Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac)

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

Online

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

3 year(s) part-time only (no full-time option)

Program code

MAMSC

Study as

Part-time only (no full-time option)

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth supported

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Professional Practice

Current registration as a Cardiac Sonographer with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (or overseas equivalent, where accreditation was awarded following completion of a recognised degree)

Higher Education Study

Complete a letter of support confirming a training position within an ultrasound department or cardiac laboratory that will be supervised by an accredited medical sonographer who is registered with ASAR (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry) or who has an equivalent registration. Applicants who are not already registered with ASAR as a cardiac sonographer are advised that the program requires the completion of 2000 supervised clinical cardiac sonography experiences across various pathologies. Applicants are responsible for organising and maintaining an ongoing training position to acquire the requisite experience. Progression through the program is conditional upon meeting prescribed milestones.

AND

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) degree or higher from a recognised higher education institution in one of the approved Fields of Education (FOE);

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

Applicants with a qualification from a FOE not listed above may be considered on a case by case basis.

Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac)?

Picture yourself on the front line of cardiac healthcare. Using advanced medical imaging technology to enable early detection and treatment of life-threatening heart conditions.

Cardiac sonographers play a vital role in specialised healthcare teams. From guiding patients through cardiac exams to capturing vital images that cardiologists depend on, their skills are essential in improving heart health and saving lives.

Whether you’re working in a hospital, clinic or specialised cardiac centre, you’ll be a key figure in your community – transforming heart care and offering hope when it’s needed most.

Overview

In just three years of part-time, online study, you can complete a Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac) at Adelaide University. This degree sharpens your expertise in advanced clinical skills, focusing on the cardiovascular system, including the estimation of cardiac pressures and congenital heart disease.

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of health science, physics, anatomy, and pathology, all essential for examining the heart. The program combines theory with hands-on practice, including completing at least 2,000 supervised cardiac scans, ensuring you’re ready to excel in the field when you graduate.

You’ll gain critical thinking and analytical skills, and specialised knowledge to make impactful contributions to patient care and research in cardiac sonography.

Your career opportunities are wide-ranging and impactful. Whether you’re working in a public or private hospital, a leading research institution, or a private cardiac clinic, you’ll play a crucial role in diagnosing and caring for patients.

Key features

Take specialised courses covering all aspects of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, embryology and pathology.
Hone your technical skills through completing 2000 supervised cardiac scans.
Explore other areas of interest with electives in management, ethics and more.
Learn from world-class researchers and experienced medical sonography professionals.
Study this part-time degree online.
Develop advanced research skills, preparing you for a future research pathway.

What you'll learn

When you study the Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac) at Adelaide University, you’ll master the core principles of ultrasound technology, with a focus on the cardiovascular system.

This program will equip you with the advanced clinical and research skills needed to excel in the fast-paced field of cardiac sonography.

Over three years of part-time, online study, you’ll learn how to use ultrasound equipment to examine the heart and blood vessels. You’ll start with core courses like ultrasound physics and instrumentation, and cardiovascular anatomy and embryology.

As you progress, you’ll take specialised courses such as advanced cardiac haemodynamics and clinical applications of echocardiography.

You can further tailor your studies with electives to fit your career goals - whether in clinical practice, research, or leadership roles.

Options include:

Health ethics
Research for advancing healthcare
Project management for business.

Practical experience is key in this program. You’ll complete supervised cardiac scanning and real-world clinical training helping you to apply what you’ve learnt in busy healthcare settings.

Learn from world-class researchers and skilled sonography experts through online discussion forums and virtual classrooms. These interactive sessions not only help you gain valuable knowledge but also connect you with industry professionals, building important networks for your future career.

The combination of theory, hands-on learning and specialised electives, ensures you’ll graduate ready to make a significant impact in the field of cardiac sonography.

This degree can be studied mostly online, however it may also have some on-campus and/or in-person requirements you will need to complete for accreditation purposes. This may include in-person intensive classes, workshops or professional placements.

What courses you'll study

Complete 72 units comprising:

18 units for Core courses, and
36 units for all Work integrated learning, and
18 units for Electives

Complete 18 units comprising:

12 units for all Core courses, and
6 units from Core selectives

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

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Allied Health Research Evidence Translation	Course code REHB5003	Units 6
	Course name Research Design and Development	Course code HLTH6002	Units 6

Notes

1. Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac) from Adelaide University (or equivalent) will be granted 48 units of credit and will commence the program from level 3.

2. Students must maintain a clinical experience logbook which documents a minimum of 2000 examinations of supervised cardiac 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. Participation is required in clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

4. The program is offered on a part-time basis over a minimum of 3 years, and is offered only by external delivery.

5. 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 (Cardiovascular). The Graduate Certificate exit award will NOT provide the student with ASAR accreditation.
Core courses - 1. Credit will be given for RADI5007 - Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation 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 year 1 courses prior to enrolling in the remainder of the program.

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Professional Issues for Sonographers	Course code RADI5006	Units 6
	Course name Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology	Course code RADI5026	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation	Course code RADI5007	Units 6
	Course name Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology	Course code HLTH5902	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Advanced Cardiac Haemodynamics	Course code HLTH5900	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Applications of Echocardiography	Course code RADI5013	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Advanced Cardiac Pathology	Course code RADI5009	Units 6
	Course name Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio	Course code RADI5011	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Advanced Cardiac Pathology	Course code RADI5009	Units 6
Course name Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio	Course code RADI5011	Units 6
Course name Clinical Applications of Echocardiography	Course code RADI5013	Units 6
Course name Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology	Course code RADI5026	Units 6
Course name Advanced Cardiac Haemodynamics	Course code HLTH5900	Units 6
Course name Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology	Course code HLTH5902	Units 6

Notes

1. Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac) from Adelaide University (or equivalent) will be granted 48 units of credit and will commence the program from level 3.

2. Students must maintain a clinical experience logbook which documents a minimum of 2000 examinations of supervised cardiac 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. Participation is required in clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

4. The program is offered on a part-time basis over a minimum of 3 years, and is offered only by external delivery.

5. 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 (Cardiovascular). The Graduate Certificate exit award will NOT provide the student with ASAR accreditation.
1. Advanced Cardiac Pathology - RADI5009, Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio - RADI5011, Clinical Applications of Echocardiography - RADI5013, Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology - RADI5026: Students must provide evidence that they have a supervised external training position for the duration of these courses. 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 (ASAR). Participation is required in clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.At the completion of these courses, students must submit a Clinical Progress Report (except RADI5011)

2. Students must have completed at least 1800 clinical cardiac ultrasound examinations and at least 2 Clinical Progress Reports to enrol in Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio - RADI5011. For this course 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 Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology	Course code RADI5026	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation	Course code RADI5007	Units 6
	Course name Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology	Course code HLTH5902	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Advanced Cardiac Haemodynamics	Course code HLTH5900	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Applications of Echocardiography	Course code RADI5013	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Advanced Cardiac Pathology	Course code RADI5009	Units 6
	Course name Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio	Course code RADI5011	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 18 units comprising:

18 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Fundamentals of Business Analytics	Course code BUSI6022	Units 6
Course name Health Ethics	Course code HLTH5000	Units 6
Course name People, Leadership and Organisational Performance	Course code HRES5002	Units 6
Course name Talent Acquisition and Development	Course code HRES5003	Units 6
Course name Managing Employee Performance and Rewards	Course code HRES5004	Units 6
Course name Managing Organisational Development and Change	Course code HRES5008	Units 6
Course name Quantitative Design for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research	Course code NURS5028	Units 6
Course name Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care	Course code NURS5029	Units 12
Course name Project Management Fundamentals	Course code PROJX500	Units 6

Notes

1. Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac) from Adelaide University (or equivalent) will be granted 48 units of credit and will commence the program from level 3.

2. Students must maintain a clinical experience logbook which documents a minimum of 2000 examinations of supervised cardiac 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. Participation is required in clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

4. The program is offered on a part-time basis over a minimum of 3 years, and is offered only by external delivery.

5. 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 (Cardiovascular). The Graduate Certificate exit award will NOT provide the student with ASAR accreditation.

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Professional Issues for Sonographers	Course code RADI5006	Units 6
	Course name Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology	Course code RADI5026	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation	Course code RADI5007	Units 6
	Course name Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology	Course code HLTH5902	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Advanced Cardiac Haemodynamics	Course code HLTH5900	Units 6
	Course name Clinical Applications of Echocardiography	Course code RADI5013	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Advanced Cardiac Pathology	Course code RADI5009	Units 6
	Course name Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio	Course code RADI5011	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Career outcomes

After graduating, you might find yourself working as a cardiac sonographer in a major hospital, using advanced ultrasound technology to assess heart health and provide vital information for patient care. You may take on a role in a cardiology practice or cardiac laboratory, where you’ll perform detailed heart scans, explain procedures to patients, and work closely with cardiologists to develop treatment plans. Or you could contribute to education as a trainer in a tertiary institution, helping to shape the next generation of sonographers.

Your career options are diverse, with opportunities to work in:

Cardiac outpatient imaging centres
Heart research institutions
Educational and training facilities for healthcare professionals
Rural and remote healthcare services focused on cardiac care
Remote diagnostic services providing specialised heart imaging
Government health departments and agencies dedicated to cardiovascular health.

As a cardiac sonographer, you'll be at the heart of patient care, using your skills to reveal the vital details that drive life-saving decisions.

Industry trends

Australia faces a severe shortage of sonographers, especially in specialised fields like cardiac sonography. The Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA Skills Priority List) reports that 96% of employers are struggling to fill positions, particularly in regional and rural areas.

The demand for imaging services - driven by an ageing population and rising chronic diseases - is growing rapidly but the supply of trained professionals has not kept pace, worsening the shortage.

There’s also a global rise in the need for sonography services, including cardiac sonography. This surge is driven by advancements in technology and the increasing demand for non-invasive diagnostic procedures.

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Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac)