Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences in Ultrasound

The PGDipHSc (Ultrasound) programme provides a route to registration as a sonographer in New Zealand. Entry to this programme is restricted to students who have already obtained a clinical training position in a University of Auckland approved ultrasound department.

MRTB Accredited

Our PGDipHSc(Ultrasound) programme is approved and accredited by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).

Students who successfully complete the requirements for this programme, including a clinical competency assessment at an approved workplace, will be eligible for registration with the MRTB in the Ultrasound scope of practice.

Medical imaging technologists (MITs) seeking a clinical training position in ultrasound may commence their study before securing a training position by enrolling in the PGCertHSc(Medical Imaging) and completing 4 courses*. Should they obtain a clinical training position within 5 years of completion of the PGCertHSc, any completed courses may be eligible for transfer into the PGDipHSc(Ultrasound) qualification.

Other eligible candidates seeking a clinical training position in ultrasound may commence their study before securing a training position by enrolling in the PGCertHSc(Health Science) and completing 4 courses*. Should they obtain a clinical training position within 5 years of completion of the PGCertHSc, some completed courses may be eligible for transfer into the PGDipHSc(Ultrasound) qualification.

At this stage, we do not offer this particular programme to students residing outside of New Zealand as assessment of clinical competency is embedded within it.

*Once admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate programme, please contact the Medical Imaging Postgraduate Academic Coordinator at medicalimaging@auckland.ac.nz to confirm appropriate course selection.

To gain admission to the PGDipHSc (Ultrasound) a student must:

• Have completed an undergraduate qualification in medical imaging, or an approved undergraduate degree* from a biomedical science related field or allied health profession such as nursing or physiotherapy.
  
• Have a clinical training position in ultrasound from an approved clinical centre and a completed University of Auckland Clinical Training Position Agreement prior to admission to the programme. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain this training position.

Students are required to enrol in and complete the following courses:

• MEDIMAGE 701 - Imaging Anatomy and Pathology (15 Points)
  
• MEDIMAGE 702 - Professional Issues in Medical Imaging (15 Points)
  
• MEDIMAGE 716 - Fundamentals of Clinical Ultrasound (15 Points)
  
• MEDIMAGE 717 - Ultrasound Imaging Technology (15 Points)
• CLINIMAG 713 - Ultrasound in Women's Health (15 Points)
  
• CLINIMAG 719 - Ultrasound Abdominal Clinical Applications (15 Points)
  
• CLINIMAG 720 - Ultrasound Specialised Clinical Applications (15 Points)
  
• CLINIMAG 715 - Ultrasound Clinical Practice (15 Points)

In addition, assessment of clinical competency will occur in the student’s workplace throughout the duration of the student’s enrolment within this programme.

Failure to demonstrate sufficient clinical progression and a minimum level of competency at specific time points may result in the student being unable to proceed to the next stage in the programme.

This programme has a total enrolment clause of 160 points. This is the maximum number of points you can enrol in (including failed or withdrawn courses) towards this programme.

Detailed information on admission criteria, programme structure and content, and the schedule of courses can be found in the University Calendar regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences. These should also be read in conjunction with the University's General Regulations - Postgraduate Diplomas.

New students: to ensure you enrol on time, please visit our step-by-step guide to applications, admission, and enrolment.