Radiography

[Deboza]

I've been working as a qualified radiographer for a number of years now in both public and private settings, and across three states. Although I'm not a sonographer, I know enough about the job that I can give some insight.

In the private sector, the companys generally want graduate radiographers to undertake one year of service before being allowed to apply for training. I've only seen one non-radiographer sonographer (person did a health science degree) during my time, and only got a training position basically due to knowing one of the owners of said company.

During my time in the public system, basically it's ultra-competitive to be offered a training position (one person waited six years before they started scanning); you essentially need for someone to either go on maternity leave, retire or for the department to expand to get a spot. Managers of medical imaging departments wouldn't hire non-radiographer sonographers due to flexibility and work requirements.

In short, don't do a standalone sonography bachelor degree. Don't start a graduate diploma in sonography unless you've been guaranteed a physical training position as you wont be able to progress from the theory portion of the diploma and thus not finish the course.

(P.s. don't do a masters in radiography. You can't learn the job of a radiographer in 2 years. Some of the masters students I've seen just before they're ready to graduate left a sour taste in my mouth).

 

[q8888315]

In short, don't do a standalone sonography bachelor degree. Don't start a graduate diploma in sonography unless you've been guaranteed a physical training position as you wont be able to progress from the theory portion of the diploma and thus not finish the course.

for someone completely out of the radiography background, do you recommend sonography bachelor degree at CQU so that they can still find grad job as a sonographer in the industry?

Or you have never met CQU graduates and do not recommend doing it except go the traditional radiography+training positon route?

The traditional way takes longer time to secure a sono trainee position and makes it really hard to achieve.

I personally heard a nurse ,a pharmacist, a paramedic gained their sono trainee positions in QLD, NSW.. I do not think the private sector only takes radiographer.

 

[dotwingz]

Its in the quote itself, don't do a standalone sonography degree, and dont pursue the field without some sort of guarantee of a job or connections.

CQU offers neither of these, not to mention the quality of learning sounds pretty bottom of the barrel.

2xq offered valuable insight that there really isnt enough work in a day to fill out a full time role in Sonography, so you need to have the qualifications to make yourself otherwise busy throughout the day. Based on this I think its pretty clear you shouldn't pursue this degree, the traditional route offers alot more security and realistically isnt much longer.

 

[Deboza]

for someone completely out of the radiography background, do you recommend sonography bachelor degree at CQU so that they can still find grad job as a sonographer in the industry?

Or you have never met CQU graduates and do not recommend doing it except go the traditional radiography+training positon route?

The traditional way takes longer time to secure a sono trainee position and makes it really hard to achieve.

I personally heard a nurse ,a pharmacist, a paramedic gained their sono trainee positions in QLD, NSW.. I do not think the private sector only takes radiographer.

No, I wouldn't recommend it.

Yes, taking the traditional takes longer but it makes you a more well rounded healthcare practitioner and more employable. Personally if I was a manager and I had the choice of a sonographer who has a radiography background and can take xrays or a sonographer who graduated from CQU, I'd take the former every single time.

Reputable, prestigious private practices only take radiographers to be sonographer trainees in my experiences for the reasons I've mentioned above.

 

[It'llbejessfine]

Hello, I am a year 12 student fresh out of the oven, waiting for my ATAR score! While I want to pursue radiology, if my ATAR doesn't qualify, are there other ways you can still be eligible for the course? I've spoken with course advisors, and they told me to study Bachelor of Science; then a Master in Radiology. Has anyone taken this path so far? Could you please provide me with some insights on the course? I am honestly a bit lost with which direction I should take. Much appreciated.

 

[2xq]

Hello, I am a year 12 student fresh out of the oven, waiting for my ATAR score! While I want to pursue radiology, if my ATAR doesn't qualify, are there other ways you can still be eligible for the course? I've spoken with course advisors, and they told me to study Bachelor of Science; then a Master in Radiology. Has anyone taken this path so far? Could you please provide me with some insights on the course? I am honestly a bit lost with which direction I should take. Much appreciated.

I hope you know the differences between the medical specialty of radiology and radiography. If you don't, I suggest you do a bit of research on the two and how the role of a radiologist is DIFFERENT to that of a radiographer.

Anyways I digress. There is a Master of Diagnostic Radiography offered by USYD which is a 2-year masters degree following an undergraduate degree. If you do decide to undertake a Bachelor of Science then a Master of Diagnostic Radiography, do note that this will be 5-years (3+2) in total full-time. The only catch with the masters degree is that most places will be domestic full-fee paying places (though there are a select few CSP places available to usually very very very very very high achieving applicants). Alternatively, you could use your 1st year university grades to transfer into an undergraduate radiography degree OR you could decide to go to a different institution offering an equivalent course.

Either way, whether you do decide to take a 4-year undergraduate degree in radiography or 2-year masters degree in radiography, you still end up being a qualified radiographer by the end of it.

 

[It'llbejessfine]

I hope you know the differences between the medical specialty of radiology and radiography. If you don't, I suggest you do a bit of research on the two and how the role of a radiologist is DIFFERENT to that of a radiographer.

Anyways I digress. There is a Master of Diagnostic Radiography offered by USYD which is a 2-year masters degree following an undergraduate degree. If you do decide to undertake a Bachelor of Science then a Master of Diagnostic Radiography, do note that this will be 5-years (3+2) in total full-time. The only catch with the masters degree is that most places will be domestic full-fee paying places (though there are a select few CSP places available to usually very very very very very high achieving applicants). Alternatively, you could use your 1st year university grades to transfer into an undergraduate radiography degree OR you could decide to go to a different institution offering an equivalent course.

Either way, whether you do decide to take a 4-year undergraduate degree in radiography or 2-year masters degree in radiography, you still end up being a qualified radiographer by the end of it.

Thanks for answering me, and yes it’s supposed to be radiography (thanks for informing me of the distinction). I’d also like to know the criteria for transferring into an undergraduate radiography degree. What sort of GPA do you reckon I need and is this pathway common? Should I converse with the USYD coordinators?
Thank you for your time.

 

[2xq]

Thanks for answering me, and yes it’s supposed to be radiography (thanks for informing me of the distinction).

yes nws hahah

I’d also like to know the criteria for transferring into an undergraduate radiography degree. What sort of GPA do you reckon I need and is this pathway common?

youll likely need a gpa that is mid to high 6s to 7.0 for usyd

Should I converse with the USYD coordinators?
Thank you for your time.

when you mean converse with USYD coordinators, what exactly do you mean and what do you plan on discussing? just curious

 

[It'llbejessfine]

yes nws hahah

youll likely need a gpa that is mid to high 6s to 7.0 for usyd

when you mean converse with USYD coordinators, what exactly do you mean and what do you plan on discussing? just curious

OMG I just got my ATAR! It’s 92.5. I’m 0.5 mark short away from the required entry point. Wish me luck since my fate is sealed on the 22nd.
For me I know Elisa, a USYD university advisor. She’s been answering my questions regarding courses selection and the like. I’ve also asked her about uni life, pathways I can take etc

yes nws hahah

youll likely need a gpa that is mid to high 6s to 7.0 for usyd

when you mean converse with USYD coordinators, what exactly do you mean and what do you plan on discussing? just curious

 

[2xq]

OMG I just got my ATAR! It’s 92.5. I’m 0.5 mark short away from the required entry point. Wish me luck since my fate is sealed on the 22nd.
For me I know Elisa, a USYD university advisor. She’s been answering my questions regarding courses selection and the like. I’ve also asked her about uni life, pathways I can take etc

Still quite an achievement to get an ATAR of 92.5! I hope you also attended Info Day yesterday (16/12/2022) and have asked all the staff and student ambassadors questions while you were there.

 

[Shmexyoh]

I am completing my nursing degree this year. I want to become a sonographer by doing QUT's Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound. However, one of the requirements to apply is to have access to training for the duration of the course. Basically, I have to secure placements for 2 years. How do I ask facilities to train me? Does anyone know how a nurse can transition into a sonographer? Which facilities should I ask for training? Are there any networking opportunities where I can secure training?

 

[lambdarays]

I am completing my nursing degree this year. I want to become a sonographer by doing QUT's Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound. However, one of the requirements to apply is to have access to training for the duration of the course. Basically, I have to secure placements for 2 years. How do I ask facilities to train me? Does anyone know how a nurse can transition into a sonographer? Which facilities should I ask for training? Are there any networking opportunities where I can secure training?

Hi, currently training in sonography so I may be of help here. I have a radiography background, however, the other sonography trainee in my workplace is an RN and many in my uni course are RNs who are upskilling, so it's definitely doable.
Facilities to train - our RN is a medical imaging nurse and she managed to get a training spot this way. Regardless of whether you are a radiographer or not, any sort of medical imaging background will give you an advantage. Other than that, there will be job ads where they mention that they are advertising for a 'sonography trainee' role. You just need to apply for those. They are highly competitive but there are a few around!
Facilities wise - I'd look for a position with some flexibility with study leaves. As an RN, you'd probably have a rougher time at the start trying to learn physics/anatomy that radiographers would have learned in their 2/3rd year. The learning curve is STEEP. There are some places with dedicated training roles, and some with part-time training roles (more for radiographers) and I'd recommend full-time training role as you will be able to dedicate yourself into study and scanning this way.
Networking opportunities - the uni I am attending held a conference where a private company came and explained how their recruitment worked. And uni also intermittently sends emails with sonography training roles.
Hope this is helpful!

 

[Shmexyoh]

Hi, currently training in sonography so I may be of help here. I have a radiography background, however, the other sonography trainee in my workplace is an RN and many in my uni course are RNs who are upskilling, so it's definitely doable.
Facilities to train - our RN is a medical imaging nurse and she managed to get a training spot this way. Regardless of whether you are a radiographer or not, any sort of medical imaging background will give you an advantage. Other than that, there will be job ads where they mention that they are advertising for a 'sonography trainee' role. You just need to apply for those. They are highly competitive but there are a few around!
Facilities wise - I'd look for a position with some flexibility with study leaves. As an RN, you'd probably have a rougher time at the start trying to learn physics/anatomy that radiographers would have learned in their 2/3rd year. The learning curve is STEEP. There are some places with dedicated training roles, and some with part-time training roles (more for radiographers) and I'd recommend full-time training role as you will be able to dedicate yourself into study and scanning this way.
Networking opportunities - the uni I am attending held a conference where a private company came and explained how their recruitment worked. And uni also intermittently sends emails with sonography training roles.
Hope this is helpful!

Hi, this was so helpful thank you for your response. Which uni do you attend for sonography? I had my mind set on QUT.

 

[Anish]

Hello everyone, Im interested in doing sonography as a potential backup to medicine. I'm currently weighing up my options between speech path (hopefully being able to run my own business later on), physiotherapy in addition to radiography fields such as radio therapist, nuclear rad and sonography. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction as to how I can apply to become a sonographer or one of the radiographers aforementioned and which one is better in terms of income currently. I'm equally interested in all so all my options are weighing down to basically income. It seems that sonography is quite lucrative compared to the other medical imaging positions but maybe not speech path private business?

For sonography, I saw CQU offers a course but the reviews do not seem great but other than that I'm confused on whether I should take just medical imaging and medical radiation via Deakin and RMIT respectively or radiography and medical imaging via Monash. Which option would be the recommended path as I tried to some research but I am now more confused.

For the specialties that RMIT offers such as medical radiation (nuclear medicine, radiation therapy and general rad etc) can I take one of these courses and then go into a masters of medical ultrasound that qualifies me for sonography?

 

[2xq]

Hello everyone, Im interested in doing sonography as a potential backup to medicine. I'm currently weighing up my options between speech path (hopefully being able to run my own business later on), physiotherapy in addition to radiography fields such as radio therapist, nuclear rad and sonography. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction as to how I can apply to become a sonographer or one of the radiographers aforementioned and which one is better in terms of income currently. I'm equally interested in all so all my options are weighing down to basically income. It seems that sonography is quite lucrative compared to the other medical imaging positions but maybe not speech path private business?

Sonography requires either that degree from CQU OR a graduate diploma (or higher) qualification AFTER an undergrad in either nursing, science (ill touch upon why this is a harder reason to justify) or radiography. You need to have a training letter from your employer saying that you can be trained in ultrasound in order to enrol into such masters or graduate diploma programs - generally to receive such training is through your work as a radiographer (way more common) or nurse (i say nurse loosely but youd have to have things go your way in order for this to happen) which is why it seems a little more lucrative. You generally only think about sonography after working a few years as a radiographer as a specialisation.

I have a page on universities that offer DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY as an undergrad degree here: Diagnostic Radiography Schools Selection Criteria (2021 Updated)

For sonography, I saw CQU offers a course but the reviews do not seem great but other than that I'm confused on whether I should take just medical imaging and medical radiation via Deakin and RMIT respectively or radiography and medical imaging via Monash. Which option would be the recommended path as I tried to some research but I am now more confused.

I highly suggest you read this entire thread regarding CQU course vs the grad dip/masters pathway; a snippet has been screenshotted and pasted below:



In terms of your other queries regarding RMIT vs Monash, it does not matter where you do your DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY DEGREE.

For the specialties that RMIT offers such as medical radiation (nuclear medicine, radiation therapy and general rad etc) can I take one of these courses and then go into a masters of medical ultrasound that qualifies me for sonography?

As per the requirements shown on the website, you need that training letter saying you will be trained on placement in ultrasound AS WELL AS A DEGREE IN RADIOGRAPHY AND MEDICAL IMAGING or science/health science (BUT THIS IS MOST DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMENDED for training letter reasons as this is hard to obtain as simply a BSc graduate)

This means you should look to do diagnostic radiography.

 

[Deboza]

2xq has hit the nail on the head.

For an income persepctive, NSW health public radiographers/radiation therapists/nuclear medicine earn the same base rate as per EBA. Radiographers earn more due to working overtime/on call etc.

 

[Anish]

Hello again! Thanks for the help. With radiation therapy and nuclear can you do a sonography degree or does it have to be medical imagining specifically. (Relating to RMIT)

 

[Deboza]

Hello again! Thanks for the help. With radiation therapy and nuclear can you do a sonography degree or does it have to be medical imagining specifically. (Relating to RMIT)

You can technically do post graduate studies in sonography post RT/NM, but you'll run into issues without a training spot for the practical component of the study.