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CV69 - Bachelor of Echocardiography and 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 and Cardiac Physiology / Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography will enable you to apply knowledge, skills and professional behaviours appropriate to a career in cardiac physiology, cardiac science and echocardiography. You will 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 and / or seek international recognition by sitting European, British or American qualification exams.

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) BEchoCardiacPhys/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

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or Untied States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or 
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland or Untied States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 7.0 with a minimum 7.0 in each subset; or
  • An Occupational English test with grades A or B only n each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

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 CL13 - Diploma of Health Science 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

ECHO20005 - 640 hours of clinical placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and CQUniversity academic. 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 prospective students are advised that they should prepare personally and financially to relocate for some or all of their placement.
ECHO20004 - 640 hours of clinical placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and CQUniversity academic. 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 prospective students are advised that they should prepare personally and financially to relocate for some or all of their placement.
ECHO12005 - 320 hours of clinical placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and CQUniversity academic. Clinical facilities can often only host a small number of students at a time so the placement locations are spread over a large geographical area. As a result prospective students are advised that they should prepare personally and financially to relocate for some or all of their placement.
ECHO13007 - 640 hours of clinical placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and CQUniversity academic. 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 prospective 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 echocardiography and cardiac physiology knowledge to clinical practice
  • 3. Perform competences in a broad range of measures of cardiac physiology
  • 4. Behave professionally, using appropriate professional and personal skills to practice as an echocardiographer and cardiac physiologist (cardiac scientist)
  • 5. Report the outcomes of a research study in echocardiography and / or 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: 23 Total credit points: 192

There are a number of units within this course that slightly exceed the notional hours recommended by the Australian Qualifications Framework.

To be eligible to graduate with the Bachelor of Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology / Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography, students must complete the 23 core units (192 units of credit), complete clinical placement requirements, attend all mandatory laboratory activities / residential schools / intensive workshops on associated campus of enrolment, as determined in the unit profiles.

Clinical Placement:
Course years 2-4 include clinical placement. Students must satisfy specific pre-clinical health, safety, security, including a clear criminal record check, and licensing requirements prior to each placement, and must disclose any condition that may put himself or herself, or the public, at significant risk whilst on placement.
Students are required to meet all mandatory requirements to Clinical Placements. Clinical placements are a requirement for the award of the Degree. Students who have a criminal history check disclosure, prior to commencing the degree or recorded during the course of the degree, are required to have their fitness for placement assessed on a case by case basis by the University or in conjunction with the placement site or State Health Department (as appropriate). Where a student has a criminal history check, prior to enrolment in the degree, the student may be required to apply for clearance through the applicable State Health Department to determine fitness for placement, prior to enrolment in the degree.
A student may be determined ineligible for placement, based on the nature of the criminal history disclosure, the inability to perform required tasks, or if the student may be determined a risk to clients, staff or other stakeholders. A student may be determined ineligible for placement, if the placement site is unable to work within the constraints of any conditions or work modifications placed upon the work site by the State Health Department or Assessment Unit within a private organisation. If conditions imposed upon the placement are too restrictive for placement sites within the current offer round, the student is determined not fit for placement and is at risk of the University terminating enrolment in the degree.
Due to limited availability of clinical placements, some block placements have start and/or end dates that fall outside standard term start and end dates. As placements are located throughout Australia / New Zealand and availability is limited in each community, students may be located in regions that are not of their choosing. 100% attendance is required when undertaking clinical placement. Students must prepare financially and personally to relocate for placements, and are responsible for the associated costs. In accordance with the course accreditation standards, students must achieve competency in a range of cardiac assessment techniques that may require attending different clinical facilities. Whilst on placement, students will perform cardiac assessment on, 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 of images and perform safely in a range of lighting conditions. Students will undergo clinical assessments on performance of cardiac assessment cases, professional behavioural and technical skills.
Clinical Simulation Laboratory Learning
Years 1 - 3 of the course includes hands-on learning in the clinical simulation echocardiography and computer laboratories on campus during terms 1 and 2. Students can study year 1 of the course by distance, if they chose, with attendance on-campus required for scheduled residential schools. Year 2 and 3 are internal for all students (except for term 2 year 3) with compulsory weekly lab attendance required. Students must attend all other laboratory, residential school and intensive workshop activities at their campus of admission.

The term specific dates and scheduling for residential schools, laboratory sessions, and associated workshops are published two weeks prior to term commencement. Students must prepare financially and personally for any associated travel costs to attend residential schools, laboratory sessions or workshops. Students are reminded that eligibility for attendance requires all pre- and co- requisites for enrolment in unit to be met.

Students must demonstrate professional behaviours including regular attendance and meeting the course dress code during clinical simulation laboratory sessions. During simulations of cardiac assessment techniques, all students will participate in role-play as sonographer and patient. These essential learning activities will require partial removal of clothing to the level that is required for the simulation and will involve touching and being touched by peers. These simulation-learning activities take place in a mixed gender environment, including the presence of male academic tutors. If a student is unable to participate, it may affect the student's ability to attain required skills and complete unit assessments.
Completion Timelines
Students must apply for admission to the Register of Student Cardiac Sonographers during the 2nd year of the course prior to the second year clinical placement. Please note that the external accreditation body sets a maximum completion time of five years for this course from each student’s registration with them.
To maintain clinical currency specified cardiac assessment and clinical skills units require completion within one calendar year as scheduled in the course structure.

  • ECHO12004 Cardiac Assessment Skills 1, ECHO12006 Cardiac Science and ECHO12005 Cardiac Clinical Unit 2 require completion within one calendar year of each other,
  • ECHO13006 Adult Echocardiography, ECHO13002 Cardiac Assessment Skills 2 and ECHO13007 Cardiac Clinical Unit 3 require completion within one calendar year of each other,
  • ECHO13007 Cardiac Clinical Unit 3 and ECHO20004 Cardiac Clinical Unit 4 require completion within one calendar year of each other,
  • ECHO20004 Cardiac Clinical Unit 4 and ECHO 20005 Cardiac Clinical Unit 5 require completion within one calendar year of each other.

Failure to adhere to these timelines will necessitate completion of a student-learning contract that will detail specific learning and assessment requirements to maintain the student's clinical currency.

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC11001 Human Body Systems 1
ESSC11004 Study and Research Skills for Health Science
MEDI11002 Physics for Health Sciences
ECHO11003 Fundamentals of Cardiac Science
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC11002 Human Body Systems 2
ECHO11002 Cardiac Structure and Function
MEDI11004 Professional Practice
ECHO11004 Biochemistry for Cardiac Pharmacology
Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MPAT12001 Medical Pathophysiology
MEDS12001 Physics of Ultrasound
ECHO12006 Cardiac Science
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:
ECHO13006 Adult Echocardiography
ECHO13008 Advanced Cardiac Assessment Skills
BMSC12014 Pharmacology for Health Professionals
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
ECHO13007 Cardiac Clinical Unit 3
ECHO13005 Congenital Heart Disease
Year 4 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MEDS21003 Medical Science Research Project 1
ECHO20004 Cardiac Clinical Unit 4
Year 4 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MEDS21006 Medical Science Research Project 2
ECHO20005 Cardiac Clinical Unit 5
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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.