Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac)

This degree is the only one of its kind in South Australia, and UniSA is the only university in Australia to offer a full suite of accredited postgraduate sonography degrees.

We have a well-established history of teaching sonography and are recognised both nationally and internationally for our sonography specialisations.

Benefit from the flexibility that comes with online learning - we offer accessible digital learning facilities and dedicated support staff who are with you every step of the way. Together with practicing teaching staff who are experts in their field, you are assured the very best in academic resources, learning facilities and support.

Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia, with 100 per cent of our assessed research rated as world-class or above.1 We are fast becoming a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors that will drive Australia's future, such as health and biomedicine. It's a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.

Through a range of assessments and practical experience, you will develop the knowledge, clinical skills, critical thinking and analytical skills to practice as a medical cardiac sonographer.

You will graduate with the ability to apply theoretical principles, logical thinking and critical reasoning to arrive at a provisional diagnosis and a list of differential diagnoses, and the competence to respond to the current and evolving healthcare needs of the multifaceted community both within Australia and internationally.

You will learn:

• Anatomy and embryology of the cardiovascular system
• Physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system
• Development of an appropriate imaging strategy for safe and confident completion of cardiac ultrasound examinations in a clinical environment
• Haemodynamic principles and calculations for estimation of cardiac pressures
• Congenital heart disease (including imaging in the pre and post-surgical patient)
• Advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practice autonomously and responsibly with expert judgement and adaptability as an accredited cardiac medical sonographer, as described in the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) Program Accreditation Guidelines.

There is a current shortage of specialised sonographers in Australia and New Zealand.1 Sonographers require highly developed technical skills and a strong understanding of health science, physics, anatomy and pathology for examination of the heart. As a graduate, you can find work as an accredited medical sonographer in metropolitan, rural and remote locations, across settings including:

• private and public medical imaging departments
• specialist areas including cardiac laboratories and cardiology practices
• hospitals
• tertiary education providers.

1Parliament of Australia, Diagnostic imaging workforce.