Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (General)

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (General) is a postgraduate program designed to provide medical radiation and other allied health professionals with the competencies of a new advanced professional area in medical sonography.

Program Details

• Degree Level: Postgraduate
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Mode: Online
• Program Code: IGSO
• Fees: AUD$ 35,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS total: 7.0
  • IELTS reading: 7.0
  • IELTS writing: 7.0
  • IELTS speaking: 7.0
  • IELTS listening: 7.0

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

• Complete a letter of support confirming a training position within a General ultrasound department that will be supervised by an accredited medical sonographer who is registered with ASAR (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry); AND EITHER
• A Bachelor Degree or higher in an approved Field of Education (FOE), and completion of the prerequisite courses at a Bachelor level or higher within the last 10 years (or prior completion with evidence of clinical application of prerequisite knowledge); OR
• A Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography Principles and Theory (General); OR
• Current registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (or overseas equivalent, where accreditation was awarded following completion of a recognised degree)
• All applicants are required to complete the Additional Information Form and provide supporting evidence.

Prerequisite Courses

Applicants are required to provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the following prerequisite courses:

• 0.125 EFTSL of Human Anatomy, which includes anatomy of the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, and the musculoskeletal and vascular systems; AND
• 0.250 EFTSL of Human Physiology; AND
• 0.125 EFTSL of Human Pathology or Pathophysiology OR equivalent courses in a sonography-specific program

Approved Fields of Education

Applicants are required to have completed a program of study (at Bachelor level or higher) in one of the following approved Fields of Education (FOE):

• Medical Studies
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Radiography
• Rehabilitation Therapies (excluding Audiology and Massage Therapy)
• Dentistry
• Optometry
• Human Movement
• Paramedical Studies
• Health Science

Program Structure

The program requires completion of eight prescribed courses (36 units of study), together with the satisfactory completion of 2200 hours of ultrasound scanning experience and associated clinical examinations.

Courses

• Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (RADY 5030)
• Professional Issues for Sonographers (RADY 5024)
• Abdominal Sonography (RADY 5013)
• Superficial Parts Sonography (RADY 5015)
• Musculoskeletal Sonography (RADY 5029)
• Obstetric and Gynaecologic Sonography (RADY 5014)
• Vascular Sonography (RADY 5016)
• Clinical Sonography Portfolio (RADY 5026)

Rules and Notes

1. Credit will be given for this course if the student can provide proof of completion of the Diploma of Medical Ultrasonography Part 1, awarded by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine, within 5 years prior to enrolment in the program.
2. Students must successfully complete the four level 1 courses prior to enrolling in the remainder of the program.
3. Students must maintain a clinical experience logbook which documents a minimum of 2200 hours of supervised ultrasound experience (verified by an ASAR accredited sonographer) over the duration of the program.
4. At the completion of this course students must submit a Clinical Progress Report.
5. Students must have completed at least 2000 hours of clinical sonography experience and at least 2 Clinical Progress Reports to enrol in this course.
6. Students must provide evidence that they have a supervised external training position for the duration of these courses.
7. Participation is required in clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
8. For this course all students must attend a compulsory OSCE examination on campus in Adelaide.

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This program enables graduates to apply for full professional accreditation from the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) under the General Sonography category. Evidence of scanning experience in an Australian or New Zealand clinical setting is required for such accreditation.

Program Director

AsPr Bec Perry

Related Degrees

• Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac)
• Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Vascular)