Graduate Certificate in Breast Imaging

This graduate certificate in only offered online and is only available to New Zealand residents studying in New Zealand.

If you reside elsewhere, please see Graduate Certificate in Breast Imaging.

This is the only accredited graduate certificate of its type in Australia and New Zealand, and with flexible online learning options it’s a popular choice if you're looking to extend your learning in the area of breast imaging and sonography.

The qualification is designed to provide diagnostic radiographers and other relevant health professionals with the ability to develop new skills and theoretical knowledge in the area of breast ultrasound.

In just one year of part-time study you will extend your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of this specialised area.

For those who are fitting study in among work and other life commitments, part-time study gives you the freedom to learn whenever, wherever.

During your studies you will complete supervised training, which will be complemented by in-depth theoretical learning taught by our award-winning teachers and researchers.

This graduate certificate is only offered online.

New Zealand students are still required to attend a compulsory on-campus workshop for the mammography course run by Breastscreen SA.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for selection, applicants must:

• be qualified as a medical radiation professional with a recognised Bachelor degree in Medical Radiation, or equivalent qualification; OR
• hold a recognised relevant Allied Health degree; OR
• hold a recognised Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography or equivalent qualification; OR
• be eligible for accreditation as a diagnostic radiographer with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board.

Note: Applicants are advised that the program requires the completion of a logbook with supervised ultrasound experience for Breast Sonography. Applicants are responsible for organising their own training position in an ultrasound department in order to acquire the scanning experience.

You will develop advanced practical skills and knowledge in the specialist field of mammography and breast sonography.

Practical learning is a major focus, with students embarking on ultrasound training and associated clinical placements. You will also be required to complete a logbook of required breast ultrasound examinations under the supervision of practicing clinicians.

You will complete a range of specialist courses relating to mammography and breast ultrasound, including:

• Professional Issues for Sonographers
• Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
• Mammography
• Breast Sonography

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. 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.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

Learn from experienced breast imaging professionals via our online discussion forum and virtual classrooms.

These important virtual classes not only offer the opportunity for you to learn from clinicians in the field, but also enables and encourages the building of important industry networks and relationships.

During your studies, you will complete a logbook of required breast ultrasound examinations under the supervision of practicing clinicians. This is an opportunity for you to develop your practical skills further, and to build professional networks.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

Mammography and breast sonography are progressive speciality areas at the forefront of female health development. Professionals in this area should have a strong medical interest and practical skills in the area of applied radiography.

Graduates can work in a variety of settings and roles, including:

• hospitals
• private practices
• as a tutor or trainer in professional settings
• as a specialist breast sonographer

Applying to study with us:

• check the Postgraduate Health Science Closing Dates page for application closing dates
• 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

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas 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 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.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. 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.

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