Have Your Say: Draft Scope of Practice for Sonographers

You are invited to give feedback on the Draft Scope of Practice (SOP) that, for the first time, sets out the scope of practice for an entry-level Australian sonographer.

This is a significant step in formally recognising the expertise and contribution that sonographers make to patient care and the healthcare system. While the draft focuses on entry-level practice, it also introduces a practical decision tree to help guide sonographers when considering changes, advancement, or extensions to their scope of practice over time.

Why it matters

The draft SOP defines the minimum clinical capabilities expected of a sonographer graduate entering the workforce as an Accredited Medical Sonographer. Establishing this benchmark will:

Improve recognition of core sonographer skills across the health sector and community
Clarify minimum standards to ensure students are job-ready on graduation
Strengthen advocacy with governments on policy, regulation, and funding
Support workforce planning across the trans-Tasman health system
Lay the groundwork for a future advanced SOP for experienced sonographers

The SOP also ensures flexibility for individuals and the profession in responding to technological advances and evolving practice.

How it was developed

The SOP was shaped through a structured Delphi consensus process, with input from an Expert Panel of over 80 sonographers representing diverse areas of practice across Australia and New Zealand. A dedicated SOP Working Group, including representatives from the Australasian Sonographers Association, Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine, Professionals in Cardiac Sciences Australia, and a consumer representative, also guided the process.

Have your say

We encourage all sonographers to review the draft and share feedback to ensure the SOP reflects contemporary practice and supports best practice standards for the profession.

🗓 Feedback is open until Thursday 25 September 2025.
👉 https://sonographers.org/article/feedback-open—draft-scope-of-practice-defines-entry-level-scope-for-australian-sonographers

Your contribution will help shape the future of sonography and strengthen recognition of the profession across the health system.