Master of Medical Ultrasound

Course code: 3433 + Course abbreviation: MMedUS + Total credit points required: 72 + 6 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Clayton – P/T only)

Course description

This course is offered by the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. The course is directed towards health care professionals who wish to develop proficiency in the provision of medical ultrasound and further training in the area of medical ultrasound research. Completion of the course entitles the graduate to be accredited by the Australasian Sonographers Accreditation Registry.

The course encourages students to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of embryology, anatomy and pathophysiology as a solid foundation to ultrasound methodology. The areas of practice covered include abdominal, breast, thyroid, reproductive, obstetrics, musculoskeletal, paediatric and vascular ultrasound. The final year of the course is designed to prepare a trainee for a research career, and so meet the increasing demands of the workplace for multi-skilled sonographers. Students who leave the course after successfully completing the first four specific units are eligible to receive a graduate certificate and after completing eight specific units are eligible to receive a graduate diploma.

Course objectives

On completion of the Master of Medical Ultrasound graduates should be able to: 1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts underpinning ultrasound modes including B Mode, Pulsed and Continuous Wave, Colour and Power Doppler, tissue harmonic imaging, digital image processing and 3-D imaging; 2. select the optimum sonographic imaging system, transducers and technical factors implement the scanning method(s) required for the production of excellent diagnostic sonographic images consistent with the medical indications for the examination, taking into consideration patient status; 3. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the potential biological consequences of ultrasound, and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sonographic instrumentation, optimisation of instrumentation and quality assurance; 4. critically evaluate sonographic scan appearances and images in terms of technical parameter optimisation, image quality, scan positioning, anatomy and pathological processes; 5. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of professional ethics, guidelines and standards for the conduct of clinical ultrasound, medico-legal issues, patient care, infection control, and professional communication; 6. demonstrate knowledge of embryology, gross and cross-sectional anatomy and pathophysiology as it relates to sonographic abdominal imaging, sonographic imaging of the reproductive; 7. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of biopsy techniques and the application of Information Technology in the field of medical ultrasound; 8. communicate to the professional and lay community an understanding of the wider applications of sonography in the diagnosis of disease; 9. perform sonographic examinations of the abdomen, reproductive systems, musculoskeletal system and thyroid as well as obstetric sonographic examinations and participate in neonatal and paediatric sonographic examinations and vascular sonography;10. implement and monitor relevant quality assurance programs; and 11. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning scientific research and their application to complete a small scale research project.

Course structure

The course consists of 10 units as follows.

Year one

Semester 1

SON4000 Physics of medical ultrasound and instrumentation
SON4010 Embryology, anatomy and pathophysiology

Semester 2

SON4020 Sonographic professional skills and sonography of the breast and thyroid
SON4021 Sonographic abdominal imaging

Year two

Semester 1

SON4022 Sonographic imaging of the reproductive system
SON4023 Obstetric sonography

Semester 2

SON4024 Musculoskeletal, neonatal and paediatric sonography
SON4025 Sonographic vascular and postoperative imaging

Year three

Semester 1

MFM2006R Introduction to research methods

Semester 2

SON5000 Ultrasound research

Assessment

Assessment includes written assignments, theory and image recognition exams, clinical skills examinations, research reports and presentations.

Contact details

School of Biomedical Sciences Office: telephone: +61 3 9905 8635; email: radiation.sciences@med.monash.edu.au or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/radiography/postgrad/

Course coordinator

Mr Paul Lombardo

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