Hands-on help key to tackling sonographer shortage

Third-year Sonography student Chloe Webb wants to help patients find answers through her work – and her passion for the discipline will help address dire skills shortages in the sector, too. 

The 25-year-old began her Bachelor of Sonography at CQUniversity Melbourne in 2019, and pandemic disruptions created plenty of challenges as she continued the study. 

But the opportunity to do clinical placements, including at Victorian hospital network Eastern Health, helped confirm her determination to work in diagnostics. 

“I spent a couple of days at a medical imaging place, and got to be involved in the different modalities within the department,” Chloe explained. 

“I loved experiencing the diversity Eastern Health had to offer with the scans they perform, from neonatal cranial to fistulas. 

“That included watching a breast ultrasound, and during the scan I was able to comfort the patient. 

“Even though the pathology found appeared sinister, it was reassuring to know that the sonographer was able to get the answers for the doctor, and to aid in the patient’s care.”

The Australian Sonographers Association estimated in 2019 that the medical industry had a shortfall of 3,000 sonographers – and pandemic impacts, including limited access to clinical placements for students, have exacerbated the shortage. 

CQU Clinical Academic in Medical Sonography Antony Egan said access to sonographers directly affects patients’ access to timely quality diagnostic ultrasound services.

“Ensuring students can access clinical placements, and get hands-on experience in the industry, is a vital step for equipping the next generation of sonographers,” Mr Egan said. 

“CQUniversity is proud to partner with sonography providers across Australia, to create placement opportunities, and to provide experienced and capable graduates for the industry.”

Eastern Health tutors said they found CQU students to have good anatomy and pathology knowledge, and they enjoyed seeing students improve their practical skills through placement. 

“A good sonographer is proactive, dynamic, resilient, a team player, determined, with a growth mindset and good work ethic,” they said.

“We advise students on placement to know their limitations, establish good patient rapport, and focus on time management, working with the team, and to always ask questions when unsure.” 

Chloe’s career choice follows her mum into health care, and she’s excited to graduate, and start working with patients. 

“I always knew I wanted a career helping people and being involved in their care,” she said. 

“In my degree and through my placements, the amount of support I have received has been a highlight - every person I have had the chance to learn from has showed me nothing but time and support to help me develop my skills. 

“Our lecturers have always told us the best approach is to know as much as you can before going to placement, then just be a sponge and absorb as much as you can. 

“We know that placement is so valuable for your growth in this career, and to never be afraid to scan.” 

CQUniversity’s accredited Bachelor of Medical Sonography, with an embedded Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography, is unique in Australia and enables students to enter the profession without prior studies in health or diagnostic imaging.

To explore CQUniversity options to study Sonography, visit cqu.edu.au/sonography.