Bachelor of Medical Sonography and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Medical Sonography and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography is a four-year linked degree / post-graduate diploma program. The combined program is the first of its kind in Australia, providing students the opportunity to enter the profession with no prior degree in a health sciences area.

Together the degrees provide a comprehensive four-year program in medical sonography that incorporates 62 weeks of clinical time designed with reflective learning practices so that at each progressive stage of clinical experience, skills and knowledge already learned can be applied.  In fact, CQUniversity graduates will be recognised as practitioners of the highest calibre with accreditation as a sonographer competent to perform all the major types of ultrasound examinations (excluding echocardiography).

Our program has a distinct focus on the regional and rural community with clinical placement carried out at suitable health providers throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.  Students will be educated and trained in  state-of-the-art, purpose-built environments using the latest digital technology and simulated learning clinics.

This is also the only undergraduate entry sonography program in Australia which offers you the option of studying the first year of the program by distance education, allowing you the flexibility to balance your study, work and life commitments.

What am I studying?

Medical sonographers (or ultrasonographers) are allied health professionals who use ultrasonic equipment to produce diagnostic images, scans, videos, or 3D or 4D volumes of anatomy and diagnostic data. A sonographer scans, views, analyses and modifies images to optimise the information available to support the health care of a patient. Sonographers work with leading-edge technology that is constantly evolving.

The skill of the sonographer is of vital importance as it has a profound effect on the quality of the patients examination. Sonographers interpret the images they produce and make decisions to facilitate the optimum healthcare for the patient. Sonographers work closely with their patients and other medical professionals to create a supportive and caring environment. Ultrasound involves leading-edge computer technology such as the production of 3D and 4D imaging of the unborn baby.

Sonographers can choose to move into speciality areas of ultrasound and medicine. A qualification in medical sonography is globally recognised and a career in sonography offers great remuneration and the opportunity to work throughout the world. Good interpersonal and communication skills are also an important part of being an effective sonographer.

Why Study Health at CQUniversity

CQUniversity’s health and medical sciences programs have been developed to meet the ever increasing needs of our communities both here in Australia and for the wider global audience. They include the flagship areas of nursing and midwifery, health promotion and occupational health and safety with new offerings in medical science specialisations (pathology, clinical investigation and nutrition), medical imaging, paramedic science, medical sonography and exercise and sport science oral health, podiatry, speech pathology, chiropractic science and health science (allied health).

CQUniversity programs are constantly being reviewed and updated in consultation with industry and other stakeholders to ensure that they are relevant and up to date. In fact, our suite of new offerings has been built as a direct response to industry needs by people with specialised industry experience.

Another key feature is the large majority of CQUniversity's health and medical science programs is the integration of workplace-integrated learning or learning on the job. Students are required to complete course undertakings in real-life workplaces, allowing them to put learning directly into practice. This hands-on, project-based learning is a key reason as to why CQUniversity graduates are highly sought after by employers. Quality on-campus facilities ensure learning is delivered 'in context', taught in a similar setting to that of a real-world situation.

Study one of the many exciting health and medical science programs at CQUniversity and help make a real difference to community health and wellbeing.

English Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland or South Africa or USA you are required to meet the English Language Prerequisite by:

An academic IELTS completed within the last 2 years (from the term you are applying to start) with a minimum achievement of 7.0 in each band and overall or a secondary or university qualification which is not more than 5 years old (from the term you are applying for entry into) with a satisfactory level of achievement of at least 2 years in duration from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or USA.

The English Language Proficiency requirements may also be satisfied by (results are to be no older than 2 years from the start of term):

- Occupational Test: Result of 'A' or 'B'

Career Opportunities

On completion of a Bachelor of Medical Sonography and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography you will be able to practice as a sonographer (or ultrasonographer) in organisations such as public and private hospitals, clinics and community health care services.  Australian sonographers are well regarded globally, enabling strong employment opportunities for graduates seeking to travel and work overseas.

Upon graduation, you may be interested in reseach into this specialist field and consider undertaking a Masters Degree by Research or Doctor of Philosophy in a related interest area.

Upon graduation, it is possible for accredited sonographers to undertake qualifications in advanced vascular sonography, echocardiography and Masters qualifications in ultrasound.

Work Intergrated Learning

You will be required to undertake a minimum of 62 weeks of clinical study in the workplace. Clinical placement will be undertaken at a range of locations throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in both metropolitan and rural areas. Placement sites are assigned by the program and students will need to make the required personal and financial plans to relocate for these placements.

Program Structure

You are required to complete 28 courses throughout the program, including eight core medical science courses in the first year, and 20 specialist courses in the final three years.The 6 courses in the fourth year are postgraduate level courses.

This program provides sequential clinical learning to ensure the attainment of a high level of diagnostic and psychomotor skills and excellence in professional practice, hence most courses must be taken in the order in which they are offered.

This program is intensive due to the theoretical and clinical requirements of the accrediting professional body. Most of the clinical periods extend beyond the limits of the normal term.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Bachelor of Medical Sonography and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Residential School and Study Requirements

For students studying their first year via distance, some courses will have residential schools at CQUniversity Brisbane, Mackay, Melbourne or Sydney.

Professional Recognition

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to join the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).