Why Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (General)?
Step into a role where your skills and compassion can make a lasting impact on every patient, every day, when it matters most.
Master advanced technical skills and gain in-depth knowledge of anatomy, pathology and physics. Be a reassuring voice for expectant parents during their most exciting moments. Spot critical health issues before they become life-threatening. Become a vital force in healthcare, delivering life-changing care and support.
Overview
Our Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography will strengthen your skills in the use of cutting-edge imaging technology. You’ll learn to identify normal anatomy as well as complex medical conditions.
Strengthen your understanding of ultrasound technology, anatomy and pathology. Learn to expertly examine internal organs, blood vessels and the musculoskeletal system. Complete 2,200 hours of practical ultrasound training. Gain real-world experience that will sharpen your technical abilities and prepare you for high-energy healthcare environments.
Our comprehensive curriculum equips you to confidently evaluate a wide range of patient conditions and contribute meaningfully to their care. You’ll graduate with the expertise to be an essential member of any healthcare team, positively impacting the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Key features
Develop technical skills and a strong understanding of physics, anatomy and pathology. - Get hands-on experience with 2,200 hours of ultrasound practice and clinical assessments.
- Acquire critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Learn from top-tier researchers and seasoned healthcare professionals.
- Benefit from the flexibility of part-time online study.
- Gain credits toward the Master of Medical Sonography for continued professional development.
What you'll learn
Embark on a comprehensive educational journey that prepares you for a successful career in medical imaging. In two years of part-time and online study, you’ll extend your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of ultrasound imaging health trends.
In your first year, you’ll study ultrasound physics and instrumentation, gaining critical insights into the technology that underpins sonography. Explore professional issues for sonographers, preparing you for the ethical and practical challenges of the profession. Learn all about abdominal sonography as well as the how-to for examining surface structures.
Expand your knowledge further in your second year, with specialised courses in musculoskeletal, obstetric, gynaecologic and vascular sonography. These subjects expose you to diverse applications of ultrasound technology in different medical fields.
A key component of the program is the clinical sonography portfolio. Here, you’ll demonstrate your clinical experience. This is conducted under the guidance of accredited professionals.
You’ll learn to perform ultrasound scans effectively and develop a deep understanding of anatomy, pathology and the ethical considerations in patient care. You’ll graduate prepared to make significant contributions to healthcare.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 12 units for Core courses, and
- 36 units for Work integrated learning
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Professional Issues for Sonographers
|
Course code
RADI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
|
Course code
RADI5007
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. Students must successfully complete the four year 1 courses prior to enrolling in the remainder of the program.
2. 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. Students will be required to submit evidence at prescribed milestones set by the Program Director.
3. At the completion of year 2 courses, students must submit a Clinical Progress Report.
4. Students must provide evidence that they have a supervised external training position for the duration of their second year of study. For all domestic students and for international students training in Australia, supervision must be provided by a sonographer(s) registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry.
5. Participation is required in clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
6. The program is offered on a part-time basis over a minimum of 2 years, and only by external delivery.
7. Applicants are advised that the program requires the completion of 2200 hours of supervised ultrasound experience. Applicants are responsible for organising their own training position in an ultrasound department in order to acquire the scanning experience.
8. Students who cannot maintain their training position throughout their enrolment will be offered to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography Principles and Theory (General). The Graduate Certificate exit award will NOT provide the student with ASAR accreditation.
Program core - 1. Credit will be given for RADI5007 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.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Professional Issues for Sonographers
|
Course code
RADI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
|
Course code
RADI5007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Superficial Parts Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Abdominal Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5004
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Vascular Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Obstetric and Gynaecologic Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Clinical Sonography Portfolio
|
Course code
RADI5019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musculoskeletal Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5020
|
Units
6
|
Complete 36 units comprising:
- 36 units for all Work integrated learning
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Abdominal Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Vascular Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Obstetric and Gynaecologic Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Superficial Parts Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Sonography Portfolio
|
Course code
RADI5019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Musculoskeletal Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5020
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. Students must successfully complete the four year 1 courses prior to enrolling in the remainder of the program.
2. 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. Students will be required to submit evidence at prescribed milestones set by the Program Director.
3. At the completion of year 2 courses, students must submit a Clinical Progress Report.
4. Students must provide evidence that they have a supervised external training position for the duration of their second year of study. For all domestic students and for international students training in Australia, supervision must be provided by a sonographer(s) registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry.
5. Participation is required in clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
6. The program is offered on a part-time basis over a minimum of 2 years, and only by external delivery.
7. Applicants are advised that the program requires the completion of 2200 hours of supervised ultrasound experience. Applicants are responsible for organising their own training position in an ultrasound department in order to acquire the scanning experience.
8. Students who cannot maintain their training position throughout their enrolment will be offered to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography Principles and Theory (General). The Graduate Certificate exit award will NOT provide the student with ASAR accreditation.
Work integrated learning - 1. Students must have completed at least 2000 hours of clinical sonography experience and at least 2 Clinical Progress Reports to enrol in RADI5019.
2. For RADI5019 all students must attend a compulsory OSCE examination on campus in Adelaide.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Issues for Sonographers
|
Course code
RADI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
|
Course code
RADI5007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Superficial Parts Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Abdominal Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5004
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Vascular Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Obstetric and Gynaecologic Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Clinical Sonography Portfolio
|
Course code
RADI5019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musculoskeletal Sonography
|
Course code
RADI5020
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
With the increasing need for skilled sonographers, there are numerous ways to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare sector. You could be a sonographer in a fast-paced hospital. You might work in a private imaging clinic, where your expertise will be essential in conducting scans and collaborating with physicians. Perhaps you’ll join a research institution, contributing to innovative new techniques in diagnostic imaging.
You could also work in:
- Community imaging centres.
- Public health departments.
- Academic and training organisations.
- Health services in rural areas.
- Remote assessment services.
You can also go directly on to a Master of Medical Sonography, using your credits to fast-track your graduation.
Industry trends
Ultrasound's non-invasive and radiation-free nature makes it a highly appealing diagnostic tool. The global ultrasound equipment market is expected to reach USD 17.55 billion by 2032, meaning it will experience significant growth (Fortune Business Insights).
The demand for skilled medical sonographers is also on the rise, driven by a national shortage (ASA Workforce Shortage). This opens promising career opportunities across the healthcare sector. Whether in hospitals, private clinics or academic institutions, your expertise will be sought after.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Graduates are eligible to apply to ASAR to become a registered Medical Sonographer under the category of General Sonographer.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
