Sonographers Medical do not train Sonographers, but we do receive a large number of queries with regard to training. Below are some details to assist prospective students wishing to train in the UK.
A very good source of information on training is the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS). Extensive course and contact details are to be found on their website at http://www.bmus.org/intro/home.asp
Ultrasound education in the United Kingdom is accredited through The Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE)
CASE was formed in 1993, with a common desire to ensure that the education and training of Sonographers in the United Kingdom was delivered at the highest level. It currently consists of seven organisations:
- British Medial Ultrasound Society BMUS
- British Society of Echocardiography BSE
- College of Radiographers CoR
- Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine IPEM
- Royal College of Midwives RCM
- Society of Vascular Technology of Great Britain and Ireland SVT
- United Kingdom Association of Sonographers UKAS (Now disbanded)
CASE's philosophy is to promote best ultrasound Practice through the accreditation of those training programmes that develop safe and competent ultrasound practitioners. This should be delivered at postgraduate level. The majority of its activities relate to supporting those Institutions that offer, or wish to offer courses leading to the award of a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Medical or clinical Ultrasound.
A full list of CASE accredited institutions is published annually.
Click here 2009 version. http://www.bmus.org/case/CASE-Handbook-May-2009.pdf
Updated versions may be obtained via the BMUS website. http://www.bmus.org/case/accreditation.asp
One of the most common queries we receive is for assistance in finding a clinical placement.
Unfortunately, there are far more course placements available than clinical placements permit., and Clinical Departments routinely select students from with in their own organisation rather than advertising for a student role.
A large number of students are therefore left each year, with a firm offer of academic training, provided they can find themselves a clinical placement of at least 21 hours per week. This needs to be in a Department where support can be given, as well as exposure to a full range of examination types and pathologies.
The process of obtaining a clinical placement is a negotiation between the Hospital/NHS Trust, the University which offers the Ultrasound Education and Training programme and the student.
We therefore suggest that prospective students identify a clinical training position in advance of sorting the academic training aspect. This can only be done by individually contacting every Ultrasound department possible, to enquire if they will be taking on external student
Click here to go to our Sonographer Ultrasound pages
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