Sonographer Careers in Australia

Can I get a job in medical ultrasound in Australia if I do a Zedu course?

While Zedu delivers high quality theoretical knowledge and practical scanning skills that you can use immediately in the workplace, we can’t give you the qualifications you need to practise as a sonographer in Australia.

To learn about sonography, you need to get a post-graduate Diploma of Medical Ultrasound which is a university qualification.

Does attending a Zedu course contribute towards attaining accreditation as a sonographer in Australia?

No. Australian universities that offer medical ultrasound training courses such as a sonography course will not recognise the skills and knowledge gained through attendance at one of our courses for the purposes of gaining entry into a post-graduate Diploma of Medical Ultrasound.

Zedu POCUS courses are recognised by the relevant professional medical colleges for the purposes of continuing medical education (CME) or continuing professional development (CPD).

I want a career as a sonographer in Australia – how do I start?

In order to be a sonographer in Australia, you must attain the post-graduate Diploma of Medical Ultrasound.

To gain entry to a recognised post-graduate diploma course, you must have attained an undergraduate Degree in Applied Science or its equivalent. Most commonly the undergraduate degree is specific to Medical Radiation Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, or Radiotherapy. However, other science degrees may include for example Biomedical Science, Physiotherapy and Nursing.

Note:

• If you are an overseas qualified sonographer or doctor your qualification is assessed by the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT)

In addition, to be accepted into a post-graduate diploma course by any Australian university you must provide evidence to the relevant institution that you have secured a clinical medical ultrasound training position with an Australian medical ultrasound service provider equivalent to 0.6 full-time equivalents (FTE) (minimum).

Overseas candidates must ensure that the relevant working visa requirements are met. For more information on the visa application process go to:

• The Department of Immigration and Citizenship
• Jobaroo

Information regarding all aspects of the medical ultrasound programmes is available directly from the relevant University (see below).

Where can I study medical ultrasound in Australia?

Medical ultrasound programs are available at universities in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

Educational institutions currently offering accredited post-graduate programs in medical ultrasound in Australia are listed and accredited by the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). The entrance requirements will differ between institutions, so contacting your preferred educational body directly is highly recommended.

For information on accreditation and a current list of accredited programs offered in Australia, please view the website of the ASAR.

I am a qualified sonographer – how can I work in Australia?

In order to be able to work as a sonographer in Australia, you must get your qualifications and experience recognised in Australia and obtain the relevant visa.

There are two regulatory bodies that Sonographers need to receive accreditation from before coming to work in Australia — Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) and the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).

During their accreditation process, the ASMIRT will assess your undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications, your clinical experience, and your level of English proficiency. This process can take up to four months, so it is advised that you contact AIR sometime prior to your anticipated date of arrival in Australia. Once you have had your qualifications and experience recognised with ASAR, you will be able to work as a Sonographer in all Australian States and Territories.

Note: the AIR usually requires applicants to provide original copies of their qualifications (sometimes with course transcripts included), together with English translations if they were obtained in a non-English speaking country. If you are an overseas qualified doctor equivalency of your qualification is assessed by ASMIRT.

For more information on the visa application process go to:

• The Department of Immigration and Citizenship
• Jobaroo

Useful links for sonographers seeking jobs in Australia

• Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT)
• Australian Orthoptic Board (AOB)
• Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR)
• Australian Sonographers Association (ASA)
• Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM)
• The Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand (CSANZ)
• Health Staff Recruitment
• RSG Australia