Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac)

What you will study

Complete 72 units comprising:

• 18 units for Core courses
• 36 units for all work-integrated learning
• 18 units for Electives

Core courses

Complete 18 units comprising:

• Professional Issues for Sonographers
• Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation

Work-integrated learning

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

• Advanced Cardiac Pathology
• Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio
• Clinical Applications of Echocardiography
• Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology
• Advanced Cardiac Haemodynamics
• Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology

Electives

Complete 18 units comprising:

18 units from Program electives

• Fundamentals of Business Analytics
• Health Ethics
• People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
• Talent Acquisition and Development
• Managing Employee Performance and Rewards
• Managing Organisational Development and Change
• Quantitative Design for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research
• Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care
• Project Management Fundamentals

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Professional Practice

• Current registration as a Vascular Sonographer with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (or overseas equivalent, where accreditation was awarded following completion of a recognised degree)

Higher Education Study

• Complete a letter of support confirming a training position within an ultrasound department or vascular laboratory that will be supervised by an accredited medical sonographer who is registered with ASAR (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry) or who has an equivalent registration. Applicants who are not already registered with ASAR as a vascular sonographer are advised that the program requires the completion of 2000 supervised clinical vascular sonography experiences across various pathologies. Applicants are responsible for organising and maintaining an ongoing training position to acquire the requisite expertise. Progression through the program is conditional upon meeting prescribed milestones.
• A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) degree or higher from a recognised higher education institution in one of the approved Fields of Education (FOE).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

• Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
• Academically sound.
• Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

• Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
• Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
• Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

When you study the Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac) at Adelaide University, you’ll master the core principles of ultrasound technology, with a focus on the cardiovascular system.

This program will equip you with the advanced clinical and research skills needed to excel in the fast-paced field of cardiac sonography.

Over three years of part-time, online study, you’ll learn how to use ultrasound equipment to examine the heart and blood vessels. You’ll start with core courses, including ultrasound physics and instrumentation, as well as cardiovascular anatomy and embryology.

As you progress, you’ll take specialised courses such as advanced cardiac haemodynamics and clinical applications of echocardiography.

You can further tailor your studies with electives to align with your career goals, whether in clinical practice, research, or leadership roles.

Options include:

• Health ethics
• Research for advancing healthcare
• Project management for business.

Practical experience is key in this program. You’ll complete supervised cardiac scanning and real-world clinical training, helping you to apply what you’ve learnt in busy healthcare settings.

Learn from world-class researchers and skilled sonography experts through online discussion forums and virtual classrooms. These interactive sessions not only help you gain valuable knowledge but also connect you with industry professionals, building essential networks for your future career.

The combination of theory, hands-on learning and specialised electives ensures you’ll graduate ready to make a significant impact in the field of cardiac sonography.

This degree can be studied primarily online; however, it may also have some on-campus and/or in-person requirements that you will need to complete for accreditation purposes. This may include in-person intensive classes, workshops or professional placements.

Career outcomes

Your career options are diverse, with opportunities to work in:

• Cardiac outpatient imaging centres
• Heart research institutions
• Educational and training facilities for healthcare professionals
• Rural and remote healthcare services focused on cardiac care
• Remote diagnostic services providing specialised heart imaging
• Government health departments and agencies dedicated to cardiovascular health

As a cardiac sonographer, you'll be at the heart of patient care, using your skills to reveal the vital details that drive life-saving decisions.

Fees and CSP

Estimated student contribution amount per 1.0 EFTSL (48 units) in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)

A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.

The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:

• Number of courses you are enrolled in.
• Unit value of courses.
• Funding cluster your courses fall under.

A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.