The course, accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE), will teach you how to use ultrasound imaging in clinical practice. You will be taught the principles and practice of ultrasound science, the practical applications of ultrasound and develop an appreciation of the principles of scientific investigation. Throughout the course, we will monitor and assess your clinical practice. This does not just mean technique, but also knowledge, comprehension, communication, analysis and management – in terms of the patient, your technology and your personal qualities. We will also discuss medico-legal, ethical and professional issues.
Through an introduction to the physics, equipment, safety and relevant professional issues alongside clinical modules, you will develop an understanding of current techniques and proficiency in medical ultrasound. You may choose clinical modules in obstetric and gynaecology ultrasound, general medical ultrasound or vascular ultrasound. You can also take a negotiated work-based module to meet your individual needs within the PG Certificate in Specialist Ultrasound Practice. These options allow you to build a personalised, proficiency-based learning programme.
This Medical Ultrasound course is ideal for healthcare professionals wanting to develop new skills in ultrasound, experienced sonographers extending proficiency in a specialist area or clinicians who wish to utilise ultrasound imaging in clinical practice.
You can choose to take the 60-credit PG Certificate, which is only nine months, the 120-credit PG Diploma, which lasts 18 months, or the 180-credit MSc, which lasts 27 months and involves an extended research project in your final year.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London St Thomas’, Guy’s and Waterloo Campuses.
Course accreditation
The course is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
Regulating body
King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
Teaching
You will have approximately 132 hours of academic teaching on a block release pattern. You will undertake a minimum of 21 hours a week of supervised scanning throughout the course. A member of the programme team will visit you at your workplace to support you and observe your work. We will expect you to undertake around 15 to 20 hours of independent study per week.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of:
- coursework
- written examination
- Objective Structured Computer Examination (OSCE)
- presentations
- case studies
- Clinical Portfolio of Evidence and Clinical Assessment, where appropriate.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.