Overview
This graduate clinical unit builds on the sonographic skills, knowledge and attitudes developed during Medical Sonography Clinical Course 3. You will perform diagnostic scans to meet the ASA Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer. You will evaluate findings to formulate a differential diagnosis and initiate further investigation when appropriate. You will apply appropriate professional and interpersonal skills to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and requirements for external professional accreditation.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
MEDS20002 Medical Sonography Clinical Course 3, which must have been successfully completed within the last twelve months. Should this time limit have elapsed the student must successfully complete a skills assessment or a period of skills revision review as determined by the discipline lead or designate. prerequisite
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2017
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from AIMS
An AUER for this unit has been presented and signed off in 2016.
This unit was kept open for one student repeating. The new unit ran with the new student cohort. No additional feedback needed for this 2016 offering.
- Perform diagnostic scans to meet the ASA Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer.
- Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocol to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge.
- Apply appropriate professional and interpersonal skills to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and requirements for external professional accreditation.
Australasian Sonography Association Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer
Units 1-5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
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1 | 2 | 3 | |
1 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||
2 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||
3 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||
4 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||
5 - Portfolio - 0% | |||
6 - Off-campus Activity - 0% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | |
1 - Knowledge | |||
2 - Communication | |||
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||
4 - Research | |||
5 - Self-management | |||
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||
7 - Leadership | |||
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
1 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||
2 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||
3 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||
4 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||
5 - Portfolio - 0% | ||||||||
6 - Off-campus Activity - 0% |
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
There are no required textbooks.
Note: To assist you on clinical placement you will need access to textbooks previously purchased whilst studying the medical sonography course- particularly books purchased for any unit with the MEDS prefix.These textbooks will be useful as they will enable you to revise sonographic pathophysiology, ultrasound physics, human anatomy and aspects of sonography practice. Clinical supervisors are encouraged to ask students questions about sonographic knowledge, skill and appropriate professional behaviour. They may ask you to research an aspect of sonographic practice related to a case seen on clinical placement. To do this well you will need your textbooks at hand.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom Meetings
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.wardle@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
This is week 2 of the placement.
Zoom session
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to the unit Moodle site for detailed assessment due dates and schedule information, as this clinical unit occurs outside of standard University term dates. The clinical placement component of this unit runs from Monday 3rd July to Friday 20th October 2017 inclusive or as otherwise agreed with the unit coordinator. Students should be aware that they are required to attend their campus of enrolment for the objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) for the WHOLE WEEK 23-27October 2017
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can enter this as 8 hours on your clinical attendance form.
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Assessment items (excluding OSCEs) are due on Monday 16th October at 10:00 AM AEST. Any students who have negotiated to extend
placement dates will be eligible to apply for assessment extensions through Moodle.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
October 23-27.
Students should be aware that they are required to attend their campus of enrolment for the objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) and any re-sits for the WHOLE WEEK (23-27 October 2016)
All practical assessment forms should be submitted prior to the OSCE.
Practical Assessment 1 Due: Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Practical Assessment 2 Due: Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Practical Assessment 3 Due: Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Global assessment of professional attributes Due: Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Clinical Case Log and Objective Structured Clinical Examination- OSCE Due: Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Clinical Attendance Due: Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
The unit coordinator for this unit is: Jane Wardle. I can be contacted on: 07 3023 4200 or j.wardle@cqu.edu.au Please be aware that in my role as clinical academic I travel to visit clinical sites frequently. The best way to contact me is by email.
The rest of the clinical placement team are an integral part of the staffing of this course. They are Rebecca Armstrong and Michael Borg, and the clinical placement officers, Vanessa Henderson,and Kathleen Mossemenear.The clinical placement team contact details are on the course Moodle site.
This clinical unit builds on the sonographic knowledge, skills and attributes developed during clinical course 3. You will perform medical diagnostic ultrasound examinations to meet the standards of the 'Australasian Sonographers Association Competency Guidelines for a Graduate Entry-Level Sonographer'. You will evaluate findings to formulate a differential diagnosis and suggest further investigation where appropriate. You will engage with your clinical supervisor in a critical appraisal of your professional behavior and you will apply appropriate professional and interpersonal skills to sonographic practice in accordance with Central Queensland University postgraduate attributes and requirements for external professional accreditation by Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry.
There are no specified texts for this unit. Students are expected to consult texts used in previous courses to enhance their knowledge and understanding during this clinical unit.
This unit requires you to attend a sixteen (16)-week clinical placement, to a minimum of 640 hours, from 3rd of July to 20th of October inclusive or as otherwise agreed with the unit coordinator. You must also attend your campus of enrolment for the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) from 23-27 October 2017.
This unit, and associated placement, extends beyond the standard University term dates. Please refer to the course Moodle site for further course and assessment information. You will have been allocated a specific clinical facility (or facilities) to attend for the placement. You must attend your allocated clinical placement for the entirety of each working day, including the last day of placement, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed by both the unit coordinator and clinical supervisor. Please note that there maybe public holidays during your clinical placement. These can be entered as 8 hours on your clinical attendance form and do not need to be 'made up'. Please advise the unit coordinator if you need to extend your placement end date in order to complete unit requirements. Any students who have negotiated to extend placement dates will be eligible to apply for assessment extensions by email to the unit coordinator. If you are experiencing difficulty meeting unit assessment requirements please contact the unit coordinator. You will require regular internet access, word processing and document scanning technology in order to complete assessment requirements. Most clinical sites do not provide computer or internet access so it is your responsibility to provide your own.
Please note this important information from the University Assessment of Coursework Procedures. 3.2.6 This is a non-graded (pass/fail) course. All coursework must be submitted by the due date, as there is no opportunity to apply a 5% penalty due to the pass/fail nature of the assessment tasks. A student who fails any assessment in a pass/fail course or a pass/fail component of a graded course will be deemed to have failed that course.
1 Practical Assessment
For this clinical placement you must complete practical assessments in any three (3) of the following six (6) domains of practice: vascular (carotid), superficial structure (thyroid or testes), breast (female), musculoskeletal (shoulder), abdomen, obstetric (18-22 week) morphology studies. Each of the practical assessments 1-3 relate to competency in the three domains of practice which you challenge in this clinical placement.
To graduate as a medical sonographer (general) you must achieve entry-level competence in each of the six domains of practice identified by the external accreditation body, the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry.
This assessment task measures your overall aptitude and competence in completing an ultrasound examination in one of these six domains of practice. The required levels of competency are:
- vascular (carotid) to competency level,
- superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level,
- breast (female) to competency level,
- musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level,
- abdomen to competency level,
- obstetric (18-22 week) morphology to advanced beginner competency level.
For this practical assessment chose one of the domains of practice above. Then complete a practical test in this domain of practice to achieve the appropriate competency level as stated above. This task will be assessed by your clinical supervisor, or a delegate sonographer using the standardised form provided. . These forms are available in the assessment block in the unit Moodle site. A copy has been emailed to your clinical site but it is advisable to provide a printed copy to your clinical supervisor at the commencement of your placement.
Please print this form and read it carefully so you understand the criteria against which your sonographic skill, and relevant theoretical knowledge, will be evaluated.
Discuss the best time to complete this assessment with your clinical supervisor. After the assessment ask for feedback so you can focus your efforts at improvement in the areas mentioned by your supervisor. If you do not meet the required standard on your first attempt, you must seek detailed feedback from your assessor so you can develop a strategy to improve your performance. You should share your plan for improvement with your assessor. You may then repeat this assessment and must achieve the required level. Your clinical supervisor must complete and sign the assessment form before you submit it through the assessment block in the unit Moodle site.
In this assessment you will demonstrate your ability to carry out all tasks of the ultrasound examination with minimal intervention, guidance or correction by the assessor. The assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block.
You are permitted two attempts to complete this assessment task
Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Due on Monday 16th October 2017 at 10:00 AEST. The completed practical assessment form must be uploaded by online submission through the course Moodle site. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your placement. Any students whose clinical placement dates have been negotiated to extend beyond these due dates will be eligible to apply for an extension to the unit coordinator.
Performance assessments will be collated by the unit coordinator following completion of the assessment. Feedback will be provided to you by your clinical supervisor following completion of the assessment. If assessment conditions are not met the unit coordinator will follow up.
The assessment criteria will address the following areas of your performance in one of six domains of practice:
- Occupational health and safety including ergonomics.
- Accurate documentation and communication of findings.
- Ability to recognise the need to and extend the clinical examination where appropriate.
- Recognition and understanding of the relevant anatomy and pathology demonstrated.
- Interrogation of anatomy and acquisition of relevant images to demonstrate diagnostic sufficiency and completeness of information contained.
- Knowledge of instrumentation including optimisation of survey and images through appropriate selection of parameters and technique.
- Pre-scan, scan and post-scan preparation and tasks.
- Patient care and communication.
The required levels of competency are:
- vascular (carotid) to competency level
- superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level
- breast (female) to competency level
- musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level
- abdomen to competency level,
- obstetric (18-22 week) morphology to advanced beginner competency level.
To achieve a level of 'competent', you must attain a minimum of eighteen (18) scores of 4, and no scores of 1 or 2. To achieve a level of 'advanced beginner' (obstetric scan only) you must attain a minimum of eighteen (18) scores of 3, and no scores of 1
- Perform diagnostic scans to meet the ASA Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer.
- Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocol to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Practical Assessment
For this clinical placement you must complete practical assessments in any three (3) of the following six (6) domains of practice: vascular (carotid), superficial structure (thyroid or testes), breast (female), musculoskeletal (shoulder), abdomen, obstetric (18-22 week) morphology studies. Each of the practical assessments 1-3 relate to competency in the three domains of practice which you challenge in this clinical placement.
To graduate as a medical sonographer (general) you must achieve entry-level competence in each of the six domains of practice identified by the external accreditation body, the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry.
This assessment task measures your overall aptitude and competence in completing an ultrasound examination in one of these six domains of practice. The required levels of competency are:
- vascular (carotid) to competency level,
- superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level,
- breast (female) to competency level,
- musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level,
- abdomen to competency level,
- obstetric (18-22 week) morphology to advanced beginner competency level.
For this practical assessment chose one of the domains of practice above. Then complete a practical test in this domain of practice to achieve the appropriate competency level as stated above. This task will be assessed by your clinical supervisor, or a delegate sonographer using the standardised form provided. . These forms are available in the assessment block in the unit Moodle site. A copy has been emailed to your clinical site but it is advisable to provide a printed copy to your clinical supervisor at the commencement of your placement.
Please print this form and read it carefully so you understand the criteria against which your sonographic skill, and relevant theoretical knowledge, will be evaluated.
Discuss the best time to complete this assessment with your clinical supervisor. After the assessment ask for feedback so you can focus your efforts at improvement in the areas mentioned by your supervisor. If you do not meet the required standard on your first attempt, you must seek detailed feedback from your assessor so you can develop a strategy to improve your performance. You should share your plan for improvement with your assessor. You may then repeat this assessment and must achieve the required level. Your clinical supervisor must complete and sign the assessment form before you submit it through the assessment block in the unit Moodle site.
In this assessment you will demonstrate your ability to carry out all tasks of the ultrasound examination with minimal intervention, guidance or correction by the assessor. The assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block.
You are permitted two attempts to complete this assessment task
Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Due on Monday 16th October 2107 10:00 AEST. To be uploaded through online submission in Moodle. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your competency. Any students whose clinical placement dates have been negotiated to extend beyond this due date will be eligible to apply for an extension to the unit coordinator.
Performance assessments will be collated by the unit coordinator. Feedback will be provided to you by your clinical supervisor following completion of the assessment. If the conditions to pass are not met the unit coordinator will follow up.
The assessment criteria will address the following areas of your performance in one of six domains of practice:
- Occupational health and safety including ergonomics.
- Accurate documentation and communication of findings.
- Ability to recognise the need to and extend the clinical examination where appropriate.
- Recognition and understanding of the relevant anatomy and pathology demonstrated.
- Interrogation of anatomy and acquisition of relevant images to demonstrate diagnostic sufficiency and completeness of information contained.
- Knowledge of instrumentation including optimisation of survey and images through appropriate selection of parameters and technique.
- Pre-scan, scan and post-scan preparation and tasks.
- Patient care and communication.
The required levels of competency are:
- vascular (carotid) to competency level
- superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level
- breast (female) to competency level
- musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level
- abdomen to competency level,
- obstetric (18-22 week) morphology to advanced beginner competency level.
To achieve a level of 'competent', you must attain a minimum of eighteen (18) scores of 4, and no scores of 1 or 2. To achieve a level of 'advanced beginner' (obstetric scan only) you must attain a minimum of eighteen (18) scores of 3, and no scores of 1
- Perform diagnostic scans to meet the ASA Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer.
- Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocol to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
3 Practical Assessment
For this clinical placement you must complete practical assessments in any three (3) of the following six (6) domains of practice: vascular (carotid), superficial structure (thyroid or testes), breast (female), musculoskeletal (shoulder), abdomen, obstetric (18-22 week) morphology studies. Each of the practical assessments 1-3 relate to competency in the three domains of practice which you challenge in this clinical placement.
To graduate as a medical sonographer (general) you must achieve entry-level competence in each of the six domains of practice identified by the external accreditation body, the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry.
This assessment task measures your overall aptitude and competence in completing an ultrasound examination in one of these six domains of practice. The required levels of competency are:
- vascular (carotid) to competency level,
- superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level,
- breast (female) to competency level,
- musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level,
- abdomen to competency level,
- obstetric (18-22 week) morphology to advanced beginner competency level.
For this practical assessment chose one of the domains of practice above. Then complete a practical test in this domain of practice to achieve the appropriate competency level as stated above. This task will be assessed by your clinical supervisor, or a delegate sonographer using the standardised form provided. . These forms are available in the assessment block in the unit Moodle site. A copy has been emailed to your clinical site but it is advisable to provide a printed copy to your clinical supervisor at the commencement of your placement.
Please print this form and read it carefully so you understand the criteria against which your sonographic skill, and relevant theoretical knowledge, will be evaluated.
Discuss the best time to complete this assessment with your clinical supervisor. After the assessment ask for feedback so you can focus your efforts at improvement in the areas mentioned by your supervisor. If you do not meet the required standard on your first attempt, you must seek detailed feedback from your assessor so you can develop a strategy to improve your performance. You should share your plan for improvement with your assessor. You may then repeat this assessment and must achieve the required level. Your clinical supervisor must complete and sign the assessment form before you submit it through the assessment block in the unit Moodle site.
In this assessment you will demonstrate your ability to carry out all tasks of the ultrasound examination with minimal intervention, guidance or correction by the assessor. The assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block.
You are permitted two attempts to complete this assessment task
Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Due on Monday 16th October 2017 at 10:00 AEST. The completed practical assessment form must be uploaded by online submission through the course Moodle site. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your placement. Any students whose clinical placement dates have been negotiated to extend beyond these due dates will be eligible to apply for an extension to the unit coordinator.
Performance assessments will be collated by the unit coordinator following completion of the assessment. Feedback will be provided to you by your clinical supervisor following completion of the assessment. If assessment conditions are not met the unit coordinator will follow up.
The assessment criteria will address the following areas of your performance in one of six domains of practice:
- Occupational health and safety including ergonomics.
- Accurate documentation and communication of findings.
- Ability to recognise the need to and extend the clinical examination where appropriate.
- Recognition and understanding of the relevant anatomy and pathology demonstrated.
- Interrogation of anatomy and acquisition of relevant images to demonstrate diagnostic sufficiency and completeness of information contained.
- Knowledge of instrumentation including optimisation of survey and images through appropriate selection of parameters and technique.
- Pre-scan, scan and post-scan preparation and tasks.
- Patient care and communication.
The required levels of competency are:
- vascular (carotid) to competency level
- superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level
- breast (female) to competency level
- musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level
- abdomen to competency level,
- obstetric (18-22 week) morphology to advanced beginner competency level.
To achieve a level of 'competent', you must attain a minimum of eighteen (18) scores of 4, and no scores of 1 or 2. To achieve a level of 'advanced beginner' (obstetric scan only) you must attain a minimum of eighteen (18) scores of 3, and no scores of 1
- Perform diagnostic scans to meet the ASA Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer.
- Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocol to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
4 Practical Assessment
Clinical placement occurs in the professional workplace. As a clinical student you are provided access to that workplace on the condition that you demonstrate behaviours and attributes of a healthcare professional and present a positive image to the clinical facility's staff and clients. As a student in the medical sonographer profession in Australia, you are required to be in consistent compliance with the Code of Conduct for Medical Sonographers.
Clinical sites mention professional behaviour, particularly team work and empathy, as paramount in their decision to employ a sonographer. This assessment considers your ability to communicate professionally with a diverse cultural audience of patients, staff and the general public, demonstrate professional respect for all, and function as a reliable, well organised member of the health team.
Your clinical supervisor, or delegate, will be working in the sonography area with you, directly observing your day-to-day performance, and/or obtaining feedback from supervising sonographers who are doing so. These observations and collected feedback relate to your demonstrated knowledge, skills and behaviours over a span of time, not limited to a particular scan type or patient case. The observations and feedback are then used to complete the Global Assessment of Professional Attributes (GAPA) form provided.
There are three main sections to the GAPA form:
- Section 1: initiative and communication
- Section 2: responsibility and demeanour
- Section 3: overall technical knowledge and skill
In each section there are multiple observable behaviours that you are required to demonstrate throughout your placement. Your assessor will score your performance based on how frequently and to what extent you demonstrate each of the listed behaviours.Your assessor is also encouraged to provide comments to expand on the scoring feedback. This assessment occurs twice during the placement. The first occurs at the mid-placement point, at the end of Week 6. The mid-placement GAPA assessment is formative, meaning its function is to provide you and your unit coordinator with formal documented feedback on your performance, but there are no minimum required scores related to your final grade. You are expected to use that feedback to reflect on your performance, develop an action plan to address any areas of performance that are not yet at the target level for this placement, and use the remaining weeks to achieve those targets. For any behaviour that you score well on at the mid-placement assessment, it is expected that you will continue to meet that level of performance or surpass it for the rest of the placement.
The second GAPA assessment occurs toward the end of Week 15, the second last week of the placement. The end-of-placement GAPA assessment is summative, in that its primary use is to evaluate and document your performance relative to the stated performance targets. The minimum required scores are listed in the Assessment Criteria section below. Your final overall grade in this assessment depends on where you stand relative to those performance targets.
The GAPA form and marking criteria is available in the assessment block in the unit Moodle site. A copy has been emailed to your clinical site but it is advisable to provide a printed copy to your clinical supervisor at the commencement of your placement. Please print this form and read it carefully so you understand the criteria against which your professional behaviour will be evaluated. Your clinical supervisor (or designated assessor) will meet with you after completing each assessment to discuss it with you. This is your opportunity to get clarification on any score or comment on the assessment. Once you have had that discussion, you both need to sign and date the assessment. You should complete a brief summary of the discussion. You need to ensure that each completed assessment form has all required documentation, including the name, dated signature and registration number of your assessor as well as your dated signature. Your supervisor will provide you with a copy of the completed assessment form. You will then scan it and upload the file into the unit Moodle site using the link provided.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you remind your clinical supervisor at least a week prior to the assessment that it needs to be done, and book a meeting with him/her toward the end of the week that the assessment is due.This gives your supervisor the opportunity to collect feedback and to designate an alternate assessor if he/she will not be available.
If there are extenuating circumstances at the clinical facility that prevent you from being assessed during the required weeks, you must contact the unit coordinator in a timely manner. This will require obtaining approval for an assessment extension. It is also your responsibility to ensure regular access to the technology needed to upload your assessment by the submission due dates. In the absence of an approved assessment extension, if you have not met all of the requirements listed in the Assessment Criteria section by the stated due dates, you will fail this assessment, and because this is a pass/fail course that means you will receive a Fail grade for the unit.
On occasion, clinical sites inform us of student behaviours which either: Compromise the reputation of the clinical site and/or the University, Compromise patient / staff safety and/or well-being. In these instances students are notified that they must cease attendance at the clinical site and discuss their position with the unit coordinator and discipline lead. This may result in student behavioural misconduct procedures in line with the CQUniversity Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedure.
Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
The mid-placement assessment must be completed and uploaded by Monday 7th August by 16:00 AEST. The end-of-placement assessment must be completed and uploaded by Monday 16th October 2017 04:00 PM AEST. Any students whose clinical placement dates have been negotiated to extend beyond these due dates will be eligible to apply for an extension to the unit coordinator.
Performance assessments will be collated by the unit coordinator. Feedback regarding the GAPA will be provided to you by your clinical supervisor following completion of the assessment. If assessment conditions are not met the unit coordinator will follow up.
The criteria for assessment are detailed on the GAPA form in the form of required behaviours and attributes. The assessor will use the stated 1 - 6 scale to indicate the frequency and extent to which you demonstrate each of those.The required behaviours and attributes are grouped into 3 sections, each with its own minimum required scores.
For Section 1: Initiative and Communication, which has nine required behaviours, the minimum required set of scores are:
- no more than 1 score of 'No or insufficient opportunity to assess' (NA),
- no scores of 1 or 2,
- no more than 1 score of 3, and
- the remainder of behaviours scored at 4 or higher.
For Section 2: Responsibility and Demeanour, which has ten required behaviours, the minimum required scores are:
- no more than 1 score of NA,
- no scores of 1, 2 or 3,
- no more than 4 scores of 4, and
- the remainder of behaviours scored at 5 or higher.
For Section 3: Overall Technical Knowledge and Skill, which has three required behaviours, the minimum required scores are:
- no scores of NA and
- all behaviours scored at 4 or higher
In order to achieve an overall grade of 'Pass' in this assessment task, you must:
- undergo both the mid-placement and end-of-placement assessments by the due dates listed,
- on the end-of-placement assessment, meet the minimum required scores in all three sections,
- ensure the documentation of each assessment is complete, and
- upload each completed assessment form into the unit Moodle site by the due date.
If minimum required scores in the mid-placement GAPA are not met, you will be regarded as a "Student At Risk". The unit co-ordinator will contact you to advise you of the risk of failing MEDS 20003 and provide formative feedback. You must respond to this email to show you understand the implications of this information and give details of your plans for immediate improvement. A phone call or visit will follow.
Review of your progress will be completed a short time after the mid placement one, at any time as requested by your supervisor or unit coordinator. Unsatisfactory scores at this second GAPA will result in a fail grade for MEDS20002
Occasionally student behaviour is beyond acceptable risk to clinical sites. Clinical supervisors contact CQUniversity academics immediately when that occurs. A GAPA assessment is requested at this time (which could be at any time during your placement). If the outcome of this GAPA is unsatisfactory, and/or the site feedback indicates that they can no longer host you due to the risk incurred, then this one GAPA alone, or site refusal to host, will constitute a fail of MEDS20002. Where such risk exists your placement will terminate immediately. It is difficult to place such students in the clinical environment again. Your continued progress within the sonography course may be at risk.
- Apply appropriate professional and interpersonal skills to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and requirements for external professional accreditation.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
5 Portfolio
Part 1: Clinical Case Log
The clinical logbook serves as a record of your depth and breadth of experience attained during the placement. It demonstrates the degree of progression of your skill development within and across examination type. You should analyse this record at regular intervals to assist in the formulation of learning goals that will support your achievement of the unit outcomes.
Each case will be categorised into one of the following areas: Abdomen (including renal), Superficial Parts (thyroid, testes, lumps / bumps, etc), Breast, Obstetrics (first, second or third trimester) & Gynaecology, Vascular (carotid, DVT or other) and Musculoskeletal. Each week of the logbook must be signed by your clinical site supervisor, radiologist, or a sonographer delegated by the clinical supervisor.
The clinical case logbook and further information on how to complete the logbook and minimum examination numbers required are available in the assessment block in the unit Moodle site. Copies have been emailed to your clinical site.
Please print these forms/information sheets and read them carefully so you understand the criteria against which your logbook will be evaluated.
You can submit 'outside clinical placement' log books dated between the end of year 4 term 1 placement and the commencement of year 4 term 2 placement.
The outside clinical placement logbook is available in the assessment block in the unit Moodle site.
Please note: The logbook must be verified (signed) by an ASAR accredited sonographer or a radiologist.
Details of either your insurance, or employment, must be entered onto the outside clinical placement logbook.
If you are located at a site which does not provide access to certain scans then it is possible to credit surplus log book numbers from MEDS20002 to MEDS20003. Please contact unit coordinator for permission.
Part 2: Objectice Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
This assessment task measures your ability to complete ultrasound examinations AND interpret images / patient data to formulate differential diagnoses in the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Superficial Parts
- Vascular (general)
- Obstetric & Gynaecology
- Breast (male or female)
- Musculoskeletal (shoulder)
This assessment task will be carried out at your campus of enrolment in review week from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th of October 2017. Students are to make themselves available on their campus of enrolment for the duration of OSCE week. You will demonstrate your ability to carry out each task in the examination to a level of competency or advanced beginner as appropriate. You will demonstrate knowledge of the sonographic appearance of pathology and pathognomonic signs and symptoms. You will be able to formulate differential diagnoses from a range of clinical information provided. It is recommended that you refresh your knowledge by undertaking revision of your sonographic-specific units as required. Please refer to the unit Moodle site for specific details regarding the assessment.
Any student who requires a resit should be aware that resit OSCE examinations will also be conducted during review week from Monday 23rd to 27th of October 2017.
All practical examinations will be video recorded for moderation purposes.
Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Due on Monday 16th October 2017 at 10:00 AEST. The completed log book must be uploaded by online submission through the course Moodle site. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your placement. Any students whose clinical placement dates have been negotiated to extend beyond these due dates will be eligible to apply for an extension to the unit coordinator. OSCEs to be conducted during the week of October 23rd -27th of October 2017..
Feedback will be provided to you by the examiner, or unit coordinator, following completion of the assessment.
You will pass this assessment if you achieve the following minimum numbers in your clinical case log by the conclusion of this clinical placement.
If you are located at a site which does not provide access to certain scans then it is possible to credit surplus log book numbers from MEDS20002 to MEDS20003. Please contact unit coordinator for permission.
- Perform diagnostic scans to meet the ASA Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer.
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
6 Off-campus Activity
It is expected that you attend 100% of the time during your 16 week clinical placement to achieve the minimum 640 hours (16 X 40 hours) of clinical attendance. All hours worked must be entered into the clinical attendance form. This form must be signed by your clinical supervisor, or a sonographer delegated this task by your clinical supervisor.
The clinical attendance form is available in the assessment block in the unit Moodle site. A copy has been emailed to your clinical site.
Please print this form and read it carefully so you understand the criteria against which your clinical attendance will be evaluated.
Public holidays are included as hours worked. You can log 8 hours worked for each public holiday. These do not need to be 'made up'.
Any time you are away from your clinical institution, you MUST supply a verifiable supporting document indicating why you have not attended. Both your clinical supervisor and the unit coordinator MUST be informed of any absences from your clinical placement. Any absence for part, or all of, a working day must be made up after, or during (e.g Saturday / evenings if available), the clinical placement.
You can submit 'outside clinical placement' hours if appropriate. The outside clinical placement attendance form is available in the assessment block in the unit Moodle site. Please note: The hours must be verified (signed) by an ASAR accredited sonographer.
Details of either your insurance, or employment, must be entered onto the outside clinical placement attendance form.
Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2017) 10:00 am AEST
Due on Monday 16th October 2017 at 10:00 AEST. The completed clinical attendance form must be uploaded by online submission through the course Moodle site. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your placement. Any students whose clinical placement dates have been negotiated to extend beyond these due dates will be eligible to apply for an extension to the unit coordinator.
Attendance assessments will be collated by the unit coordinator following completion of the assessment. Feedback will provided to you by your clinical supervisor. If the attendance requirements are not met the unit coordinator will follow up.
To pass this assessment you must achieve a minimum of 640 hours (16 X 40 hours) of clinical attendance. Any days away from your clinical site must be documented.
- Apply appropriate professional and interpersonal skills to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and requirements for external professional accreditation.
- Communication
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.