About Course Accreditation Applications
Accreditation Philosophy
ASAR’s accreditation philosophy is based on principles of co-operation, continuous quality improvement and outcome evaluation.
The Accreditation Framework
The accreditation framework establishes the standards, policies and procedures within which courses are granted accreditation for a specified time, having met transparent and defined requirements.
Standards for the Accreditation of Sonographer Courses (SASC)
The SASC provide specific criteria for measuring whether a course fulfills the defined requirements.
To be successful an application is required to satisfactorily address all criteria for all eight standards.
Organisations seeking accreditation or re-accreditation are advised that The Standards for Accreditation of Sonographer Courses must be read in conjunction with:
ASAR Course Accreditation Application Pack and The Professional Competency Framework for Sonographers.
Important Reminders:
Sequencing of clinical placements
Clinical experience should be continuous and integrated with the theoretical components of any course, to enable the effective scaffolding of theoretical and practical knowledge and ensure that clinical experience is relevant throughout the program, aligning with learning outcomes at all levels. Per the Standards, “ASAR recommends that students be engaged in ultrasound practice for a minimum of 3 days/week over a 2-year period, full-time equivalent, in an Australian or New Zealand clinical setting.”
Supervision of student scanning
The ASAR Standards for the Accreditation of Sonographer Courses stress supervision as a critical aspect of clinical training. Well-supervised clinical training is vital for students to gain exposure to various patient groups and conditions, enabling them to develop the tacit knowledge required for contemporary sonographic practice. Course Accreditation Application Fee As of 1st January 2025, ASAR will introduce a Course Accreditation Application fee, which will be payable upon submission of any course accreditation applications. This fee will be structured on an upwards sliding scale, with the full application fee due by 2029. The sliding scale will allow institutions to gradually adjust to the new fee structure, with the final fee amount being fully implemented in 2029. Please find below a table outlining the fees from 2025 to 2029:
| Year of Application | Fees |
| 2025 | $2,500.00 |
| 2026 | $5,150.00 |
| 2027 | $7,956.00 |
| 2028 | $10,928.00 |
| 2029 | $14,070.00 |
You will be provided with an invoice for the payment of the Course Accreditation Application fee at the time of submitting any course accreditation applications.
Appeal against a Course Accreditation decision - $1,100.00
SASC Policies and Procedures
ASAR P&P 1 - Establishing the ASAR Course Assessor Pool – V2 03
ASAR P&P 2 - Determining Eligibility for Accreditation of Courses - V2 03
ASAR P&P 3 – Applying for Accreditation - V2 04
ASAR P&P 4 – Appointing the Assessment Committee – V2 03
ASAR P&P 5 - Assessing an Application for Accreditation – V2 03
ASAR P&P 6 - Reporting Accreditation Decisions – V2 03
ASAR P&P 7 – Appeals Against an Accreditation Decisions - V2 03
ASAR P&P 8 – Use of Logos Advertising - V2 03
ASAR P&P 9 – Annual Reporting Requirements - V2 03
ASAR P&P 10 - Complaints Regarding Accredited Courses V2 03
ASAR P&P 11 – Review Continuous Improvement of Accreditation Framework – V2 03
ASAR P&P 12 – Moderation – V2 03
Definitions – Master List
Notice of Interests - CAC members
Confidentiality Deed - CAC members
Key Dates
Applications for course accreditation must be received at least 12 months prior to the proposed starting date of the new course. This lead time is required in order to provide sufficient time for ASAR to fully consider the application and to complete the accreditation procedures.
We also recommend course re-accreditation applications are submitted at least 7 months prior to an accreditation’s expiry date as the re-accreditation process will take a minimum of 7 months, and any errors or delays on the course provider’s behalf may further delay this process.
Annual Self Study Reports are due each year on the anniversary date of accreditation. See Accreditation Pack above for required form and details.
Feedback from Applicants for Course Accreditation
To ensure the accreditation processes remains consistent with the principles of accreditation and that the courses accredited comply with the Standards for the Accreditation of Sonographer Courses (SASC) the Accreditation Framework will undergo an ongoing cycle of review and continuous improvement.
It is essential that all stakeholders should have an opportunity for input into the validation process. Those applicants who have completed the accreditation process are requested to complete the Feedback Form - Applicant for ASAR Course Accreditation.
Complaints
Consumers and stakeholders of accredited sonography education must be confident that any complaints they have will be dealt with efficiently, effectively, transparently and fairly and that any quality issues identified are addressed.
ASAR is committed to ensuring that all accredited sonographer education meets the eight Standards for the Accreditation of Sonographer Courses (SASC). To achieve this ASAR must apply the accreditation principles identified above and ensure Course providers continue to deliver courses of the highest academic and professional quality.
If complaints are made about any ASAR accredited courses attempts should be made to resolve the matter informally in the first instance. If an informal resolution cannot be achieved, the matter should be investigated in accordance with the principles of fairness and natural justice for all concerned.
If you wish to pursue the complaint, please refer to ASAR P&P 10 - Complaints in Regard to Accredited Courses V2 03
Superseded Competency Standards
ASAR’s Standards for Accreditation of Sonographer Courses and its Course Accreditation Application Pack previously referenced The ASA Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer. This reference has been superseded with effect from 31 December, 2022.
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