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CV69 - Bachelor of Echocardiography (Cardiac Physiology) / Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

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.

Career Information

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.

Course Details
Duration 4 years full-time
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 - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,888
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $29,517
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,140
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $38,820
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,172
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,016

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 1 - 2025

Brisbane
Sydney

Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane
Sydney

Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane
Sydney

Term 1 - 2022

Brisbane
Sydney

Term 1 - 2021

Brisbane
Perth
Sydney

Term 1 - 2020

Brisbane
Perth
Sydney

Term 1 - 2019

Students must enrol on a campus. The first year is predominantly delivered in mixed mode with two compulsory residential schools on your campus of enrolment. Years 2 and 3 are delivered internally on your campus of enrolment and year 4 is wholly on clinical placement anywhere in Australia or New Zealand, as allocated. In year 2 there are a limited number of compulsory residential schools at a world-class industry partners facility in Sydney. Students must prepare personally and financially to attend these.
Brisbane
Perth
Sydney

Term 1 - 2018

Offers of admission are made at a specific campus and campus transfers are not available. Students wishing to transfer into this course or change campus must apply via the state application centre. Student number quotas apply. Only Year 1 of the course is available by distance study. There are compulsory residential schools in Year 1 which you must attend at your campus of enrolment. You must study internally at your campus of enrolment in year 2 and part of year 3.
Brisbane
Perth
Sydney

Term 1 - 2017

There are student quota limits for this course. Only Year 1 of the course is available by distance study. There are two compulsory residential schools in Year 1. In year 2 term 1 you must attend compulsory residential schools on campus and at a partner facility in Sydney. You must study internally in year 2 term 2 and part of year 3.
Perth
Sydney

Term 2 - 2016

Distance
Sydney

Term 1 - 2016

Distance
Sydney
Show All

International Availability

Term 1 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Students must enrol on a campus. The first year is predominantly delivered in mixed mode with two compulsory residential schools on your campus of enrolment. Years 2 and 3 are delivered internally on your campus of enrolment and year 4 is wholly on clinical placement anywhere in Australia or New Zealand, as allocated. In year 2 there are a limited number of compulsory residential schools at a world-class industry partners facility in Sydney. Students must prepare personally and financially to attend these.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2018

Offers of admission are made at a specific campus and campus transfers are not available. Students wishing to transfer into this course or change campus must apply via the state application centre. Student number quotas apply. Only Year 1 of the course is available by distance study. There are compulsory residential schools in Year 1 which you must attend at your campus of enrolment. You must study internally at your campus of enrolment in year 2 and part of year 3.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2017

There are student quota limits for this course. Only Year 1 of the course is available by distance study. There are two compulsory residential schools in Year 1. In year 2 term 1 you must attend compulsory residential schools on campus and at a partner facility in Sydney. You must study internally in year 2 term 2 and part of year 3.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2016

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2016

Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 77.00 | ATAR 77.00
Entry Requirements

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:

  • an academic IELTS completed within the last 2 years (from the term you are applying to start) with a minimum achievement of 7.0 in each band and overall; or
  • a secondary or university qualification which is not more than 5 years old (from the term you are applying for entry into) with a satisfactory level of achievement of at least 2 years in duration from Australia.

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).

Assumed Knowledge

English, Biology, Science, Physics, Maths

Fees and Charges
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards CV67 - Associate Degree of Cardiac Physiology CV68 - Bachelor of Cardiac Physiology
Exit Awards CV67 - Associate Degree of Cardiac Physiology CV68 - Bachelor of Cardiac Physiology
Accreditation
  • Professional Practice: Core
    Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR)

    The CV69 Bachelor of Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology / Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography has been accredited by the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Students must complete both the Bachelor of Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology and the Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography to gain accreditation.The external accreditation body sets a MAXIMUM time that individuals may be on the ASAR Registry as a Student of 5 years from the date of initial entry onto the registry. Students must register as an Accredited Student Sonographer with ASAR during year 2 of CV69 course enrolment, prior to their first clinical practicum. This requirement means that students must complete this course of study within 5 years of their student registration date in order to qualify as an accredited Echocardiographer.

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School There are units in this course that include mandatory residential school for all students.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

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.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 171
2023 185
2022 208
2021 225
2020 193
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

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.

General Information

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Treating personal information obtained in classroom and clinical settings as private and confidential.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious, cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of and adherence to ethical behaviour.
  • Maintaining ethical behaviour in all contexts.
  • Complying with the rules and regulations of the Australasian Sonographer's Association 'Code of Conduct' and 'Standards of Practice'.
  • Complying with the position statements for 'clinical practice' of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ).
Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Treating personal information obtained in classroom and clinical settings as private and confidential.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious, cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of and adherence to ethical behaviour.
  • Maintaining ethical behaviour in all contexts.
  • Complying with the rules and regulations of the Australasian Sonographer's Association 'Code of Conduct' and 'Standards of Practice'.
  • Complying with the position statements for 'clinical practice' of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ).
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Interacting positively and effectively with other students while attending activities related to the course.
  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to different viewpoints, to constructive feedback and to direction from academics and clinical staff.
  • Coping effectively with your own emotions, responses and behaviour when dealing with challenging situations in the clinical setting to ensure your safety and well-being and the patient's safety and well-being.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with clinical sites requirements. These include criminal record checks and child protection and safety legislation including mandatory reporting requirements. (National Criminal Record Check and Working with Children Check).
  • Understanding and adhering to professional policy around the use of social media.
  • Knowing, understanding and complying with legislative, regulatory requirements and policy directives which are necessary pre-requisites to clinical placements in order to reduce the risk of harm, to self and others (for example occupational assessment, screening and vaccination against infectious diseases).
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Verbally communicating your knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Providing team members with clear concise verbal reports related to patient clinical presentation, situation/presentation, background history, clinical assessment and result of the ultrasound.
  • Communicating with patients in an empathic and caring manner.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of peers, patients and others and responding appropriately.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions, eye contact and gestures while being mindful of interpersonal space.
  • When required, needing to recognise and interpret non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course and clinical placements.
  • Constructing your assessment work to academic standards with attention to correct grammar and punctuation.
  • Constructing fluent summarised written text from complex and detailed information.
  • Constructing legible reports in a timely manner to meet professional standards and clearly communicating the intended message.
  • Accurately documenting charts and records meeting legal and professional requirements.
  • Accessing a computer for your studies.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Applying knowledge of policy and procedures in clinical settings.
  • Performing your duties within set time-frames.
  • When applicable, applying theoretical knowledge to understand a patient's history when undertaking patient assessment.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge of the human body systems and Echocardiography to enable cardiac information gathering and interpretation.
  • Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
  • Actively listening to information within a variety of academic and clinical and emergency situations.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting information related to patients.
  • Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying basic mathematics knowledge and skills in using adaptive equipment that correctly meets client measurement requirements.
  • Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of educational and clinical settings.
  • Having practical skills and be able to evaluate data in order to assess patients and evaluate findings in a safe and effective manner.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Focusing on and recognising objects that are either near or far.
  • Safely operating electronic equipment.
  • Reading and interpreting diagnostic images, scans, videos, or 3D or 4D ECG un-zoomed, rhythm analysis, blood pressures and high volumes of anatomy and diagnostic data.
  • Recognising variations in and interpreting diagnostic images using grey scale ultrasound, pulsed wave Doppler and colour Doppler imaging, Strain speckle tracking and 4D imaging.
  • Visually distinguishing red from blue to determine the direction of blood flow.
  • Viewing 3D anatomy in real time on a 2D screen.
  • Selecting an optimal image and differentiating pathology using visual pattern recognition.
  • Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
  • Having sufficient auditory ability to consistently and accurately monitor, asses and manage a patient's needs.
  • Accurately interpreting verbal communications and directions from staff.
  • Hearing computer generated sounds which indicate pathology in the patient.
  • Determining different blood flow velocities from computer generated Doppler.
  • Performing auscultation and blood pressure manually.
  • Using touch in an appropriate manner when conveying positive messages for emotional support during difficult circumstances.
  • Conducting physical assessments using an ultrasound machine and detecting any anatomical abnormalities.
  • Moving an ultrasound transducer in multiple planes.
  • Undertaking fine motor manipulations of the ultrasound transducer in order to slide, rotate, tilt and fan through a structure to detect pathology.
  • Transferring patients on and off beds and Cath lab tables.
  • Operating equipment such as ECG machines and Treadmills with highly fragile parts.
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Collaborating with fellow students and clinical staff in planning, modifying and completing projects and procedures.
  • Demonstrating respect for and consideration of divergent points of view within teams.
  • Adapting to a variety of styles of instruction, feedback and supervision on clinical placements.
  • Rapidly building rapport with patients to engage cooperation, elicit information and provide effective care in carrying out imaging examinations.
  • Interacting and engaging with individuals and groups in a respectful and culturally competent manner.
  • Responding constructively to feedback on performance.
Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Assessing your own performance in a range of environments, including the classroom, clinical simulation laboratories and clinical workplace.
  • Identifying contributing factors to your thinking patterns, actions and behaviours.
  • Identifying when your performance may be negatively affected by your emotional response.
  • Evaluating your knowledge and skills to determine whether or not a clinical activity is within your scope of practice.
  • Being able to evaluate the effectiveness of assessment data that has been determined and identify areas for improvement.
  • Ability to relate new knowledge to prior understanding.
  • Formulating an action plan to address an identified performance gap.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in activities related to the course with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Participating in learning clinical skills and fully engaging in clinical practice activities.
  • Having a sustained level of concentration and physical endurance during clinical placements and in your professional daily activities.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to the course.
  • Maintaining balance while safely transferring delicate and large equipment.
  • Moving with ease around patients and equipment items while performing delivery of care.
  • Safely retrieving and utilising stock and equipment.
  • Moving relatively heavy equipment up to and beyond 11 kg.
  • Completing manual handling techniques to transfer patients and patients beds and wheel chairs.
  • Manoeuvring about critical care machine and extending your body around them.
  • Manipulating delicate, breakable and sensitive equipment such as ultrasound machines, transducers and other ultrasonic equipment with ease and care.
  • Performing ECGs with small parts and leads.
  • Moving an ultrasound transducer in multiple planes.
  • Undertaking manipulations of the ultrasound transducer in order to slide, rotate, tilt and fan through a structure to detect pathology.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Being a productive team member during learning activities in simulation and during clinical practice.
  • Providing feedback to and responding to feedback from peers in learning teams.
  • Developing and sustaining rapport with supervising clinicians during clinical practice to support effective working relationships, positive learning environments and positive outcomes for patients.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Using the Moodle learning management system to engage with classmates and your instructor, access learning materials and undertake assessments.
  • Using word processing, presentation and spreadsheet applications in undertaking assessments.
  • Using ultrasound systems to produce, process and optimise echocardiographic images.
  • Using 12 Lead ECG systems to capture and evaluate cardiac rhythm.
  • Using facility Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) to retrieve, view and manipulate medical diagnostic images.
  • Retrieving patient information and documenting procedures in Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Radiology Information Systems (RIS) during clinical practice.
Compulsory Requirements
Health Requirements

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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Advice

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.    

Security Requirements

Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance and working with children check.

Other Compulsory Requirements

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.

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Practice competently as a graduate echocardiographer.
  • 2. Apply a broad and coherent body of echocardiographic (cardiac physiology) knowledge to clinical practice.
  • 3. Demonstrate competences in a broad range of measures of cardiac physiology.
  • 4. Apply appropriate professional and personal skills to echocardiographic practice.
  • 5. Conduct and present the outcomes of a research study in echocardiography (cardiac physiology).
  Course Learning Outcomes
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
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
Number of units: 27 Total credit points: 192

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
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
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
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
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ECHO12004 Cardiac Rhythm Assessment Skills
ECHO12003 Principles of Cardiac Assessment
Year 2 - Term 3
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ECHO12005 Cardiac Clinical Unit 2
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ECHO13001 Adult Echocardiography 2
ECHO13002 Cardiac Assessment Skills 2
MEDS13008 Vascular Sonography
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ECHO13004 Paediatric Cardiovascular Pathology
ECHO13003 Echocardiography Clinical Course 2
ECHO13005 Congenital Heart Disease
Year 4 - Term 1
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
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ECHO20002 Echocardiography Clinical Course 4
MEDS21006 Medical Science Research Project 2
ECHO20003 Fetal Echocardiography
More Details

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

Students must apply for admission to the Register of Accredited Student Sonographers during the 2nd year of the course prior to the clinical placement in Term 3. The external accreditation body (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry) 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) in order to qualify as a accredited Medical Sonographer (Cardiac).


Clinical Placement

Please note: It is a requirement that all students undertaking clinical placement in a health facility undergo various checks. These include:

  • Provide First Aid and CPR certification
  • Immunisation Record
  • Hepatitis B Record
  • National Criminal Record Check
  • Working with Children Check

Students must apply for these checks in Year 2 of the course. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all the documentation is valid throughout progression in the Echocardiography course. Further details are available in the Echocardiography Clinical Portal on admission to the course.


Campus Transfers

Strict quota limits apply to each campus due to teaching requirements associated with simulation laboratories. Internal transfers between campuses to Brisbane are not permitted via either an internal campus transfer or by submission of a QTAC application. Current Bachelor of Echocardiography (Cardiac Physiology)/Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography students who apply via QTAC to study on Brisbane campus will have their applications at QTAC, for this preference, rejected.

Students wishing to transfer to Sydney or Perth may apply directly to the Head of Course, with these applications opening on Census Date of Term 3 each year and closing on Term 3 DE/SE Grades Release date each year (please refer to current Academic Calendar for dates). Second year places at these locations will be considered on a case by case basis, 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.


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).

In order to meet accreditation requirements, student must be able to demonstrate continuous enrolment in this course. Students must enrol in all terms in which units are available to them, taking into account pre and co-requisite requirements.