In order to maintain accreditation, all Sonographers must participate in an ASAR approved CPD program.
Sonographers can select one of the ASAR approved CPD programs from which they will satisfy their accreditation requirements. Regardless of the program selected, the individual must ensure they have collected at least the equivalent of 40 ASAR points in 3 years taking into account ASAR’s triennium dates and capping provisions on different categories of points.
| Activities | Whether valid for ASAR CPD Activity | ASAR Category and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Discussing cases with Radiologists and Doctors after work |
Yes if not paid | Category 3 |
| Supervising or teaching student sonographers | No | Supervising students is not a valid CPD activity (has to be formal in-house education meeting sessions) |
| Speaking at career information nights or teaching general ultrasound principles to public, nursing groups, primary schools etc |
No | not considered valid CPD activities as they demonstrate no professional development attributes |
| Manual handling Risk assessment and patient handling training |
Yes | Category 3 |
| Marking exams and assisignments | No, if paid for the job.Yes, if its voluntary | Category 11 if voluntary |
| OH&S, First Aid Certificate, CPR and Infection Control |
Yes | Category 3 |
| Audits which includes Nuchal Translucency audit |
NO | Audits are not valid CPD activities |
| Talks in meetings and conferences (not presentation) | Yes for preparation time only | Category 9 |
| Undertaking courses in Ultrasound other than ASAR courses(including correspondences courses) |
Yes | Category 2 |
| NTOLP(Nuchal Translucency Online Learning Program offered by the RANZCOG) | Yes | Category 4 since its online program and they provide certificate |
| Enrolling in Nuchal Translucency courses, Ex: through the Fetal medical foundation |
Yes | Category 2 |
| Undertaking management courses to improve professional development |
Yes | Category 2 |
| Lecturing/tutorial positions at institutions/universities |
Yes if only voluntary/honorary capacity | Category 11 if voluntary. If paid is not a valid CPD activity as it represents part of usual paid employment duties |
| Book reviews | Yes if related to Ultrasound | Category 9 |
Yes you can enrol in any number of programs, however at the time of renewing your accreditation you must select one program that will be used to monitor your CPD progress for accreditation purposes. For example, an individual may enrol in the ASA and AIR programs but they must notify ASAR which of these programs are to be used for accreditation purposes.
The professional bodies that represent Sonographers offer CPD programs that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of their members. Individual Sonographers are encouraged to choose a CPD program that meets their professional needs.
Yes. Generally speaking, any relevant CPD activity is capable of earning points with each of the CPD programs. You should check with your chosen CPD provider to determine if the activity is an accepted CPD activity.
Yes. ASAR is responsible for monitoring the accreditation status of Sonographers in Australia. It performs this function on behalf of the Federal Government. Membership of the professional bodies such as ASA, ASUM, AIR and CSANZ is separate to accreditation and the choice to be a member of these organsations is up to the individual Sonographer. ASAR encourages membership of a professional group.
Yes, however at this time you must be a member of ASA to enrol in the ASA CPD program.
No, you do not need to be a member of the AIR to participate in the AIR CPD program however you do need to be enrolled in the CPD program.
Yes, you must be a member of ASUM to enrol in the ASUM MOSIPP CPD program.
You can join a new program anytime. But for the purpose of accreditation, you can only transfer or opt out of a program at the beginning of each year when you renew your ASAR membership.
No. To maintain accreditation you are required to obtain 40 CPD credits in 3 years. This triennium continues despite changes that occur to your nominated CPD provider. At the end of the triennium, your CPD provider will be asked to provide evidence that you have obtained at least 40 CPD credits that meet ASAR guidelines. Individuals in default at the end of the triennium will enter ASAR’s remediation procedures.
Yes, all program providers will audit at least 10% of individuals completing their ASAR triennium against ASAR standards and capping provisions on different categories of points.
If you fail the audit, you will have to participate in the ASAR CPD program and follow the ASAR’s remediation procedures which states that for the following three years, you must pay an annual fee of AUD $150 including GST to remain on the register and you must submit 30 CPD credits to ASAR within each 12-month period for a total of 36 months. For more information, please go to CPD Default.
If you are audited you will be required to produce copies of documents demonstrating that you have obtained the points you have claimed during the triennium. In past audits however ASAR have noticed that some individuals incorrectly assigned points to given activities or were unable to produce some documentation. This resulted in a point shortfall for some individuals. For this reason ASAR advise that you enter more than the minimum number of points for each triennium and that you keep documents relating to more than the minimum number of points in case you are selected for audit.
In case you are selected for audit, Sonographers will have to comply with the following requirements:
