A pioneering group of CQUniversity Mackay students recently met with Elaine Trevaskis, CEO of the Australian Sonographers Association (ASA).

The students enrolled for the first intake of CQUniversity's sonography program spoke to Ms Trevaskis about signing on for student membership of the ASA.
Sonography peak body CEO Elaine Trevaskis (left) meets new students Marita Casella and Karen Kemp with CQUniversity's medical sonography senior lecturer Anita Bowman at Mackay Campus

The new Bachelor of Medical Sonography and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography program has been a popular addition to the mix of courses available at Mackay Campus. It offers a three-year degree program in sonography linked with a postgraduate professional diploma in sonography.

A medical sonographer is a health professional who uses ultrasound equipment to produce diagnostic images, videoclips and 3D/4D volumes of diagnostic data.

Sonographers are in demand in many public and private health facilities. An expanding and ageing population will ensure the demand will remain for the foreseeable future.

The ASA is the peak body and leading voice for sonographers and student members have access to the essential resources, education and professional networks required to support them in building a career in sonography. Membership for students is free.

The ASA organises educational discussion forums, meetings, workshops and conferences and other continuing professional development activities.

It represents 3000 sonographers' interests in discussions with various stakeholder groups such as employers and government bodies.

The organisation provides indemnity insurance for members and produces a quarterly journal on sonography online and in hard copy. It keeps itself abreast of changes in the profession by regularly surveying members, and responding to member letters.

Elaine Trevaskis explained that the ASA is keen to be involved in a mentorship capacity with our students. It would like them to access the discussion forum and avail themselves of the advice of a wide range of qualified sonographers.

The ASA is also keen to get CQUniversity sonography students involved in helping to run conferences and other educational events so that they become involved with their profession and its members.

Sonography student members also benefit from:

• Member discounts on ASA education and events
• Information and resources to support education
• Access to online ASA discussion forums
• Support through ASA scholarships and grants
• Recognition through the ASA Awards of Excellence
• Information through the ASA's quarterly education publication soundeffects
• Endorsement as an ASA Certified Student Sonographer
• Profession updates via e-mode and Advocacy Alert
• Building networks by attending Branch and Sub-branch meetings or joining committees and working groups.
• Free access to PD-asa - the CPD program for sonographers.

Visit http://www.a-s-a.com.au/ to find out more