The North Canberra Hospital Medical Imaging Department delivers a comprehensive service, providing diagnostic imaging to inpatient, outpatient and emergency patients across the ACT and surrounding regions. The ultrasound service delivers a diverse range of examinations including general ultrasound, obstetrics and gynaecology, musculoskeletal, paediatric, interventional and small parts imaging.

The Trainee Sonographer position within Canberra Health Services is designed to develop skilled and competent ultrasound professionals capable of delivering high-quality, patient-centred diagnostic imaging services. Under the supervision of accredited sonographers, radiologists and the clinical educator, the trainee undertakes a structured clinical training program alongside tertiary study requirements to progressively develop technical, clinical and professional competencies in diagnostic ultrasound.

The trainee contributes to the Medical Imaging Department through participation in supervised ultrasound examinations, patient care, workflow support and adherence to safe imaging practices. The role supports the department’s commitment to diagnostic excellence, continuous learning, multidisciplinary collaboration and sustainable workforce development across Canberra Health Services.

The role may require placement across multiple sites to fulfil training and competency requirements. This is a merit-based selection process. A merit list will be created and may be used for future appointments within Medical Imaging CHS.

Under supervision of the clinical educator and accredited medical sonographers, the trainee sonographer will:

1. Perform ultrasound examinations under direct and indirect supervision in accordance with departmental protocols and training requirements.
2. Maintain patient dignity, privacy and comfort throughout all interactions.
3. Complete theory-based requirements of training in line with tertiary provider and work towards competency across all ultrasound examinations.
4. Operate ultrasound equipment safely and effectively while maintaining imaging quality standards.
5. Participate in regular feedback and performance development with clinical educator and tertiary provider where required.
6. Work collaboratively with radiologists, nursing staff and other multidisciplinary team members.
7. Participate in quality improvement, education and departmental activities as required.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

• Ability to develop technical scanning skills in accordance with department protocols.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with patients, supervisors and multidisciplinary team members.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing clinical and academic demands.
• Demonstrate adaptability, resilience and a commitment to patient-centred care within a busy clinical environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice and development alongside implementing feedback from clinical educator.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and appropriate use of the digital health record.
• Understanding of infection prevention, safe work practice and clinical governance principles.
• A commitment to upholding patient privacy, confidentiality and ethical standards.

Specific requirements include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Bachelor degree in relevant health science OR enrolled in an undergraduate Ultrasound degree.
• Eligible for enrolment or currently enrolled in an ASAR accredited ultrasound program.
• Ability to meet clinical hours and training requirements of tertiary course.
• Eligible for ASAR 2A accreditation.

Desirable

• Bachelor degree in Diagnostic Medical Radiation Science.
• Current ASAR 2A accreditation.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Specific requirements include but are not limited to the following.

Essential

• Experience working effectively in a team environment.
• Computer literacy skills.
• Safe work practices.

Desirable

• Prior experience in a medical imaging department or allied health setting.
• Experience interacting with patients in acute healthcare setting.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Current registration issued under the Working With Vulnerable People - Access Canberra is required OR current registration with AHPRA.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.
• Enrolment in an accredited undergraduate or postgraduate ultrasound training program.

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Demonstrates evidence of academic excellence with an ongoing commitment to tertiary education.
2. Demonstrates a commitment and desire to develop clinical and technical competency in diagnostic ultrasound.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide compassionate, patient-focused and safe patient care and work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
4. Demonstrates ability to manage competing priorities, participate in clinical training and undertake tertiary study requirements simultaneously to a high standard.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.

Administrative	Frequency
Telephone use	Frequently
General computer use	Frequently
Extensive keying/data entry	Occasionally
Graphical/analytical based	Occasionally
Sitting at a desk	Frequently
Standing for long periods	Frequently

Psychosocial demands	Frequency
Distressed People e.g. Emergency or grief situations	Frequently
Aggressive & Uncooperative People e.g. drug / alcohol, dementia, mental illness	Occasionally
Unpredictable People e.g. Dementia, mental illness, head injuries	Occasionally
Restraining e.g. involvement in physical containment of clients/consumers	Occasionally
Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. Child abuse, viewing dead / mutilated bodies; verbal abuse; domestic violence; suicide	Occasionally

Physical demands	Frequency
Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit)	Occasionally
Working outdoors	Never

Manual handling	Frequency
Lifting 0 - 9kg	Frequently
Lifting 10 - 15kg	Occasionally
Lifting 16kg+	Occasionally
Climbing	Never
Running	Never
Reaching	Frequently
Kneeling	Occasionally
Foot and leg movement	Frequently
Hand, arm and grasping movements	Frequently
Bending/squatting	Frequently
Bend/Lean Forward from Waist/Trunk twisting	Frequently
Push/pull	Frequently
Sequential repetitive movements in a short amount of time	Frequently

Travel	Frequency
Frequent travel – multiple work sites	Occasionally
Frequent travel – driving	Occasionally

Specific hazards	Frequency
Working at heights	Never
Exposure to extreme temperatures	Never
Operation of heavy machinery e.g. forklift	Never
Confined spaces	Occasionally
Excessive noise	Occasionally
Low lighting	Frequently
Handling of dangerous goods/equipment e.g. gases; liquids; biological.	Occasionally
Slippery or uneven surfaces	Never