Preclinical simulation, curious cases for CQU Sonography students
Aspiring sonographers have spent a big week on the tools, and making connections in the sector, as they progress through their CQUniversity Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography.
Second-year students at CQU Melbourne completed practical exercises in state-of-the-art sonography labs, with preclinical placement scanning simulations across 14-15 November 2023.
The simulations, scanning volunteer patients, were part of preparations for sonography clinical placements from November to February.
Practical activities also included ethical role-play scenarios and workshops with career counsellors and a speech pathologist.
CQU Melbourne is home to more than 100 sonography students in the four-year degree, which includes industry placements in the second, third and fourth years.
The busy lab sessions were supported by lecturers and tutors who also work in industry.
Then on Tuesday evening, CQU students also attended the Australasian Sonographers Association’s annual Interesting Cases Night 2023, hosted at CQU Melbourne.
The event attracted an enthusiastic crowd of practitioners, and heard from both first time presenters and experienced sonographers sharing unique sonography challenges they had faced and insights developed.
CQU Lecturer in Medical Sonography Antony Egan said: "a heterogeneous experience helps develop balanced sonography students and this day had diversification in spades.
“To go from ethical conundrum role-play scenarios, to scanning volunteer patients, followed by a really engaged industry event put on by the ASA Victoria branch where they interacted with the sonography community – it was fantastic to be a part of.
“Highlights of the event were seeing both first-time and highly experienced presenters walk us through complex case studies."
“Ensuring students are prepared for clinical placements, and get hands-on experience in the industry, is a vital step for equipping the next generation of sonographers,” Mr Egan said.
“CQUniversity is proud to partner with sonography providers across Australia, to create placement opportunities, and to provide experienced and capable graduates for the industry.
“The experience, competence and confidence of our graduate sonographers directly benefits patients’ access to timely quality diagnostic ultrasound services.”
The Australian Sonographers Association estimated in 2019 that the medical industry had a shortfall of 3,000 sonographers – and pandemic impacts, including limited access to clinical placements for students, have exacerbated the shortage.
The second-year students used labs to scan thyroids, abdomens, and to assess for deep-vein thrombosis, in a simulated clinical situation.
Later this month, third year CQU Bachelor of Sonography students from across Australia will travel to Vietnam, for a two-week clinical placement with the Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP) and the Can Tho General Hospital.
The CQUGlobal Outbound opportunity is supported by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan Mobility Program.
CQUniversity offers its Bachelor of Medical Sonography in Melbourne, Sydney, Mackay and Brisbane, learn more at cqu.edu.au/sonography.
