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The aim of this research project is to examine the current and potential role of sonographers in Australia and New Zealand in ultrasound‑guided interventional procedures, with a particular focus on musculoskeletal (MSK) injections and related interventions. 

The objectives of the research are to: 

• Examine the current practice of sonographers involved in ultrasound‑guided interventional procedures across Australia and New Zealand 

• Explore workforce capability, interest, and readiness to undertake MSK injections and related procedures 

• Identify the policy, legislative, and regulatory frameworks that influence sonographer involvement across jurisdictions 

• Investigate the opportunities, barriers, and enablers for role expansion in interventional procedures 

• Develop evidence‑based recommendations for training, credentialling, and professional development pathways 

This research will establish a robust evidence base to inform policy and advocacy, support discussions on scope of practice reform, and contribute to improved patient care outcomes. There is growing demand for ultrasound‑guided interventional procedures, particularly in musculoskeletal care, alongside increasing pressure on the healthcare system. However, there is currently no consistent framework for sonographer involvement across Australia and New Zealand, and regulatory requirements vary significantly between jurisdictions. 

There is strong and ongoing interest from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ members regarding interventional procedures. This project forms part of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s broader commitment to supporting the profession through evidence‑based advocacy and ensuring the future sustainability and growth of sonography practice. 

This research uses a multi‑method approach that includes: 

• A literature review of national and international models, including risks, benefits, and workforce implications 

• A national survey of sonographers across Australia and New Zealand 

• Focus groups to capture deeper qualitative insights 

• A jurisdictional review of relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks 

• Comparative case studies across professions (e.g. physiotherapy, radiography) 

• Development of recommendations for training, credentialling, and practice 

The project is being led by Central Queensland University (CQU), which is responsible for the research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Outputs from the project will include a comprehensive research report, peer‑reviewed publications, and evidence to support ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ policy, advocacy, and regulatory engagement. 

This project will deliver important outcomes by: 

• Establishing a national baseline of current practice and workforce readiness 

• Identifying gaps and opportunities in training and credentialling 

• Demonstrating workforce capability and interest in expanded practice 

• Supporting improved access to services and patient care outcomes 

• Informing the development of practice guidelines and policy positions 

The findings will play a critical role in shaping the future of sonography practice, supporting advanced practice pathways, and enhancing professional recognition of sonographers in interventional care. 

Your voice matters. 

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ invites members to participate in the national survey, which will be available from 11 June and delivered online via the Qualtrics platform. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. 

This is a first‑of‑its‑kind, foundational project that will help define the future role of sonographers in ultrasound‑guided interventional procedures. Your input is critical to shaping the pathway forward. 

For more information on this research project and to participate in the survey, click below. 

The aim of the research is to explore the preferences of qualified and student sonographers working in Australia and New Zealand for appointment times across a range of ultrasound examinations. ‘Appointment times’ refer to the specific time frame a sonographer is allocated to deliver an ultrasound service to a patient.

The objectives of the research are to:

• Investigate the appointment times (duration) allocated to qualified sonographers and student sonographers working in Australia and New Zealand across a range of ultrasound examinations
• Investigate the preferences of qualified sonographers and student sonographers working in Australia and New Zealand for appointment times across a range of ultrasound examinations
• Explore if the sonographer/student sonographer preferred appointment times for a range of ultrasound examinations are associated with their workplace or clinical experience.

This information will be used to develop industry guidance and recommendations for scheduling of ultrasound appointments in Australia and New Zealand. Appointment scheduling is an important operational aspect of ultrasound services to provide effective and quality patient care, and potentially impacts on sonographer satisfaction.

Recently, research was performed to establish the range of appointment times used in Australia and New Zealand for three common ultrasound examinations; Second trimester ultrasound scans, Abdominal scan, and echocardiography. This research demonstrated that most sonographers were satisfied with those appointment times (reported below in completed research projects).

This survey extends the above research by:

• Investigating the range of appointment times (duration) used in Australia and New Zealand across a wider range of ultrasound examinations,
• Investigating the preferences of sonographers working in Australia and New Zealand for appointment time allocations for a wider range of ultrasound examinations.
• Including the voice of student sonographers.

For more information on this research project and to participate in this survey, click the button below.

A survey investigating sonographer's perceptions of ultrasound appointment times

   

The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ has commissioned the International Centre for Allied Health Evidence at the University of South Australia to undertake research into ultrasound examinations scan times. The project seeks to identify the relationship between transducer times in the context of overall scheduled exam times, and identify if there is a relationship with quality outcomes.

The project aims to assist in setting scheduled exam times, to ensure sufficient time is allocated to support quality outcomes for patients. This includes creating awareness that scheduled exam times need to allow time to not only physically scan a patient, but also undertake additional tasks such as gathering patient history and informed consent, documenting findings, and cleaning equipment.

Ultrasound Examination Scan Times Research Project Report

The growing need for therapeutic ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections have led to longer wait times for appointments. Sonographers, with the proper training, are in a good position to perform these procedures, which are generally low-risk. This study looked at how patients felt about getting these injections from sonographers with respect to patient safety and satisfaction.

The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ has funded this research from International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia.

Sonographer administered ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal (MSK) injections - FAQ's

To say that Covid-19 significantly affected the healthcare sector is an understatement. The researchers at UniSA, funded by ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, undertook important research focusing on the impact to the sonography profession. It aimed to capture how the reduction in work hours, diversification of duties, incidences of cessation of certain standards, protocol changes and wellbeing impacted sonographers in real time, as the global pandemic was unfolding.

The project found that the Australasian sonographic community experienced significant impacts from COVID-19, as evidenced by a series of surveys conducted over time.

Survey One highlighted the initial effects of COVID-19 on scan numbers and sonographers' work hours. The findings from Survey One were presented in three parts and were recognised by the World Health Organisation on their database.

Survey Two, capturing the intermediate impact of COVID-19, indicated a return to normalcy in work hours for most sonographers, increased PPE supplies, and a return to normal protocols. Dr Jessie Childs summarises the findings from Survey Two in this Webinar.

Survey Three focused on the Delta outbreak, showing that sonographers' work hours were largely unaffected, PPE supplies remained high, and overall, sonographers felt safer compared to the initial outbreak. However, there were noted decreases in sonographer wellbeing across the surveys.

In response to ongoing changes and concerns, Survey Four was added to capture the impact of the Omicron outbreak. This survey aims to document protocol changes, examination impacts, sonographer wellbeing, and the status of ultrasound in Australasia during the Omicron outbreak. The research aims to inform future policy decisions and document this crucial period during the pandemic.

Work health and safety is an extremely important issue for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ members because sonographers deal with a variety of physical and emotional pressures as part of their everyday practice. Every few years the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ distributes a survey to members in order to build a snapshot of WHS in our profession and based on the results and findings, deliver valuable insights and to help us develop resources to better support sonographers in their role. 

The reports below examine sonographer workflow and volume, experiences and reporting of physical pain, impact on mental health and burnout, as well as available support systems.

View the reports here:

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Workplace Health and Safety Report 2023

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Workplace Health and Safety Report 2021

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Workplace Health and Safety Report 2014

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Workplace Health and Safety Report 2006

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Workplace Health and Safety Report 1999

The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ conducts research aimed at garnering insights into the employment landscape and trends among sonographers. This research delves into aspects such as working conditions, entitlements, and compensation, providing a benchmark against previous findings. This data serves as a crucial tool in advocating with governmental bodies.

The latest findings reveal significant statistics:
A majority, 79% of the sonography workforce is female
The count of full-time sonographers has reduced to 46%
72% of sonographers are employed in private practices, while 25% work in public institutions
Geographically, 63% of sonographers are situated in city or metropolitan areas, 31% in regional towns, and 6% in rural or remote locations.

View the Employment and Salary reports here:

2024 Employment and Salary report

2019 Employment and Salary report

2017 Employment and Salary report

2014 Employment and Salary report
2013 Employment and Salary report

2012 Employment and Salary report

2011 Employment and Salary report

2010 Employment and Salary report

In 2019, the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ initiated research to explore public awareness and perceptions regarding sonographers. The findings revealed a general lack of awareness about the sonography profession, despite a widespread acknowledgment of the importance of ultrasound as a diagnostic healthcare tool. 

Only 11% of respondents could identify a sonographer as the health professional conducting their ultrasound, yet 95% recognised the significance of ultrasound in healthcare. 

The majority of respondents expressed a strong belief in the necessity of regulating sonographers, citing concerns over diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. Interestingly, while 93% believed sonographers were regulated, 82% expressed concerns about the lack of regulation. Despite this apprehension, the absence of regulatory knowledge did not deter individuals from seeking ultrasounds; however, it did lead to a higher likelihood of seeking a second opinion or questioning the quality of diagnostic results, as indicated by the statistics showing a 53% increase in both behaviours.