Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography - CG91
Enhance your employability by studying the Bachelor of Medical Sonography and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography – a course that is the first of its kind in Australia and allows you to enter a niche medical profession with no prior degree in health sciences. Medical Sonographers take diagnostic images using ultrasonic equipment to create still, video or 3D studies of anatomy and diagnostic data. They scan, analyse and modify images to optimise the information and require highly developed patient care and communication skills.
On Campus
SR:77 ATAR:77
24/192
No pre-requisite subjects required
English, Maths, Biology, Physics, Science
The Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography enables you to apply sonographic knowledge and practical scanning skills in the diagnostic imaging setting. You will develop a high level of skill and proficiency in performing sonographic studies and evaluate findings so you can tailor your scans to the individual patient in a safe, caring and effective manner.
You will develop effective communication skills enabling you to interact positively with patients and other health professionals in the clinical work environment. Your clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills will be promoted through the use of simulation-based learning techniques and exposure to 'real world' conditions while on clinical practice. As a graduate, you can apply to register as 'General Sonographers' with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry.
You will study most of this course on-campus, Year One, however, is delivered online, with two compulsory two-day residential schools. These residential schools must be attended at your campus of admission.
| Core Units | 24 | Major Units | None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electives | None | Minor Units | None |
Course structure
You are required to complete 25 core units throughout the course. The units you will study in the fourth year are postgraduate-level units. This course 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.The course is structured so that Year One is delivered online, with two compulsory two-day residential schools. These residential schools must be attended at your campus of admission.
Unit information
For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.Credit transfer information
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.Real-world opportunities
Throughout your studies, you will have opportunities to learn in a safe and simulated environment in purpose-built labs using the latest ultrasound and imaging equipment.You will complete four clinical placements throughout your course totalling 2000 hours of clinical experience, where you will have the opportunity to train with real patients in authentic scenarios. This exposure to real clients and real scenarios allows you to apply your discipline knowledge and graduate work-ready with valuable industry connections and networks.
Your placements commence towards the end of your second year with a five-week block placement of 200 hours. You will then complete a 10-week block placement of 400 hours in your third year. In your fourth year, you will undertake clinical placements full time and complete two placements, one 19-week block placement of 760 hours, and a 16-week block placement of 640 hours.
You will complete your placements in one, or more, diagnostic imaging facility. Your placements will be organised for you by CQUniversity and are generally unpaid.
Your career
As a graduate of this course, you will be able to apply to register as a 'General Sonographer' with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry. You will be guided by and learn from experienced lecturers who are accredited sonographers bringing you the latest and most industry-relevant knowledge and skills to ensure you graduate work-ready.As a sonographer, you will find a wealth of employment opportunities in hospital imaging departments including specialist hospitals, private imaging centres, sports clinics, obstetric clinics, vascular clinics, and in the corporate setting. With further training and education, you will be able to specialise in areas such as obstetrics and vascular ultrasound.
What does a medical sonographer do?
A Medical Sonographer (or Ultrasonographer) uses ultrasonic equipment to produce diagnostic images, scans, videos, or 3D or 4D volumes of anatomy and diagnostic data.
What are some of the important skills for sonographers?
You will have specialised education and skills to view, analyse and modify the scans you take to optimise the information captured on the image. You will play a leading role and have a high level of responsibility in the diagnostic process because of the high levels of decisional latitude and diagnostic input.
You will have well-developed communication skills, exemplary professional attitudes and care for the physical and psychosocial
well-being of the patient as these are critical to success in this field.
On-Campus Availability
| Term 1 - 2024 | Brisbane, Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney |
Course delivery
Year 1
While you will need to select a campus to study this course, the first year of this course is studied online, with the exception of attendance at two compulsory two-day residential schools. One of these residential schools is scheduled in your first term, and the second is scheduled in your second term. These residential schools must be attended at your campus of admission.Year 2
In Year 2, you will be required to study across Term 1, 2 and 3. Your second year is a blend of on-campus and online study, with two units delivered on campus, and two units delivered online in your first and second term. In the third term of your second year, you will study one online unit plus complete your first clinical placement of five weeks duration. The timetable for your on-campus units is released four weeks before the start of each term.Year 3
In your third year of study, all of your units in your first term are delivered on campus, while your second term is a blend of online and on-campus study requirements. Two units in your second term are delivered online and you will also complete a 10-week clinical placement. This placement may extend into Term 3, as the scheduling of placements does not always follow CQUniversity's academic terms.Year 4
Your fourth year consists of clinical placements plus an online unit in both Term 1 and 2. Placements are determined each year based on demand for certain locations from our students and availability from our partners who host our clinical placements. This means that we can not guarantee or indicate where a likely placement will be, so you may need to travel (at your expense) to complete your placement requirements. We endeavour to meet your needs when coordinating and scheduling placements, however, placements are heavily dependent upon availability with partner hosts.Campus transfers
To ensure that you have the opportunity to attend designated times in our simulation labs and use our ultrasound equipment, this course has strict quota limits that apply to each campus. This means that internal transfers between campuses to our CQUniversity Brisbane campus are not permitted. If you apply for a particular campus of study for this course and wish to transfer to another campus (excluding CQUniversity Brisbane), transfer applications are considered on a case by case basis, provided you meet specific requirements. For details please refer to the 'More Details' section of our student handbook.Deferment/Leave of Absence
Due to accreditation requirements, the Bachelor of Medical Sonography and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography does not currently permit a deferment and/or Leave of Absence (LOA). In order to meet accreditation requirements, as a student, you must be able to demonstrate continuous enrolment in this course. This means that you must enrol in the units that are available for you to study in each term, taking into account pre- and co-requisite requirements.
| Unit Name | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 1 | MEDS12007 | Students will complete a five week block placement (200 hours) in a diagnostic imaging facility. Students perform specified general ultrasound studies under the direct supervision of a qualified sonographer, or delegate. Students are supported on-site by a clinical supervisor and by the academic course coordinator and clinical academic at CQUniversity. |
| Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 4 | MEDS20017 | Students will complete a sixteen week block placement (640 hours) in one (or more) diagnostic imaging facilities. Students perform a wide range of general ultrasound studies, progressing to independent practice in preparation for entry to professional practice. Students are supported on-site by a clinical supervisor and by the academic course coordinator and clinical academic at CQUniversity. |
| Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 3 | MEDS20016 | Students will complete a nineteen week block placement (760 hours) in one (or more) diagnostic imaging facilities. Students perform a broad range of general ultrasound studies under the direct supervision of a qualified sonographer, or delegate. Students are supported on-site by a clinical supervisor and by the academic course coordinator and clinical academic at CQUniversity. |
| Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 2 | MEDS13006 | Students will complete a ten week block placement (400 hours) in a diagnostic imaging facility. Students perform specified general ultrasound studies under the direct supervision of a qualified sonographer, or delegate. Students are supported on-site by a clinical supervisor and by the academic course coordinator and clinical academic at CQUniversity. |
Rank Threshold |
A rank threshold is the minimum competitive rank that applications will be considered for entry to this course. The rank threshold for this course is: SR 77 | ATAR 77.0 |
Lowest Ranks |
The lowest selection rank refers to the lowest rank to which an offer was made for an intake or term and includes adjustment factors applied to an applicant's ATAR such as the Regional Adjustment Scheme and Educational Access Scheme. An ATAR with adjustment factors applied is referred to as a selection rank. Brisbane: SR 98.7 Mackay: SR 82.85 Melbourne: SR 91.20 Sydney: SR 87.65
|
Student profile
If you would like to know more about entry scores for applicants with recent secondary education and the student profile for this course view our Course and Entry Score Profile for Term 1, 2022.Institute profile
To find out about CQUniversity's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2022 view our Institute Profile.When applying, you must demonstrate that you have met the listed Entry Requirements and English Language Proficiency requirements.
After you have applied and enrolled in this course, you will need to be able to meet the Security and Health Requirements as these generally relate to work-integrated learning activities that form part of your course. You will be provided with more information about security and health requirements after enrolling in the relevant units that these relate to.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
The COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory to be eligible to attend a WIL placement for this course. Students will be required to provide evidence of having completed a COVID-19 vaccination schedule by the closing date prior to a WIL placement. The vaccine received must be a vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia.Entry Requirements
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University. Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
Completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 7.0 with a minimum 7.0 in each subset; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBt - 94 or better overall and no score less than 24 for listening and reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking; or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 65 with no sub-score less than 65.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Security Requirements
No information available at this time.Health Requirements
No information available at this time.Assumed Knowledge
English, Biology, Science, Physics, Maths
The Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography prepares you to practise as a Sonographer or Ultrasonographer. Employment opportunities may exist in organisations such as:
- public and private hospitals
- clinics
- community health care services.
Australian Sonographers are well regarded globally and there are strong employment opportunities if you are looking to travel and work overseas.
Benefits of being a medical sonographer
- Important part of patient care and wellbeing
- Highly respected, niche health profession
- Excellent remuneration
- Growing shortage of sonographers, in Australia and worldwide
- Opportunity to move into speciality areas of ultrasound and medicine
CQUniversity's Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography prepares you for a successful career in sonography by ensuring you have the following attributes:
- high level of practical scanning skills and image evaluation
- clinical decision making and problem solving
- high level communication skills,
- ease in adapting to different environments,
- good eye-hand coordination and,
- a passion for health care.
The combined course of Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography has been accredited by the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Both parts of the course must be completed to gain accreditation.
The external accreditation body (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry) sets a MAXIMUM time that individuals may be on the ASAR Registry as a Student Sonographer of 5 years from the date of initial entry onto the registry. This requirement means that students must complete this course of study within 5 years of their student registration date in order to qualify as an accredited Medical Sonographer.
| 2023 Indicative Fees | |
|---|---|
| Fee Type | Fees |
| Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee | $9,173.00 |
Indicative first-year fee
The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth support and government assistance loans
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.
Other study costs
Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more.
| New South Wales | SYD: 160010 |
| Victoria | MEL: 1700217141 |
| Queensland | BNE: 881691; MKY: 841691 |
If you apply via a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) listed under 'How to Apply', please use the relevant TAC code listed above to complete your application.
If you have decided what you would like to study and are ready to apply, we’re here to help you along the way. Before you apply, you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not have a USI, creating one is quick and easy. Simply visit usi.gov.au to create one.
Want to know more about application dates and other admission information?
View our important dates information and read about other admission considerations such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support.
What’s the best way to apply?
- Option 1: Ideal for most situations, whether you have completed high school recently or some time ago.
- Option 2: Perfect if you have completed CQUniversity's Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program, or Tertiary Entrance Program (TEP).
Option 1: Ideal for most situations, apply via a tertiary admission centre
View the table below for the best application option based on where you live.
| If you live in: | Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)* |
| Queensland | Apply via QTAC |
| New South Wales; Australian Capital Territory | Apply via UAC |
| All other states | Apply via the TAC relevant to the campus location you are applying for. |
*Please note that you may be required to pay a fee when applying via a TAC.
Option 2: Are you a CQUniversity STEPS or TEP graduate? Apply directly to CQUniversity
You may be eligible to apply directly to CQUniversity provided you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have successfully completed or are currently completing our Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program.
- You have successfully completed our Tertiary Entrance Program (TEP)