1. Medical Ultrasound Education
A National Perspective
Elaine Figgins
Associate Director for
Allied Health Professionals

2. Background shortage of qualified sonographers
ever-increasing demand for ultrasound examinations
impact on ability of services to meet demand
government targets and requirements of national screening programmes
lack of concerted regional or national planning
lack of associated funding

3. Sonography Workforce Workplace stress Musculo-skeletal injury
Career development opportunities
Dec. 2016:
2012 WTE Diagnostic Radiographers
(78 vacancies)
“Sonographer”- not a protected title

4. Workforce issues Entry barriers to profession
Traditional recruitment and post-grad training model
Once qualified – move on – earn more as Locums
Ultrasound / Radiography services increased demand
Flat career structure – (majority band 7)
Lack of professional registration
Competitive recruitment strategies between Boards
Increased demand for agency staff

5. Thinking differently Need to consider workforce regionally
Design a structured developmental pathway
Doing nothing - not sustainable
Need to consider different workforce solutions
Explore new options
Consider different workforce supply solutions
Current supply models not working
New masters level Post Grad Certificate programme with blended learning approach
Sustainable education, supervision and support
Increase advanced practice

6. Requirements for future workforce needs
Time to facilitate training lists / reduced capacity
Retention - need to look at governance / RSI issues
Expectations of sonographers’ workload evaluation
Commitment to fund/employ post qualification in regional areas.

7. Future Options
Consider direct entry training BSc Hons Medical Ultrasound (Sonography)
Potential to fill gap around shortage-
Radiologist undertaking general ultrasound
More cost effective 
Reporting to maintain waiting times targets
Help Boards cope with service demands
New PGCert programme –
Service sustainability