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Sonography/Radiography involves the applied science of medical imaging technologies. This field focuses on the technical operation of specialised scanning machines, such as those that use radiation (X-ray, CT scans) or MRI, which produce images of the inside of the body and are then clinically analysed by radiologists and other specialist doctors. Medical Imaging is useful to diagnose medical conditions and injuries, to guide treatment and to assess a patient’s response to treatment. More recently, this field has been expanded as Medical Radiation Science, and incorporates Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy streams. Sonography is an extended specialisation which uses Ultrasound technology to generate medical imaging.

Sonography/Radiography Jobs

Sonographers perform diagnostic ultrasound scans and provide other medical imaging services using ultrasound technology, such as ultrasound-guided medical treatments. They work with patients and perform scans to produce quality images of the body for interpretation by radiologists and other medical specialists. The most common application for ultrasound technology is scanning during pregnancy to monitor the growth and development of the fetus, but ultrasound has other medical uses, including scans to evaluate thyroid gland function, blood flow, metabolic bone disease, musculoskeletal conditions or gallbladder disease. Sonographers work independently and in teams in radiology departments in hospitals and private clinics. To pursue a career as a sonographer, qualified radiographers, doctors and medical specialists, or health science graduates, can undertake a Graduate Diploma or Master of Medical Sonography/Medical Ultrasound, with optional subspecialties in Cardiac or Vascular Ultrasound. More recently, the Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography offers a direct pathway into the profession. It is often a requirement of employment to have current registration with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).