Cardiac Ultrasound
Cardiac ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to generate virtual images of the heart and collect information on blood flow, which is used to assess the heart's structure and function.
Subject overview
Ultrasound is a people-orientated discipline which integrates aspects of health sciences and imaging technology. Cardiac ultrasound, also known as Echocardiography, is used in the diagnosis and evaluation of many cardiac conditions including heart failure, heart attacks, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart disease.
The University of Auckland offers the PGDipHSc (Cardiac Ultrasound) programme, which provides a route to registration as a cardiac sonographer in New Zealand. Entry to this programme is restricted to students who have already obtained a clinical training position in a cardiac ultrasound department.
Where can Cardiac Ultrasound take you?
Cardiac sonographers can work across various environments, from cardiologist offices and imaging centres, to mobile imaging companies, and hospitals. Working in this field, cardiac sonographers contribute to delivering excellent clinical health service by applying specialised knowledge and expertise within medical imaging. There is also scope for sonographer lead research for cardiac sonographers interested in pursuing a career in research.
If you work in a related field and are unsure of whether you would fit the criteria for this specialisation, please contact your local Student Hub.