Qualifications to be a ultrasound technician

Is anyone aware of what qualifications are required to be able to do ultrasounds? I assume it would be an uni course. Does anyne know exactly waht you need to do and how many years the study would be if undertaken full time. Thanks!

The most direct route is to complete a Bachelor of Science (Medical Imaging Science) and then a postgraduate diploma in ultrasound. Best to check out your local uni's to see what courses they offer...You could also check out the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine website.

Thanks for the advice, i thought that i might be in for another degree and post grad study, i was hoping that you would say its a tafe course lol!! Ill see what is being offered in sa.

I am going to be studying this in Canada,, and its just gone from a 1 year college course to a 2 year.. so much easier and doable then a degree.

You don't have to do the Ba Sc (medical imaging) Although it does make things easier if you do. Yes it is post grad, but you can get in with a science related course, not specifically medical imaging. (i have a med imaging degree. ;) ) Med imaging is 3 years plus an intern year, so four all up. (plus 2 for ultrasound) You could do a straight science degree in less time i think.
The other thing with the US degree is that you need to find a position in a hospital as a 'trainee' while you are studying. You can do some subjects whilst not working, but the majority are done in a teaching hospital. It takes 2 years post grad.
The good news is, there are lots of placements around, just a matter of finding a good one.

I too am considering going back to do this post grad degree. If you want any more info, pm me. My Mum is on a few ultrasound boards including 2 eduction and accrediting ones. So if the info i have given you is different in SA (i'm in Vic) then she will certainly know.

ETA- can you tell i'm in a rush this am?? sorry about the jumbled post! lol

Didi- Is it post grad in Canada? hmmm 12 months, maybe i should come to Canada and do it there! lol

Do you need a related degree or can anyone do it?