CQUniversity Unit Profile
MEDS20017 Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 4
Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 4
All details in this unit profile for MEDS20017 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This graduate clinical unit builds on the sonographic skills, knowledge and attitudes developed during Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 3. You will build on knowledge and attitudes developed during your studies to competently perform diagnostic scans in areas appropriate for an 'Entry Level Sonographer' (as described by the Australasian Sonography Association). You will evaluate findings to formulate a differential diagnosis and initiate further investigation when appropriate. You will solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge.You will also behave professionally using interpersonal skills relevant to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry requirements.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
Credit Points: 18
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.375

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

PrerequisiteMEDS20016 Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 3Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 3 must have been successfully completed within the last twelve months. Should this time limit have elapsed the student must successfully complete one (or more) technical skill, professional behaviour and diagnostic knowledge-based assessment(s) after a period of technical skill/knowledge revision, as determined by the discipline lead or designate.

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 - 2022

Mixed Mode

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 18-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 37.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 450 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
3. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
4. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
5. Portfolio
Weighting: Pass/Fail
6. Professional Practice Placement
Weighting: Pass/Fail

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 Student Unit Teacher Evaluation

Feedback

Students felt the UC was very thorough with their time and efforts to convey important information both academic and general housekeeping. The tutorials were fantastic and provided so much information, which was a great way to revise for the OSCE.

Recommendation

Maintain weekly tutorials and continue to provide interactive tutorials, to support the ongoing revision and learning of the students.

Feedback from Student Unit Teacher Evaluation

Feedback

Students felt the UC really cared about the students undertaking the unit. They felt the unit was planned and set out very well so that everything was easy to find and navigate. All assessment pieces had been explained well.

Recommendation

Maintain the layout of the Moodle Unit and continue with open communication and explanation around expectations of assessments.

Feedback from Student Unit Teacher Evaluation

Feedback

Students felt the need to track hours and types of scans meticulously was unnecessary but reasoning behind doing so was understandable.

Recommendation

There is limited flexibility with assessment tasks as they are a requirement of an external accrediting body. Minimum clinical hours hours are required to meet the accreditation standard and minimum numbers of scans in a domain of practice are necessary to ensure clinical competency for an entry level graduate sonographer. Consider ways to streamline this process.

Feedback from Student Unit Teacher Evaluation

Feedback

Students felt the weekly tutorials were very thorough and helpful.They felt the UC went above and beyond. They believed the Kahoot quizzes and case studies were great. They felt Moodle resources for each domain provided good revision tools. Guest presentations were very informative and also great for revision. They felt the tutorials were engaging and covered a good range of topics.

Recommendation

Continue weekly tutorials with the provision of case studies, Moodle resources and links to past lectures and external industry sites for revision purposes and revision quizzes such as Kahoot. Continue to source guest lecturer presentations in specialised domains to enhance the students learning and revision.

Feedback from Student Unit Teacher Evaluation

Feedback

Students indicated the UC was amazing and really cared about the students undertaking the unit. They never felt rushed and that the UC supported their learning process 100%. The UC was super helpful and helped to reduce the stress around the OSCE.

Recommendation

Continue to provide support through regular weekly communication and tutorials. Maintain open communication with students in relation to expectations of the unit, the learning outcomes and the OSCE.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Perform diagnostic scans to meet the Competency Standards for an Entry Level Sonographer
  2. Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocols to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge
  3. Behave professionally using appropriate interpersonal skills relevant to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry requirements.

Australasian Sonography Association Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer Units 1-5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Practical Assessment - 0%
2 - Practical Assessment - 0%
3 - Practical Assessment - 0%
4 - Practical Assessment - 0%
5 - Portfolio - 0%
6 - Professional Practice Placement - 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 - Professional Practice Placement - 0%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Zoom Meetings
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Julie Cahill Unit Coordinator
j.cahill2@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Clinical Placement Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

The clinical placement component of this unit runs from Monday 4th July to Friday 21st October 2022 inclusive or as otherwise agreed with the unit coordinator / head of course.

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.








Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic





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, beginning Monday 7th November. Due to possible COVID19 and placement disruptions the OSCE date will be confirmed in due course. 




Clinical Supervisor Checklist due Friday 8th July 8pm AEST for those on official clinical block placement dates.

COMPULSORY Online Lab Safety Induction Quiz to be completed prior to 8th July 2022.

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.





Clinical Placement Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 5 Begin Date: 01 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Clinical Log Book 




Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Clinical Log Book due Monday 1st August 8pm AEST

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 6 Begin Date: 08 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

OSCE Online Image Interpretation Quiz 1 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

This will be the first of three Online Image Interpretation Quizzes that form part of the OSCEs.

See unit Moodle Site for Details.

Clinical Placement Week 7 Begin Date: 15 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 8 Begin Date: 22 Aug 2022

Module/Topic





MID-GAPA Assessment to be completed this week.

It is your responsibility to print the Mid-GAPA and ensure that your clinical supervisor has a copy. This Mid-GAPA needs to be completed by your supervisor and emailed directly to the UC by Monday 30th August.

It is your responsibility to check with your clinical supervisor to ensure that they have emailed the assessment.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.


Mid-GAPA to be completed and emailed to the UC by the clinical supervisor.

Clinical Placement Week 9 Begin Date: 29 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Clinical Log Book 





Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Clinical Logbook Due Monday 29th August 8pm AEST

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 10 Begin Date: 05 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 11 Begin Date: 12 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 12 Begin Date: 19 Sep 2022

Module/Topic


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 13 Begin Date: 26 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Clinical Log book 







Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Clinical Logbook Due Monday 27th September 8pm AEST

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

Clinical Placement Week 14 Begin Date: 03 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Clinical Placement Week 15 Begin Date: 10 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

OSCE Online Image Interpretation Quiz 2





Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

The online Image Interpretation Quiz 2 for the OSCE assessment will be open this week. See unit Moodle site for details. 





Clinical Placement Week 16 Begin Date: 17 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Monday 7pm AEST.

For students that commenced their MEDS20017 Clinical Unit 4 block on the official start date, Monday 4th July 2022,this is the final week of your placement.

All assessments, except for assessment 4 (OSCE) are due by Saturday 22nd October 10pm AEST. All assessments, except for assessment 4 (OSCE)must be completed, submitted and passed before the OSCE (assessment 4).



OSCE Week Begin Date: 07 Nov 2022

Module/Topic

OSCE Week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

All students that are eligible to sit their OSCE (students that have completed and passed Assessments 1,2,3,5 and 6) are required to be attend their campus of enrolment for the duration of the week. 

The OSCE schedules will be posted on the unit Moodle site.

Term Specific Information

The unit coordinator is Julie Cahill. Julie is based on the Brisbane campus and contact details are: email- j.cahill2@cqu.edu.au (preferred method of contact) or ph- 07 3023 4109.  


The rest of the clinical placement team are an integral part of the staffing of this unit. They are Antony Egan (Melbourne), Ovini Wanigasekera (Perth), Gina Zhang (Sydney), and the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) officer Vanessa Henderson. The clinical placement team contact details are on the unit Moodle site. 


It is important that students regularly check their student email and the News Forum on Moodle to receive updates about the unit. Please ensure that your email correspondence is via your CQU student email.


Please keep in mind that while Julie works full time, she is a clinical academic whose role is to travel and visit clinical sites frequently. She also spends time in labs. Julie is usually very responsive by email and can coordinate meetings if necessary.


There are no specified textbooks for this unit. However it is advised to take your academic texts with you if you relocate for clinical placement to enable you to revise and complete tasks as set by your clinical supervisor and this unit.


This unit requires you to attend a minimum of sixteen (16) weeks of clinical placement, to a minimum of 640 hours, from the 4th July to 21st October 2022, inclusive, or as otherwise agreed upon with the unit coordinator. This unit and associated placement extends beyond the standard University term dates. You are required to attend your campus of enrolment for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) during the week of 7th November 2022 (subject to change due to possible COVID19 disruptions). Details for the OSCE are available on the unit Moodle site.  


You will have been allocated a specific clinical facility (or facilities) to attend for the placement. You must attend for your allocated placement for the entirety of each working day, including the last day of placement, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed upon by both the unit coordinator and clinical supervisor. 


Please note there may be 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' during your placement. Any absences must be reported to the clinical supervisor and the unit coordinator as soon as possible. Medical certificates are required for any sick leave taken. Any hours lost due to absences other than public holidays, must be made up. Please advise the unit coordinator if you need to extend your placement end date in order to complete your unit requirements. If you are experiencing difficulty meeting unit assessment requirements apply for extension via the unit Moodle site.


You will require regular internet access, word processing and document scanning technology in order to complete assessment requirements. Clinical sites may not provide computer or internet access so it is your responsibility to provide your own. 


Zoom tutorials are held on Mondays at 7pm AEST. The schedule is available on the unit Moodle site. Recordings will be available on the unit Moodle site. 


The unit is a Pass/Fail unit, with a graded component within one (1) assessment task, assessment 4 OSCE. There are six (6) assessment tasks. Please refer to the assessment information for more details.  


Please note this important information from the University Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education) Coursework document (4.41). Students who fail a single assessment in a pass/fail unit or a pass/fail component in a graded unit will be deemed to have failed that unit, unless the unit profile includes provision for student to re-attempt a failed assessment task and the student passess the re-attempted assessment. 

Assessment Tasks

1 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical Assessment 1 - Clinical Competency

Task Description

The purpose of this competency is to assess your performances as an observable indicator of your readiness to become a graduate entry level sonographer. The criteria assessed are that of the core minimum requirements for an accredited entry level graduate sonographer as defined by the Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers October 20211. There are six (6) domains of practice that are assessed: abdomen, breast, musculoskeletal, obstetric, superficial parts and vascular.

In MEDS20016 you demonstrated competence in three (3) domains of practice. In this unit you must complete the remaining three (3) domains of practice not already completed. You must have achieved a total of six (6) practical competency assessments on completion of MEDS20016 and MEDS20017, one for EACH domain of practice with no two assessments in the same domain of practice. You must complete and Pass all six (6) domains of practice to be eligible to sit the on campus OSCE component - Assessment 4.

This assessment task measures your overall aptitude and competence in completing an ultrasound examination in one of the six domains of practice that you have not achieved to date.

The required levels of competency are:

  • vascular (carotid) to competency level,
  • superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level, (Note: If you are to complete the assessment on a thyroid scan, you must log a minimum of ten (10) thyroid cases before you can attempt the assessment OR if you are to complete the assessment on a testes scan then you must log a minimum of ten (10) cases of a testes before you can attempt the assessment).
  • breast (female or male) to competency level,
  • musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level,
  • abdomen to competency level,
  • obstetric - choose one of the following - 2nd trimester morphology scan to advanced beginner level OR 3rd trimester scan to competency level. (Note: If you are to complete the assessment on a 2nd trimester morphology scan, you must log a minimum of ten (10) 2nd trimester morphology cases before you can attempt the assessment OR if you are to complete the assessment on a 3rd trimester scan then you must log a minimum of ten (10) cases of a 3rd trimester examination before you can attempt the assessment).

For this practical assessment choose one of the domains of practice above not already completed. 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 or Clinical Placement Tiles - Assessment Forms - in the unit Moodle site. A copy is available online for 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 skills, 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 on improving weaker areas. The assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block.

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

You are permitted one (1) re-attempt to complete this assessment.

If you do not meet the required standard on your first attempt, you must seek detailed feedback from your assessor to critically reflect on and develop a strategy to improve your performance on the re-attempt. You must share your plan for improvement with your assessor. You may then re-attempt this assessment to achieve the required competency level. Your clinical supervisor must complete and sign the assessment form before you submit it through the assessment block in the Moodle unit.

The re-attempt assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block, if you received a fail on your first attempt. If a re-attempt is needed to achieve the required level, submit the assessment documents from both attempts.

1. Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers [Internet] 2021 [Updated 2021 December 9, cited 2022 February 16]. Available from https://figshare.com/articles/online_resource/Professional_Competency_Framework_for_Sonographers/17148035.


Assessment Due Date

Completed assessment must be submitted by Monday 24th October 5pm AEST or on the Monday immediately following completion of Week 16 of your clinical placement for those on non standard placement block. The completed practical assessment form must be uploaded by online submission through the unit Moodle site. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your assessment.


Return Date to Students

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.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
This is a pass/fail assessment. 'Competent' level requires all assessment sections to be Level 3, 'Advanced Beginner' level requires all assessment sections to be Level 2 or above and Level 3 in patient communication.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria will address the following areas of your performance:

  • 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.
  • 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 or male) to competency level, 
  • musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level, 
  • abdomen to competency level, 
  • obstetric - choose one - 2nd trimester 18-22 week morphology to advanced beginner level OR 3rd trimester growth scan to competency level.

To achieve a Pass in all competencies you must achieve Level 3 in all assessment sections. The exception to this is if you choose to undertake the obstetric morphology competency, where you must a achieve at least Level 2 in all assessment sections and Level 3 in the patient communication section. Failure in effective patient communication will result in failure of the competency. 

You are permitted one (1) re-attempt to complete this assessment. If you fail both attempts for this assessment, this will result in a fail grade for this unit.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission of the completed form via the unit Moodle site by the due date.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform diagnostic scans to meet the Competency Standards for an Entry Level Sonographer
  • Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocols to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge
  • Behave professionally using appropriate interpersonal skills relevant to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry requirements.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical Assessment 2 - Clinical Competency

Task Description

The purpose of this competency is to assess your performances as an observable indicator of your readiness to become a graduate entry level sonographer. The criteria assessed are that of the core minimum requirements for an accredited entry level graduate sonographer as defined by the Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers October 20211. There are six (6) domains of practice that are assessed: abdomen, breast, musculoskeletal, obstetric, superficial parts and vascular.

In MEDS20016 you demonstrated competence in three (3) domains of practice. In this unit you must complete the remaining three (3) domains of practice not already completed. You must have achieved a total of six (6) practical competency assessments on completion of MEDS20016 and MEDS20017, one for EACH domain of practice with no two assessments in the same domain of practice. You must complete and Pass all six (6) domains of practice to be eligible to sit the on campus OSCE component - Assessment 4.

This assessment task measures your overall aptitude and competence in completing an ultrasound examination in one of the six domains of practice that you have not achieved to date.

The required levels of competency are:

  • vascular (carotid) to competency level,
  • superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level, (Note: If you are to complete the assessment on a thyroid scan, you must log a minimum of ten (10) thyroid cases before you can attempt the assessment OR if you are to complete the assessment on a testes scan then you must log a minimum of ten (10) cases of a testes before you can attempt the assessment).
  • breast (female or male) to competency level,
  • musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level,
  • abdomen to competency level,
  • obstetric - choose one of the following - 2nd trimester morphology scan to advanced beginner level OR 3rd trimester scan to competency level. (Note: If you are to complete the assessment on a 2nd trimester morphology scan, you must log a minimum of ten (10) 2nd trimester morphology cases before you can attempt the assessment OR if you are to complete the assessment on a 3rd trimester scan then you must log a minimum of ten (10) cases of a 3rd trimester examination before you can attempt the assessment).

For this practical assessment choose one of the domains of practice above not already completed. 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 or Clinical Placement Tiles - Assessment Forms - in the unit Moodle site. A copy is available online for 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 skills, 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 on improving weaker areas. The assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block.

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

You are permitted one (1) re-attempt to complete this assessment.

If you do not meet the required standard on your first attempt, you must seek detailed feedback from your assessor to critically reflect on and develop a strategy to improve your performance on the re-attempt. You must share your plan for improvement with your assessor. You may then re-attempt this assessment to achieve the required competency level. Your clinical supervisor must complete and sign the assessment form before you submit it through the assessment block in the Moodle unit.

The re-attempt assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block, if you received a fail on your first attempt. If a re-attempt is needed to achieve the required level, submit the assessment documents from both attempts.

1. Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers [Internet] 2021 [Updated 2021 December 9, cited 2022 February 16]. Available from https://figshare.com/articles/online_resource/Professional_Competency_Framework_for_Sonographers/17148035.


Assessment Due Date

Completed assessment must be submitted by Monday 24th October 5pm AEST or on the Monday immediately following completion of Week 16 of your clinical placement for those on non standard placement block. The completed practical assessment form must be uploaded by online submission through the unit Moodle site. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your assessment.


Return Date to Students

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.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
This is a pass/fail assessment. 'Competent' level requires all assessment sections to be Level 3, 'Advanced Beginner' level requires all assessment sections to be Level 2 or above and Level 3 in patient communication.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria will address the following areas of your performance:

  • 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.
  • 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 or male) to competency level,
  • musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level,
  • abdomen to competency level,
  • obstetric - choose one - 2nd trimester 18-22 week morphology to advanced beginner level OR 3rd trimester growth scan to competency level.

To achieve a Pass in all competencies you must achieve Level 3 in all assessment sections. The exception to this is if you choose to undertake the obstetric morphology competency, where you must a achieve at least Level 2 in all assessment sections and Level 3 in the patient communication section. Failure in effective patient communication will result in failure of the competency.

You are permitted one (1) re-attempt to complete this assessment. If you fail both attempts for this assessment, this will result in a fail grade for this unit.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission of the completed form via the unit Moodle site by the due date.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform diagnostic scans to meet the Competency Standards for an Entry Level Sonographer
  • Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocols to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge
  • Behave professionally using appropriate interpersonal skills relevant to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry requirements.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

3 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical Assessment 3 - Clinical Competency

Task Description

The purpose of this competency is to assess your performances as an observable indicator of your readiness to become a graduate entry level sonographer. The criteria assessed are that of the core minimum requirements for an accredited entry level graduate sonographer as defined by the Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers October 20211. There are six (6) domains of practice that are assessed: abdomen, breast, musculoskeletal, obstetric, superficial parts and vascular.

In MEDS20016 you demonstrated competence in three (3) domains of practice. In this unit you must complete the remaining three (3) domains of practice not already completed. You must have achieved a total of six (6) practical competency assessments on completion of MEDS20016 and MEDS20017, one for EACH domain of practice with no two assessments in the same domain of practice. You must complete and Pass all six (6) domains of practice to be eligible to sit the on campus OSCE component - Assessment 4.

This assessment task measures your overall aptitude and competence in completing an ultrasound examination in one of the six domains of practice that you have not achieved to date.

The required levels of competency are:

  • vascular (carotid) to competency level,
  • superficial structure (thyroid or testes) to competency level, (Note: If you are to complete the assessment on a thyroid scan, you must log a minimum of ten (10) thyroid cases before you can attempt the assessment OR if you are to complete the assessment on a testes scan then you must log a minimum of ten (10) cases of a testes before you can attempt the assessment).
  • breast (female or male) to competency level,
  • musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level,
  • abdomen to competency level,
  • obstetric - choose one of the following - 2nd trimester morphology scan to advanced beginner level OR 3rd trimester scan to competency level. (Note: If you are to complete the assessment on a 2nd trimester morphology scan, you must log a minimum of ten (10) 2nd trimester morphology cases before you can attempt the assessment OR if you are to complete the assessment on a 3rd trimester scan then you must log a minimum of ten (10) cases of a 3rd trimester examination before you can attempt the assessment).

For this practical assessment choose one of the domains of practice above not already completed. 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 or Clinical Placement Tiles - Assessment Forms - in the unit Moodle site. A copy is available online for 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 skills, 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 on improving weaker areas. The assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block.

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

You are permitted one (1) re-attempt to complete this assessment.

If you do not meet the required standard on your first attempt, you must seek detailed feedback from your assessor to critically reflect on and develop a strategy to improve your performance on the re-attempt. You must share your plan for improvement with your assessor. You may then re-attempt this assessment to achieve the required competency level. Your clinical supervisor must complete and sign the assessment form before you submit it through the assessment block in the Moodle unit.

The re-attempt assessment must be attempted prior to completion of the clinical placement block, if you received a fail on your first attempt. If a re-attempt is needed to achieve the required level, submit the assessment documents from both attempts.

1. Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers [Internet] 2021 [Updated 2021 December 9, cited 2022 February 16]. Available from https://figshare.com/articles/online_resource/Professional_Competency_Framework_for_Sonographers/17148035.


Assessment Due Date

Completed assessment must be submitted by Monday 24th October 5pm AEST or on the Monday immediately following completion of Week 16 of your clinical placement for those on non standard placement block. The completed practical assessment form must be uploaded by online submission through the unit Moodle site. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your assessment.


Return Date to Students

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.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
This is a pass/fail assessment. 'Competent' level requires all assessment sections to be Level 3, 'Advanced Beginner' level requires all assessment sections to be Level 2 or above and Level 3 in patient communication.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria will address the following areas of your performance:

  • 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.
  • 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 or male) to competency level,
  • musculoskeletal (shoulder) to competency level,
  • abdomen to competency level,
  • obstetric - choose one - 2nd trimester 18-22 week morphology to advanced beginner level OR 3rd trimester growth scan to competency level.

To achieve a Pass in all competencies you must achieve Level 3 in all assessment sections. The exception to this is if you choose to undertake the obstetric morphology competency, where you must a achieve at least Level 2 in all assessment sections and Level 3 in the patient communication section. Failure in effective patient communication will result in failure of the competency.

You are permitted one (1) re-attempt to complete this assessment. If you fail both attempts for this assessment, this will result in a fail grade for this unit.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission of the completed form via the unit Moodle site by the due date.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform diagnostic scans to meet the Competency Standards for an Entry Level Sonographer
  • Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocols to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge
  • Behave professionally using appropriate interpersonal skills relevant to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry requirements.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

4 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Task Description

You are very close to becoming a graduate sonographer and at this point it is now that the University observes its duty of care as required by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry to moderate students performance in each domain of practice. This is to ensure safe practice and patient care in each graduate.

For this assessment you will complete both scanning clinical scenario and image interpretation components. 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
Musculoskeletal
Paediatrics
Ultrasound physics 

The scanning clinical scenario component will be conducted on your campus of enrolment during the OSCE week. The online image interpretation component will be broken down into three (3) online quizzes. They will be held one in each of the following weeks; week six (6), week fifteen (15) and on your campus of enrolment during OSCE week. Please refer to the unit Moodle site for detailed assessment dates and schedule information.


Assessment Due Date

The scanning clinical scenario component of the OSCEs is to be conducted on your campus of enrolment over a one (1) week period, the week beginning Monday 7th November. Due to possible COVID19 disruptions the OSCE date will be confirmed in due course. The online image interpretation quizzes to be conducted in week 6: 8th - 12th August and week 15: 10th - 14th October and on campus during the OSCE week. See unit Moodle site for assessment dates and schedule information.


Return Date to Students

Following completion of all of the OSCE components students will be informed of the results.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
You must achieve an overall level of Level 3 - Competent to pass this assessment during the scanning skills clinical scenario component. You must also achieve a minimum of 50% in each online image interpretation quiz to pass.

Assessment Criteria

In order to undertake the final OSCE assessment components (scanning skills and image interpretation quiz 3), you will have had to completed and passed all other assessment items (assessments 1,2,3,5 and 6). This assessment task will be carried out at your campus of enrolment (clinical scenario component) and online (image interpretation quiz 3 component and Breast VIVA component). Due to possible COVID19 the OSCE date will be confirmed in due course.

Two (2) online image interpretation quizzes will be carried out in week 6: 8th - 12th August and week 15: 10th - 14th October and the third online image interpretation quiz during OSCE week at the campus of your enrolment. The Breast VIVA component will be carried out online on campus during OSCE week. It is a requirement that all three (3) quizzes are attempted. Failure to attempt any one (1) quiz will result in a fail for the online component of this assessment and you will not be eligible for a re-sit quiz. A fail in this component will result in a fail for this assessment and because this is a pass/fail unit, a fail for the unit. If required an extension can be applied for through the unit Moodle site. 

You must make yourself available at your 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.

The criteria for competent level, level 3, is that of the core minimum requirements for an accredited entry level graduate sonographer as defined by the Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers October 2021.1 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 engage in active revision of knowledge taking place within your year 4 clinical unit such as completing practice image interpretation questions, case study questions, presentation of case studies and attendance at zoom tutorials. You will also undertake your own revision of your sonographic specific units as required. You  will demonstrate your critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to a competent level, level 3. 

Level 3: 
  • Has a good background knowledge and integrates knowledge into clinical practice
  • Performance is natural and efficient and much of the scanning is intuitive and can be completed with other tasks
  • Meets scanning protocol and only needs assistance in complex cases
  • Consciously competent in skills - Skill mastery - the ability to routinely perform a sequence of skills without error, with complex or more uncommon findings still requiring assistance
  • Able to utilise own judgement and seek assistance when required 
  • Emotional buy-in allows the learner to feel an appropriate level of responsibility to the patient
  • Can adapt examinations/procedures, or act within situations by breaking concepts into parts, determining how the parts relate to an overall structure or purpose 
  • Can use clinical reasoning to readily identify pattern recognition of sonographic presentations and technical difficulties 
  • Sees the big picture
  • Complex or uncommon findings still require reliance on analytic reasoning 
  • Demonstrates reflective practice
  • Demonstrates clinical reasoning skills and knowledge of how sonographic examinations fits within best practices for the patient outcomes
  • Has basic self-reflective skills and actively applies self-development
Please refer to the unit Moodle site for specific details regarding the assessment.

Any student who does not meet Level 3 - Competent Level, for the scanning skills clinical scenario component on the first attempt will be given the opportunity for one (1) reattempt of this component during the OSCE week. Should a student not meet the Level 3 - Competent Level, on the second attempt, the student will fail the clinical scanning component of the OSCE and therefore fail this assessment and will receive an overall fail grade for the unit.

The  online Image Interpretation component is broken down into three (3) separate quizzes, each quiz must be passed indivudaly, if any one (1) of the quizzes is failed, this will result in a fail for this assessment and a fail for the unit, unless eligible for a re-sit. Each quiz must be attempted, in order to pass this component. Failure to attempt a quiz component will be a fail for this assessment and a fail for the unit, and the student will not be eligible to undertake a re-sit quiz and will receive a fail grade for this assessment and therefore a fail grade for the unit. 

 Any student who does not receive a pass in any one of the three (3) quizzes of the online image interpretation component, however passes all of the scanning skills scenario components, will be provided an opportunity to re-sit the online image interpretation component within four (4) weeks of completing the OSCE. Any student that fails the subsequent online image interpretation re-sit component will receive a fail grade for the unit. 

Any student that receives a fail in the scanning skills component will not be eligible for a re-sit of the online image interpretation component if required and will receive a fail grade for the unit. 

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the effects of COVID19 during 2020, 2021 and ongoing in 2022, some students have experienced delayed placement/s starts, and will not be eligible to sit the OSCE during the OSCE week, these students will be offered a delayed OSCE at a later date, after the completion of all assessments. Some students due to interruption/delay of previous clinical placements within MEDS12007 and/or MESD13006 may not fulfill the requirements of Assessment 6 (Part A) before the end of this designated placement (minimum of 2000 clinical placement hours). The Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) have provided leniency in placement hours for some of these circumstances, provided students are able to demonstrate their competency level. As a result, these students may in limited circumstances, still be permitted to attempt their clinical competencies and OSCE assessments (Assessments 1-4) with the rest of the cohort to enable graduation, on a case by case basis, see unit Moodle site for details. If they are deemed eligible to sit the OSCE with their cohort and do not reach competency in any area, their graduation will be delayed and they will be provided additional placement hours to enable the completion of Assessment 6 (Part A) before a final attempt at Assessments 1-4 (whichever applies). The date for these students to attempt their second and final OSCE will be determined on a case by case basis.

Students who have not had their placement/s affected by COVID19 are not eligible for this additional opportunity for a second and final OSCE.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
All assessments, with the exception of assessment 4 will need to be uploaded to unit Moodle site by due dates as stated in the in the UP and on the unit Moodle site. The scanning clinical scenario component of the OSCEs is to be conducted on your campus of enrolment over a one (1) week period, the week beginning Monday 7th November. Due to possible COVID19 disruptions the OSCE date will be confirmed in due course. The online image interpretation quizzes to be conducted in week 6: 8th - 12th August and week 15: 10th - 14th October and on campus during the OSCE week. See unit Moodle site for assessment dates and schedule information.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform diagnostic scans to meet the Competency Standards for an Entry Level Sonographer
  • Evaluate sonographic findings and formulate appropriate sonographic protocols to solve complex diagnostic problems demonstrating understanding of a broad and coherent core body of sonographic knowledge
  • Behave professionally using appropriate interpersonal skills relevant to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry requirements.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

5 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Clinical Case Log

Task Description

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 types. 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. It is a requirement of the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry course accreditation. 

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), 
  • Musculoskeletal and
  • Extra's (paediatric, interventional or others).

Each week of the logbook must be signed by your clinical site supervisor, or a sonographer with the appropriate ultrasound qualifications delegated by the clinical supervisor. The assessment document and information on how to complete including minimum numbers required can be found in the Assessment and Clinical Placement tiles - documents folder. Copies are available online for your clinical site.


Please read these forms/information sheets carefully so you understand the criteria against which your logbook will be evaluated.


Optional: You can submit 'outside clinical placement logbook' if you undertake employment in an ultrasound department between the end of your clinical unit 3 placement and the commencement of your clinical unit 4 placement.

Please note:

  • The logbook must be verified (signed) by an ASAR accredited sonographer, radiologist or sonologist with appropriate ultrasound qualifications. 
  • Details of your employment must be entered onto the outside clinical placement logbook for insurance purposes.

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 MEDS20016 to MEDS20017. Please contact unit coordinator for permission.


Assessment Due Date

Log book submission is required every 4 weeks. This will be on the Monday by 8pm AEST following week 4,8,12. Completed log book submission must be submitted by Monday 24th October 5pm AEST or on the Saturday immediately following completion of Week 16 of your clinical placement for those on non standard placement block. The completed practical assessment form must be uploaded by online submission through the unit Moodle site. It is recommended that you submit as soon as you have completed your placement.


Return Date to Students

Final Log book numbers will be collated by the unit coordinator following completion of the assessment. If assessment conditions are not met the unit coordinator will follow up.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

You will pass this assessment if you achieve the following minimum numbers in your clinical case log by the conclusion of this clinical placement.

Complete the remaining three (3) of the six (6) requirements below that you have not already completed in Clinical Unit 3.

- Vascular (carotid) - 10 studies

- Superficial Structures (thyroid or testes) - 10 studies (choose one in which you will undertake your competency attempt, 10 thyroids or 10 testes)

- Breast - 10 studies

- Musculoskeletal (shoulder) - 10 studies

- Abdomen - 10 studies

- Obstetric - choose one in which you will undertake your competency - 2nd trimester 18-22 week morphology OR 3rd trimester growth scan - 10 studies

You must complete the document in it's entirely before submission, ensuring all numbers are collated, the total numbers have been documented and the supervisor/s has signed where appropriate.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Case Log to be uploaded to unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform diagnostic scans to meet the Competency Standards for an Entry Level Sonographer


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management

6 Professional Practice Placement

Assessment Title
Clinical Attendance and Global Assessment of Professional Attributes

Task Description

PART A - Clinical Attendance


As a health care professional your attendance is relied upon for the provision of quality patient care. Your absence impacts service delivery and safe patient care. 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. A minimum of 2000 clinical placement hours is required by the end of the CG91 course. 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, radiologist or sonologist with appropriate ultrasound qualification.


The clinical attendance form also forms part of your clinical case log form and can be found in the Assessment and Clinical Placement tiles - documents folder, in the unit Moodle site. A copy is available online for 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. This is a full time clinical placement and any leave of absence (other than sick leave) or variance to the allocated clinical placement block dates are not permitted unless discussed prior with, and approved by, first your UC and subsequently by your clinical supervisor. Failure to have approval for any leave may result in a fail for this assessment and therefore a fail for the unit.


If you present a case study during the online tutorial for this unit you will be eligible to enter this time on your clinical attendance form. This can be entered as one hour per case study. You can also attend the zoom tutorial to listen and provide feedback to your peers and enter this time on your attendance form. This will NOT be available for students that only watch the recorded tutorial session as the unit coordinator will be unable to verify your attendance.


You can submit 'outside clinical placement' hours if appropriate, to a maximum of half the required hours (320 hours), the number of hours permitted to be submitted are at the discretion of the UC and the Head of Course. You must be either employed by the clinical site or engaged in a learning capacity which means you are supernumerary to the workplace requirements. The outside clinical placement attendance form is available in the Assessment and Clinical Placement tiles - documents folder in the unit Moodle site. Please note: the hours must be verified (signed) by an ASAR accredited sonographer, radiologist or sonologist with appropriate ultrasound qualifications.


Details of either your insurance, or employment, must be entered onto the outside clinical placement attendance form.


Due to truncated placement opportunities, if students Pass assessments 1,2,3,5, and 6 - Part B, however, they have not completed the required hours for assessment 6 -Part A, they may be eligible to sit assessment 4 the OSCEs (see assessment 4 for details). If a student that has passed all assessment requirements except assessment 6- Part A and is eligible to sit the OSCEs (see Assessment 4) and is found to be not competent in the scanning clinical scenario competent, that student will be allowed to have a one further attempt of this component after completing and passing assessment 6- Part A. Any student that completes and passes assessment 6 - Part A, prior to the OSCEs and does not pass the scanning clinical scenario component will not be eligible to have a second attempt.


A requirement of Part A is that the Clinical Placement Checklist needs to be completed and submitted by the end of your first week of clinical placement in MEDS20017. Failure to submit the clinical placement checklist, may result in a fail for Part A of this assessment and therefore a fail for this assessment and a fail for the unit.


The Clinical Placement Checklist document, must be downloaded and handed to your clinical supervisor and completed by them within the first week of your clinical placement. It is your responsibility to upload this document via the Moodle unit site once completed. It will need to be uploaded by you before 10pm AEST of week 1 of your clinical placement.


PART B -  Placement GAPA


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.

The purpose of the GAPA is for you to demonstrate your competency in the Holistic Matrix key components that are fundamental for sonographer practice as detailed in the Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers October 20211.


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: Applied Knowledge
• Section 2: Psychomotor Skills (scanning skills) and Standard of Work
• Section 3: Professionalism

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 GAPA occurs at the mid-placement point. The mid-placement GAPA assessment is formative, meaning its function is to provide you and your UC with formal documented feedback on your performance, but there are no minimum required levels related to your final grade. The mid GAPA is to be emailed directly back to the UC by your clinical supervisor. Your UC will evaluate feedback and mark it as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. A formative GAPA may be provided by your clinical supervisor at any time, prior to or after the mid-GAPA, during your placement if there are concerns in your performance. This formative GAPA will be emailed directly to your UC.

If the mid GAPA or any other formative GAPA is assessed as being unsatisfactory, feedback from the UC and the clinical supervisor will be provided and 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 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 mid and end form and marking criteria is available in the Assessment and Clinical Placement tiles in the unit Moodle site -documents folder. A copy is available online for your clinical supervisor, it is advisable however, 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.

The mid  or any formative GAPA is to be emailed directly to your UC from the clinical supervisor, this GAPA is to be signed by your supervisor. After marking this first GAPA (mid), the UC will upload it onto the unit Moodle site and feedback provided. You should then discuss this with your supervisor to get clarification on any score or comment on the assessment. After completing the second GAPA (end), your clinical supervisor (or designated assessor) will meet with you after completing the 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 via the unit Moodle site. 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.



Assessment Due Date

PART A: Due on Monday 24th October 2022 by 5pm AEST or on the Saturday immediately following the end of your 16 week placement. The completed clinical attendance form must be uploaded by online submission through the unit Moodle site. The clinical placement checklist, for those on the normal clinical placement block is due by Friday 8th of July 10pm AEST. For those on non standard placement block dates it is due Friday before 10pm AEST of week 1 of your clinical placement. PART B: Mid placement GAPA due Monday 30th August 2022 10pm AEST via email from your clinical supervisor or on the Monday of week 9 of your clinical placement - it is your responsibility to check that the supervisor has emailed the mid-GAPA to the UC. Part B: End of placement GAPA due Saturday 22nd October 2022 10pm AEST or on the Saturday immediately following the end of your 16 week placement.


Return Date to Students

Attendance assessments will be collated by the unit coordinator following completion of the assessment. Feedback will be provided to you by your clinical supervisor. If the attendance requirements are not met the unit coordinator will follow up. 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.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
This is a pass/fail assessment item. PART A: You must achieve a minimum of 640 hours, for a total of 2000 hours minimum for CG91 to pass this assessment. PART B: You must achieve Level 3 in all sections in the end-placement GAPA to pass this assessment.

Assessment Criteria

PART A - Clinical Attendance

To pass this assessment you must achieve a minimum of 640 hours (16 X 40 hours) of clinical attendance and a total minimum of 2000 hours is required for the CG91 course by the end of your 4th year. Any days away from your clinical site must be documented.This is a full time clinical placement and any leave of absence is not permitted unless disused and approved by both your UC and clinical supervisor. Failure to have approval for any leave may result in a fail for this assessment and therefore a fail for the unit. Due to truncated placement opportunities students may be eligible to pass this assessment with reduced minimum hours, in limited circumstances, on a case by case basis, see unit Moodle site for details.

The Clinical Placement checklist forms part of this assessment. To pass this assessment you must upload the completed and signed document by the end of your 1st week of placement.

PART B - GAPA

The GAPA allows for observations and feedback in three (3) main sections. Section 1 refers to Applied Knowledge, Section 2 is Psychomotor Skills (scanning skills) and Standard of Work and Section 3 is Professionalism. The criteria on the GAPA document and the required behaviours and attributes are outlined. The assessor will use the descriptor that best indicates the frequency and extent to which you demonstrate each of those. The required behaviours and attributes are grouped into the three sections above and each with its own minimum level.

  • Section 1: Applied Knowledge, has five (5) required behaviours. To achieve Satisfactory for the Mid-GAPA (formative), you must achieve Level 2 or above, which is Advanced Beginner level (student) Level 2 or Level 3 - Competent level. For the End- GAPA (summative), Level 3 - Competent level, is required to pass this section and therefore this assessment.

  • Section 2: Psychomotor Skills (scanning skills) and Standard of Work, which has twelve (12) required behaviours. To achieve Satisfactory for the Mid-GAPA (formative), you must achieve Level 2 or above, which is Advanced Beginner level (student) Level 2 or Level 3 - Competent level. For the End- GAPA (summative), Level 3 - Competent level, is required to pass this section and therefore this assessment.

  • Section 3: Professionalism, which has sixteen (16) required behaviours. To achieve Satisfactory for the Mid-GAPA (formative), you must achieve Level 2 or above, which is Advanced Beginner level (student) Level 2 or Level 3 - Competent level. For the End- GAPA (summative), Level 3 - Competent level, is required to pass this section and therefore this assessment.

In order to achieve Satisfactory for the Mid-GAPA or any formative GAPA, all sections must reach Level 2 or above, if the GAPA is unsatisfactory, you will be deemed a student of risk of failing and you will be given a chance to improve. Upon consultation with the clinical supervisor, Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) will be set and are required to be achieved within a given timeframe. If there is not sufficient, demonstrable improvement and these KPI's are not reached within this time frame, the supervisor will undertake a final GAPA and a fail for this assessment will result. As this is a pass/fail course that means you will receive a fail grade for the unit.


A fail in the end-of-placement GAPA will result in a fail for this assessment and as this is a pass/fail assessment, this will result in a fail for the unit. 


At any stage identified by the supervisor or UC, a GAPA assessment may be undertaken and a student identified as a "student at risk". This occurs with failure to meet minimum levels in the GAPA. Any student identified as a "student at risk", wil be notified by the UC who will provide formative feedback and as above with the mid- GAPA, KPI's will be set and required to be met within a given time frame, failure to do so will result in a further final failed GAPA. This will mean a fail for the assessment and as this is a a pass/fail unit, a fail for the unit.


Occasionally student behaviour is beyond acceptable risk to clinical sites. Clinical supervisors may contact CQUniversity if this occurs. A GAPA will be requested at that time and if the outcome for that GAPA is unsatisfactory and/or the site feedback indicates that they can no longer host the student due to the risk incurred, then this one GAPA alone, or site refusal to host, will constitute a fail for the unit. Where such risk exists the placement will terminate immediately and a fail for MEDS20017 will occur. 


In order to achieve an overall grade or "pass" in this assessment, you must: 

- complete and upload the clinical placement checklist by the due date listed

- complete a minimum of 640 hours for this unit, with total minimum of 2000 hours for the CG91 course by the due date listed

- undergo both the mid and end-of-placement GAPA assessments by the due dates listed. On the end-of-placement GAPA assessment, meet Level 3 in all sections

- ensure the documentation of each assessment is completed and uploaded into the unit Moodle site by the due date



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission of the completed form via the unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Behave professionally using appropriate interpersonal skills relevant to sonographic practice in accordance with CQUniversity postgraduate attributes and Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry requirements.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Academic Integrity Statement

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.

What can you do to act with integrity?