The course is suitable for radiographers, midwives, nurses and doctors. So if you're a qualified professional wanting to extend your expertise into ultrasound scanning, imaging and interpretation of diagnostic ultrasound images, this course could be for you. You'll gain the core skills of a sonographer from practising professionals. The course is also open to anyone with a health-based or science degree and an agreed clinical placement.

Ultrasound is used as a first-line investigation, in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease and pathology having a great input into patient care and management. Sonographers work mainly in Radiology and ante-natal departments but also in community settings. Sonographers scan patients/clients with a variety of diseases and conditions and, under departmental protocols, produce a written report on the scan which they have performed.

What's covered in the course?

As a student on this course you will develop the core skills of a sonographer including, patient care and communication; technical skills, including scanning and use of equipment; clinical knowledge to make an accurate diagnosis and reporting skills. You will be taught by practising sonographers to further enhance your skills professionally, personally and practically.

A variety of learning and teaching methods will be used for your development into a technically competent, caring and knowledgeable sonographer. These skills will be developed in the classroom, by self-study, e-learning, on ultrasound simulators and on real patients in the clinical setting. Embedded into our teaching is to respect diversity, ensure equality and to apply a sound understanding of legal, ethical and professional issues to positively impact on care scenarios and delivery.

Employment opportunities

Health care professionals with a Medical Ultrasound degree are in great demand to work as sonographers and you will also be able to extend the scope of your current practice by incorporating expertise in sonography.

There is a severe shortage of sonographers. Sonography is an expanding field, with a steady increase in examinations requested year by year therefore you should have no difficulty in finding work as a qualified sonographer.

You would be able to work as a sonographer in a range of clinical specialities such as general abdominal, obstetrics, gynaecology and vascular studies, plus other clinical settings such as hospitals, health clinics and GP surgeries.