Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU)

The ASUM Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU) is an internationally accepted professional qualification certifying those specialist clinicians performing diagnostic ultrasound services. The DDU is a self-paced course, whereby candidates prepare for a range of assessments in their own time using a variety of learning materials.

A DDU graduate is a specialist medical practitioner who has overall responsibility for ensuring the most accurate and valid information possible is obtained from the ultrasound examination. The DDU graduate is then responsible for using the acquired information to meaningfully contribute to clinical patient management and would usually have diagnostic ultrasound as a major focus of their practice.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Please refer to Clause 2 of the DDU Regulations for information regarding entry requirements.

Enrolees wishing to enrol under the ‘DDU International Pathway’ should refer to the guidelines here.

SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS

Please refer to the DDU Supervisor Handbook for information regarding DDU Supervisor requirements.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The DDU is divided into three (3) modules; Module 1, Module 2 and Module 3. Modules 1 and 2 can be undertaken concurrently.

MODULE 1: Foundations of Ultrasound Practice

You will study Module 1 using a wide range of learning materials, working in your own time and at your own pace. On completion of Module 1 there is one (1) online assessment comprising of 120 multiple choice questions over two (2) hours on the following topics:

Physical principles of ultrasound and instrumentation (70% of available marks)
Principles of image/data collection and optimisation (15% of available marks)
Professional, ethical and legal Issues (15% of available marks)

The Module 1 Online Assessment is offered biannually in May and November. Please refer to the DDU Academic Calender for assessment registration closing dates.

In order to sit the assessment online you must have access to a reliable computer and high speed (i.e. broadband) internet connection. You also need to arrange an assessment supervisor – a registered professional (e.g. Doctor, Nurse, Lawyer etc) to supervise you undertaking this assessment.

MODULE 2: Clinical Competence

PRE-REQUISITE: Approval by DDU Board of Examiners of Nominated Primary Clinical Supervisor following submission of a Nomination of Clinical Supervisor Form.

You must have access to a high quality clinical ultrasound practice relevant to your chosen DDU for a period of not less than two (2) years. As a guide, you will be expected to be actively involved in clinical ultrasound practice for a minimum of 500 hours in total over two (2) years. The Module 2 Assessments are:

Two (2) formative Case Studies (to be submitted at least 6 months post enrolment)
Two (2) formative Supervisor Assessments of Clinical Competence (to be submitted at least 6 months post enrolment)
Three (3) summative Case Studies (to be submitted at least 12 months post enrolment)
Three (3) summative Supervisor Assessments of Clinical Competence (to be submitted at least 12 months post enrolment)
A Logbook with specified numbers and types of scans to be completed
The completion of two (2) years Diagnostic Ultrasound experience

MODULE 3: Advanced Ultrasound Practice

PRE-REQUISITES:

Successful completion of the Module 1 Online Assessment
The successful completion of all Module 2 Case Studies and Supervisor Assessments
The submission of at least 75% of the DDU Logbook
A minimum of 18 months experience in Diagnostic Ultrasound

You will be required to pass two (2) summative assessments:

A Written Assessment (Short-Answer Questions)
An Oral Assessment (Viva Voce)

COURSE COMPLETION

The DDU is awarded by the ASUM Council, on the recommendation of the DDU Board of Examiners, following successful completion of the following:

The Module 1 assessment within 2 years of enrolment into the DDU
All Module 2 assessments and logbook requirements within 3 years of completion of Module 1
All Module 3 assessments within 3 years of completion of Module 1
Two (2) years experience in diagnostic ultrasound (post enrolment into the DDU)
Completion of a relevant Fellowship as specified in the DDU Regulations

RECERTIFICATION

DDU Recertification will occur at four-yearly intervals after the first January following the initial award of the DDU on presentation of the requisite evidence demonstrating that the DDU holder has met continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.

Maintaining DDU currency requires DDU holders have financial ASUM membership and demonstrate 75 CPD points per four (4) years via myASUM CPD or their college or equivalent CPD scheme. For more information refer to the DDU Regulations and DDU myASUM CPD Handbook available here.

Please note: Recertification is voluntary for DDUs awarded prior to 2014.

COURSE FEES AND CHARGES

Please click here for information regarding DDU Course Fees and Charges.

DDU SPECIALTIES AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

CRITICAL CARE

Candidates for the DDU(Critical Care) would usually be advanced trainees/specialists working in emergency medicine, intensive care, operating rooms and/or be involved in undertaking emergency retrievals.

Syllabus

EMERGENCY

Candidates for the DDU(Emergency Medicine) would usually be advanced trainees/specialists working in emergency medicine with an interest and expertise in imaging.

Syllabus

O & G

Candidates for the DDU(O&G) would usually be advanced trainees/specialists working in areas of women’s health and imaging.

Syllabus

CARDIOLOGY

Candidates for the DDU(Cardiology) would usually be cardiology advanced trainees/specialists who have a special interest and expertise in all aspects of contemporary echocardiography.