training placement.

Alternative qualifications

You may be eligible to exit your course early and apply to graduate with one of the following qualifications, provided you have satisfied the requirements for the qualification during your enrolment in the Masters course:

• Graduate Certificate in Medical Ultrasound after successful completion of 24 credit points of study (1-year part-time study), with a minimum of 24 credit points at level 4 or above.
• Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound after successful completion of 48 credit points of study (2-years part-time study) including all of Parts A and B.

If you decide to graduate early, you will need to discontinue from the Masters course. You may be eligible to receive credit for the units you have completed if you re-apply and are re-admitted to this course or apply for another graduate degree at Monash University.

The course is structured in three parts, Part A. Ultrasound Foundation Studies, Part B. Applied Ultrasound Practice and Part C. Ultrasound Research.

Part A. Ultrasound Foundation Studies

These studies will develop your understanding of the scientific and technical principles of diagnostic ultrasound scanning and scanning modes. You will develop an understanding of embryology, anatomy and pathophysiology as well as image evaluation skills related to cross-sectional and regional anatomy.

Part B: Applied Ultrasound Practice

These studies address clinical competencies required for ultrasound practice. You will learn the sonographic scanning techniques, interpretational skills and standard protocols related to examinations of breast, thyroid, abdominal, reproductive system, obstetric, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems as well as the paediatric brain, hips and abdomen.

Part C: Ultrasound Research

The focus of these studies is to develop the knowledge and skills to locate, critically evaluate and conduct research relevant to medical ultrasound practice. You will gain an understanding of research theories and methods for health research and will focus on a range of practical, technical and management issues associated with the conduct of scientific research. Access to academics and clinicians offering projects will support you during all stages of the inquiry process. You will gain theoretical knowledge of research design and methods used in undertaking research with the practical skills to conduct your own research.

Qualifications

An Australian undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in radiography and medical imaging with a pass (55%) average.

OR

An Australian undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related science or health sciences* (or equivalent bridging course#) with a pass (55%) average.

All applicants must also have passed Year 12 level Physics or equivalent bridging course*.

* The related degree must include: "Full-body" human anatomy and physiology# Details of equivalent bridging courses in Physics and Human Anatomy and Physiology can be obtained from radiation.sciences@monash.edu

English requirements

Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes. Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1.

demonstrate a mastery of ultrasound knowledge and be able to reflect critically on ultrasound theory, practice and scholarship

2.

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts and principles underpinning ultrasound practice including optimisation of equipment, quality assurance and biological consequences

3.

investigate, analyse, synthesise and reflect on complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply this knowledge and understanding to ultrasound practice

4.

assume the role of a qualified/accredited medical sonographer, capable of independent and collaborative clinical decision making to perform the appropriate ultrasound procedures to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury

5.

demonstrate and apply a knowledge of research principles, evidence based, reflective and ethical ultrasound practice, as well as lifelong learning skills

6.

communicate their knowledge, findings and rationale underpinning these to the professional and lay community clearly, ethically and unambiguously.