Sonographers

Salary

Sonographers have an 11-step progression salary scale. Movements between steps 1 and 5 are automatic annual increments. 

• Salaries range between NZD$121,000 and NZD$162,000.

Reporting Sonographers also have a 10-step progression salary scale.

• Salaries range between NZD$131,000 and NZD$173,000.

Overtime and penal rates.

Allowances

• Higher duties and night allowances.

Leave

• 4 weeks of paid annual leave — increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service.
• Shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days' annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work.
• A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per annum, plus an additional 10 days of discretionary sick leave, granted on a case-by-case basis.
• 6 to 12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service.
• Up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 12 paid public holidays plus time in lieu or alternative holiday if rostered on.

Additional benefits

Reimbursement of your Professional Registration costs.

Health NZ covers your professional indemnity insurance.

A minimum of 5 days per annum for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Up to $3,000 towards CPD per year.

If eligible, a minimum of a 3% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer.

Settling in New Zealand

Sonographers' Collective Agreement

In New Zealand, the salary and other benefits of some roles are determined by collective.

Sonographers play a crucial role in diagnostic imaging and patient care within the healthcare system. We outline their primary responsibilities below.

Performing ultrasound examinations

• Conduct a variety of diagnostic ultrasound scans based on clinical referrals, for example abdominal, obstetric, vascular, musculoskeletal, or cardiac ultrasounds.
• Operate and maintain ultrasound equipment to ensure high-quality imaging and patient safety.
• Adapt scanning techniques to suit individual patient needs.

Patient care

• Clearly explain procedures and ensure patients feel comfortable.
• Obtain relevant medical history to inform examinations.
• Monitor and respond to any patient distress during procedures.

Image analysis and reporting

• Analyse ultrasound images to identify abnormalities and provide preliminary findings to referring clinicians.
• Accurately document findings and communicate with other healthcare professionals.

Safety and compliance

• Follow health and safety regulations, including infection control procedures.
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards set by the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) and Health New Zealand.

Professional development and quality assurance

• Stay informed about advances in ultrasound technology and techniques through continuous professional development (CPD).
• Participate in quality assurance activities, such as equipment calibration and peer reviews.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of junior staff or students as required.

Collaboration and communication

• Work closely with radiologists, obstetricians, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated patient care.
• Coordinate effectively with administrative staff to manage appointments and workflow.

Cultural and ethical competence

Provide culturally sensitive care, respecting New Zealand’s diverse population, particularly Māori and Pasifika communities, in line with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Promote equitable access to healthcare and improve outcomes for all patients.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Medical Imaging or Radiography.

• For those without a direct degree, a healthcare-related undergraduate qualification may be required before pursuing postgraduate studies.

A postgraduate qualification in medical ultrasound, for example a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree in Medical Ultrasound.

• These programmes are offered by accredited institutions and focus on advanced knowledge and practical skills in sonography.

Professional registration with the MRTB

Registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) under the Sonography scope of practice.

• Registration requires proof of relevant qualifications and meeting competency standards set by the MRTB.

Annual Practising Certificate (APC)

A current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) issued by the MRTB is mandatory for practising as a Sonographer in New Zealand.

• Maintaining an APC requires ongoing professional development and compliance with MRTB regulations.

Gaining registration with the MRTB

Candidates with an international medical radiation and radiation therapy qualification can apply for registration with the Medical Radiation Technologist Board.

• Australian-qualified Sonographers and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists will also need to apply as overseas-trained applicants.

Your qualifications and experience will be assessed to determine if they are equivalent or satisfactory as an approved New Zealand qualification for that scope of practice. The MRTB will assess your qualifications and work experience against New Zealand standards.

• If your qualifications and experience meet the required standards, you may be approved for registration.
• If there are gaps, you may be required to complete further training or examinations, such as a clinical competence assessment.

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