ASUM Certificate in Allied Health Performed Ultrasound (ASUM-CAHPU)

The ASUM Certificate in Allied Health Performed Ultrasound (ASUM-CAHPU) is a credential that is awarded by the ASUM Board to allied health practitioners, nurses and midwives who are not imaging specialists but who may use ultrasound as an imaging tool at the point of care.

The ASUM-CAHPU is available to allied health practitioners (such as physiotherapists, paramedics, podiatrists), midwives and nurses in Australia and New Zealand who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for example, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Nursing Council of New Zealand, the Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.

The ASUM-CAHPU is a professional credential issued by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine. It is not an AQF qualification and is not nationally recognised training under the Australian VET system.

ASUM education programs are professional development credentials designed for clinicians and allied health professionals.

These programs are not accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), are not nationally recognised training in the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system and are not delivered or awarded by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Admission

How to Apply for ASUM-CCPU Enrolment

To apply, complete the ASUM-CAHPU Enrolment Application Form and pay the prescribed fee.

Required Documents

Include the following with your application:

Proof of identity — ID Verification is completed through an external third party; you will receive instructions on how to do this at the time of enrolment. Do not email copies of your ID to the ASUM office.
Proof of registration — Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.
Primary Supervisor Declaration Form

Incomplete applications will not be considered. ASUM reserves the right to refuse or return any application that does not meet these requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have already completed any components of the ASUM-CAHPU pathway — such as the accredited course, logbooks, or assessments — you must declare these at the time of application. Visit the RPL page for resources and information on how to apply.

Enrolment Validity

ASUM-CAHPU enrolment is valid for three (3) years from the date of enrolment.

Supervision

Supervision Requirements for the ASUM-CCPU

A designated Primary Supervisor is mandatory to complete the ASUM-CAHPU. Every scan must be performed under the supervision of either the Primary Supervisor or a delegated Associate Supervisor.

Candidates are expected to begin under direct supervision and progress to indirect supervision once they have demonstrated a safe level of proficiency in performing and interpreting scans.

Supervisor Roles and Responsibilities

Primary Supervisors

Criteria are specified within each Unit.
May delegate supervision responsibilities to an Associate Supervisor.
Must complete and submit the Primary Supervisor nomination form.
Must sign off the candidate’s logbook.
ASUM must be notified promptly of any changes to the nominated Primary Supervisor (e.g. workplace changes or unit selection).

Associate Supervisors

Must meet the same criteria as the Primary Supervisor for the relevant Unit.
Must hold current registration with AHPRA or MCNZ.

Note: All nominees for both Primary and Associate Supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or MCNZ.

Patient Safety and Legal Obligations

Patient safety must be the primary consideration when determining whether direct or indirect supervision is appropriate at any stage of training.

Supervisors are also reminded of their obligations under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, which requires practitioners, employers, and education providers to report notifiable conduct to AHPRA. Notifiable conduct is defined in section 140 of the National Law and must be reported to protect the public from harm.

ASUM-CAHPU Fees and Charges

Please click here for information regarding ASUM-CAHPU Fees and Charges.

CAHPU Units

Advanced Early Pregnancy Assessment

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for 1st trimester pregnancy ultrasound.
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	On completing this unit learners should be able to demonstrate: Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the anatomical structure of the female pelvis. Attain proficiency in image optimisation of the following in order to enable appropriate diagnosis: Cervix Uterus Fallopian tube (often not visible on ultrasound unless abnormal) Ovaries Endometrium Gestational sac Fetus Placenta Normal versus abnormal appearances in first trimester, e.g. Molar pregnancy Diagnose an early intrauterine pregnancy and be able to establish its gestational age. Determine whether or not an early pregnancy is viable. Write a structured report or complete proforma report for early pregnancy assessment
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

Basic Early Pregnancy

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for Basic Early Pregnancy Ultrasound.
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	On completing this unit learners should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant anaotmy and organ systems Demonstrate the ability to effectively perform early pregnancy imaging Confirm intrauterine pregnancy Confirm viability of pregnancy Identify and assess pelvic free fluid and clot, bleeding/hemorrhage Understand the limitations of ultrasound of organ system in diagnosis of early pregnancy problems Write a structured report or complete proforma report for early pregnancy assessment Have the clinical knowledge and ultrasound skill to be able to make appropriate management decision according to the clinical situation Understand the requirement for urgent formal scan and senior medical input in certain settings
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

Basic Monitoring of the Fetus

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for monitoring the fetus in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	On completing this unit learners should be able to: Recognise the presence/absence of fetal heart Take an M-mode trace to measure beats per minute Recognise fetal lie Recognise fetal breathing, movement Measure the deepest pocket of amniotic fluid Recognise placental position Attain proficiency in image optimisation
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

Basic Soft Tissue for Emergency Department

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for Basic Soft Tissue Ultrasound.
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	On completion of the unit, learners should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant anatomy Demonstrate the ability to effectively perform basic soft tissue imaging Identify relevant muscles and tendons Demonstrate muscle contraction and relaxation Identify and assess soft tissue infection including abscesses Identify and assess soft tissue injuries including haematomas, muscle injuries, major ligament injuries and major tendon tears. Identify ultrasound evidence suggesting fracture of bones Identify foreign bodies Understand the limitations of ultrasound in diagnosis soft tissue injuriesWrite a structured report or complete pro-forma report for soft tissue assessment Have the clinical knowledge and ultrasound skill to be able to make appropriate management decisions according to the clinical situation. Understand the requirement for comprehensive scan and expert input in certain settings
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

E-FAST

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for E-FAST ultrasound for Allied Health practitioners
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	Upon completion of the unit learners should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate anatomy, physiology and pathology. Effectively perform and interpret E-FAST ultrasound. Understand the limitations of ultrasound of the chest in trauma. Understand the limitations of ultrasound of the abdomen in trauma.
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

Follicle Tracking

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for the use of ultrasound for follicle tracking.
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	On completing this unit learners should be able to: Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the anatomical structure of the female pelvis, and cyclic changes observed during reproductive life. In particular the assessment of follicles within each ovary. Attain proficiency in image optimisation of the following in order to enable appropriate diagnosis: Cervix Uterus Fallopian tube (often not visible on ultrasound unless abnormal) Ovaries/follicles Endometrium Normal versus abnormal appearances of the ovaries and endometrium
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

Lung and Diaphragm Ultrasound for Physiotherapy

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for lung and diaphragm for acute care physiotherapists.
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	On completing this unit the candidates will be able to: Understand the role of lung and diaphragm ultrasound in acute care Have an awareness of evidence, use and limitations with lung and diaphragm ultrasound Identify and demonstrate practical understanding of: Basic settings of ultrasound scanning equipment High and low frequency probes, uses, limitations Patient and ultrasound probe positioning for lung and diaphragm ultrasound Attain basic skills in ultrasound imaging of normal thoracic anatomy (ribs, intercostal space, pleura, diaphragm, heart) and key abdominal organs (liver, spleen, kidneys) Attain understanding of key ultrasound findings of: lung, pleural pathologies and diaphragm dysfunction: Normal lung Pleural effusions and types of fluid collections (simple/complex) Pneumothorax and other causes of absent pleural sliding Lung collapse/consolidation Pulmonary oedema Diaphragm movement (normal, dysfunction)
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

Soft Tissue Ultrasound for Physiotherapy

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for Basic Soft Tissue Ultrasound.
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	On completion of the unit, learners should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant anatomy Demonstrate the ability to effectively perform basic soft tissue imaging Identify relevant muscles and tendons and ligaments Demonstrate muscle contraction and relaxation Identify and assess soft tissue injuries including haematomas, muscle injuries, major ligament injuries and major tendon tears Identify ultrasound evidence suggesting fracture of small bones Identify foreign bodies Identify arthropathy, tendinopathy, enthesopathy tenosynovitis and bursitis Understand the limitations of ultrasound in diagnosis soft tissue injuries Understand the complications in the normal healing process including fibrosis, calcification, infection and non-healing Write a structured report or complete proforma report for soft tissue assessment Have the clinical knowledge and ultrasound skill to be able to make appropriate management decisions according to the clinical situation Understand the requirement for comprehensive scan and expert input in certain settings
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

Vascular Access

Purpose	This unit is designed to cover the theoretical and practical curriculum for the procedural use of ultrasound for the purpose of securing peripheral vascular access, both venous and arterial. It also covers the principles of using ultrasound to guide central venous access.
Prerequisites	ASUM Physics in Ultrasound eLearning Module
Learning Outcomes	On completing this unit learners should be able to demonstrate: A greater understanding of the ultrasound techniques and physical principles of peripheral and central venous access, and of arterial access. Proficiency in image optimisation in order to enable appropriate procedural guidance.• An understanding of the anatomy (and common variations) of the following structures, including their relationships to adjacent structures and surface anatomy: Veins of the upper limb including: Brachial vein Basilic vein Cephalic vein Arteries of the upper limb including: Brachial artery Radial artery Ulnar artery Nerves of the upper limb including: • Radial nerve • Ulnar nerve • Median nerve Structures in the neck including: Internal and external jugular veins Carotid arteries Thyroid Trachea Strap and sternocleidomastoid muscles Structures in the femoral triangle including: Femoral nerve Common femoral artery Common femoral vein Long saphenous vein Structures in the subclavian region including: Subclavian and axillary veins Subclavian and axillary arteries Pleural surface Ribs Clavicle The ability to image the above vessels in transverse and longitudinal planes using: B-mode compression US Colour Doppler US Understanding of the sonographic characteristics of peripheral veins and arteries in various physiological states including: Normal Tourniquetted limb Hypovolaemic patient Hypotensive patient Venous thrombosis Understand the sonographic appearance of a needle in: Transverse view Longitudinal view Have the technical understanding and ability to guide a needle under real-time ultrasound guidance into a target vessel using: In-plane technique Out-of-plane technique
Eligibility	Applicants for enrolment into the CAHPU must be allied health practitioners, nurses or midwives who are practising and registered with their national medical registration authority, for e.g. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), The Nursing Council of New Zealand, The Midwifery Council of New Zealand and The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Be practicing ultrasound in the relevant field of study
Primary Supervisor	A primary supervisor can be nominated if they fulfil one of the following criteria: A current accredited medical sonographer (AMS), registered with the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) or the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologist Board (MRTB) A current CAHPU holder in the unit of study A current CCPU holder in the unit of study A current DDU holder in the relevant field of study A Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) All nominees for primary clinical supervisor must hold current registration with AHPRA or other relevant registration body. The primary supervisor must sign off the logbook and formative and summative assessments.

Enrol in the ASUM-CAHPU today

Name
CAHPU GENERAL - AU	Enrol
CAHPU GENERAL - NZ	Enrol