The Bachelor of Echocardiography (Cardiac Physiology) / Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography aims to develop you with the necessary knowledge of cardiac physiology, measurement science and practical echocardiographic scanning skills in the diagnostic setting. To enable this ability in you, the course is designed to build a high level of practical skill and data / image evaluation so you can assess patients and evaluate their findings in a safe and effective manner. There is an emphasis on high level communication skills so that you can interact positively with patients and other health professionals in the clinical environment. Clinical decision making and problem solving ability will be promoted through the use of simulation based learning techniques and exposure to 'real world' conditions while on clinical practice. Domestic graduates can seek registration as ‘Echocardiographers (Cardiac Sonographers)’ as recognised by the accreditation body, the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry, and / or seek international recognition by sitting the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and / or American Registry for Cardiac Sonography (ARCS) and / or British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) qualification exams.
International students
International students can study externally but are required to attend all mandatory residential schools, two terms of internal scanning classes and source their own clinical placement and associated supervision overseas. They will be eligible to sit the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and/or American Registry for Cardiac Sonography (ARCS) and / or British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) qualification exams but will not be eligible for ASAR accreditation on completion of this course alone.
An Echocardiographer (or cardiac sonographer) is a health professional who uses a range of diagnostic means, including ultrasonic equipment, to produce diagnostic images, video loops, laboratory data and 3D / 4D volumes of cardiovascular anatomy. An Echocardiographer requires specialised education and skills to view, analyse, modify and provisionally report the scan. An Echocardiographer has an important degree of responsibility in the diagnostic process because of the high level of decisional latitude and diagnostic input required. Communication skills, exemplary professional attitude and care for the physical and psycho social well-being of the patient are all critical to success in this field. Echocardiographers are in demand in many public and private health facilities, and are likely to remain in demand into the future due to the ageing demographic of both patients and the existing workforce.
Duration | 4 years full-time |
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Credit Points that Must be Earned | 192 |
Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
Course Type | Undergraduate Dual Degree |
Qualification (post nominal) | BEcho(CardiacPhys)/GradDipEcho |
AQF Level | Level 8: Graduate Diploma |
Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Rank Threshold | SR 77 | ATAR 77 |
Course entry through UAC is based on Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.
Students not born in Australia are required to meet an English Language Prerequisite by:
The English Language Proficiency requirements may also be satisfied by an Occupational test - Result of ‘A' or ‘B' (results are to be no older than 2 years from the start of term).
English, Biology, Science, Physics, Maths
Interim Awards | CV67 - Associate Degree of Cardiac Physiology CV68 - Bachelor of Cardiac Physiology |
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Exit Awards | CV67 - Associate Degree of Cardiac Physiology CV68 - Bachelor of Cardiac Physiology |
Accreditation |
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Compulsory Residential School | There are units in this course that include mandatory residential school for all students. |
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Click here to view all Residential Schools |
ECHO12005 - 200 hours of clinical placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site, CQUniversity clinical academic and clinical unit coordinator. Clinical facilities can often only host one student at a time so the placement locations are spread over a large geographical area. As a result perspective students are advised that they should prepare personally and financially to relocate for some or all of their placement. |
ECHO13003 - 400 hours of clinical placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site, CQUniversity clinical academic and clinical unit coordinator. Clinical facilities can often only host one student at a time so the placement locations are spread over a large geographical area. As a result perspective students are advised that they should prepare personally and financially to relocate for some or all of their placement. |
ECHO20001 - 760 hours of clinical placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site, CQUniversity clinical academic and clinical unit coordinator. Clinical facilities can often only host one student at a time so the placement locations are spread over a large geographical area. As a result perspective students are advised that they should prepare personally and financially to relocate for some or all of their placement. |
ECHO20002 - 640 hours of clinical placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site, CQUniversity clinical academic and clinical unit coordinator. Clinical facilities can often only host one student at a time so the placement locations are spread over a large geographical area. As a result perspective students are advised that they should prepare personally and financially to relocate for some or all of their placement. |
Year | Number of Students |
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2024 | 188 |
2023 | 185 |
2022 | 208 |
2021 | 225 |
2020 | 193 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
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Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course in years 2-4, and must be completed to satisfy both degree and Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) requirements. Attendance is subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks.
Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must both achieve compliance with mandatory checks by published closing dates and maintain current evidence for the duration of course enrolment.
Mandatory health requirements include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening. Additional vaccinations and screening are subject to the site or state health authority. Respirator mask fit testing is also an annual requirement for this course.
Whilst on placement, students will perform cardiac assessment and provide hands-on care to people who may be ill or injured. Students will need to be physically fit, able to stand and walk for extended periods, lift, stretch, carry heavy loads and have sufficient visual acuity and contrast sensitivity to assess fine detail in images and perform safely in a range of lighting conditions. A student may be determined ineligible for placement based on the inability to perform required tasks, or if the student is determined as a risk to clients, staff or other stakeholders.
Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.
Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance and working with children check.
Other mandatory requirements include a CPR certificate, student ID, student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, fitness to participate in WIL student declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.
Students must register with ASAR as an 'Accredited Student Sonographer'. Students do not need to enter the registry until their first clinical placement in year 2 of the course offering.
Students must prepare financially and personally to relocate for WIL placements. Due to limited host availability, students may be allocated to facilities or regions not of their choosing.
Students are encouraged to review published Inherent Requirements that outline essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are need to complete clinical placement units and this course.
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have advanced knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge that may include the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in a new or existing discipline or professional area | |||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems | |||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas | |||||
4. SKILLS Have specialised technical and creative skills in a field of highly skilled and/or professional practice | |||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concept | |||||
6. SKILLS Have communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences | |||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to make high level, independent judgements in a range of technical or management functions in varied specialised contexts | |||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate broad functions within varied specialised technical and/or creative contexts | |||||
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for personal outputs and all aspects of the work or function of others within broad parameters |
Number of units: 27 | Total credit points: 192 |
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To be eligible to graduate with the Bachelor of Echocardiography (Cardiac Physiology) and Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography, students must complete the 27 core units (192 units of credit), complete clinical placement requirements and attend residential school as required.Cardiac assessment and clinical skills units must be completed within the same academic year as scheduled.
ECHO12004 Cardiac Assessment Skills 1 and ECHO12005 Echocardiography Clinical Course 1 must be completed within the same academic year,
ECHO13002 Cardiac Assessment Skills 2 and ECHO13003 Echocardiography Clinical Course 2 must be completed within the same academic year,
ECHO20001 Echocardiography Clinical Course 3 and ECHO20001 Echocardiography Clinical Course 4 must be completed within the same academic year.
Failure to adhere to these timelines will necessitate completion of a student learning contract which will detail specific requirements to maintain the students' clinical currency.
The second and part of the third year of the Echocardiography course involves weekly participation in mandatory on-campus skills laboratory sessions. These sessions enable students to gain practical skills prior to clinical placement. The labs include the active involvement of students in partial disrobing and cardiac assessment / scanning procedures.
Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC11001 | Human Body Systems 1 | |
ESSC11004 | Study and Research Skills for Health Science | |
MEDS11001 | Fundamentals of Ultrasound Practice | |
MEDI11002 | Physics for Health Sciences |
Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC11002 | Human Body Systems 2 | |
MEDI11003 | Relational Anatomy | |
ECHO11002 | Cardiac Structure and Function | |
MEDI11004 | Professional Practice |
Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
MPAT12001 | Medical Pathophysiology | |
MEDS12001 | Physics of Ultrasound | |
ECHO12002 | Adult Echocardiography 1 | |
BMSC12006 | Cardiorespiratory Physiology and Measurement |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ECHO12004 | Cardiac Rhythm Assessment Skills | |
ECHO12003 | Principles of Cardiac Assessment |
Year 2 - Term 3 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ECHO12005 | Cardiac Clinical Unit 2 |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ECHO13001 | Adult Echocardiography 2 | |
ECHO13002 | Cardiac Assessment Skills 2 | |
MEDS13008 | Vascular Sonography |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ECHO13004 | Paediatric Cardiovascular Pathology | |
ECHO13003 | Echocardiography Clinical Course 2 | |
ECHO13005 | Congenital Heart Disease |
Year 4 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
MEDS21003 | Medical Science Research Project 1 | |
ECHO20001 | Echocardiography Clinical Course 3 | |
MEDS20001 | Quality Practice in Medical Ultrasound |
Year 4 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ECHO20002 | Echocardiography Clinical Course 4 | |
MEDS21006 | Medical Science Research Project 2 | |
ECHO20003 | Fetal Echocardiography |
Unit Credit / Recognition of Prior Learning and Deferment
Recognition of prior learning will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary study equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course has been successfully completed. Student should examine the unit synopses in the CQUniversity handbook to determine the units from which they may be able to claim exemption. Refer to the Credit Transfer website for further details on the guidelines and application process.
Timeline on Unit Completion
In year 2 of the course offering, prior to undertaking their first clinical placement in Term 3, students must apply for admission to the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) as an Accredited Student Sonographer.
The external accreditation body sets a Maximum time that individuals may be on the ASAR Registry as a Student Sonographer of 5 years from the date of initial entry onto the registry.
This requirement means that students must complete this course of study within 5 years from their student registration date (in second year) to qualify as an accredited Medical Sonographer (Cardiac).
If an extension of Student Sonographer Registration beyond 5 years is required, students can make an application to ASAR directly. Students are responsible for this application. The outcome of any application is not decided by CQUniversity. Further advice can be found on the ASAR website.
Clinical Placement
Students must prepare financially and personally to relocate for work-integrated learning experiences. Due to limited placement availability, students may be allocated to facilities or regions not of their choosing.
Students are encouraged to review published 'Inherent and Compulsory Requirements' that outline essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours, skills, health and security requirements that are needed to complete clinical placement units and this course offering.
Campus Transfers
Strict quota limits apply at each campus due to teaching requirements associated with simulation laboratories.
Enrolled students wishing to apply for internal campus transfer to Sydney may apply directly to the Head of Course. Applications open on Census Date of Term 3 and close on the date Term 3 DE/SE Grades are released each year (please refer to current Academic Calendar for dates).
Relocations will be considered on a case-by-case, and only if the applicant meets the following requirements:
Successfully completed all pre-requisite units in the prior year, and
Provided proof of extenuating circumstances regarding the need to transfer.
Applications for transfer to the Brisbane campus by enrolled students, either internally or via QTAC, are not permitted and will be rejected.
Deferment / Leave of Absence
Due to accreditation requirements, the Bachelor of Echocardiography (Cardiac Physiology)/ Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography does not currently permit a deferment and/or Leave of Absence (LOA).
To meet accreditation requirements, students must be able to demonstrate continuous enrolment in this course. Students must enrol in all terms in which units are available to them, considering pre- and co- requisite requirements.