Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Ultrasound Abdominal (GC-SAUA) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

You’re viewing the 2023 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2023 version of this course

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course the candidate should be able to;



  • Acquire diagnostic ultrasound images of the abdomen of dogs and cats
  • Describe the abnormalities identified during the ultrasound examination of the abdomen
  • Interpret the abnormalities identified with respect to the patient’s other clinical information
  • Obtain fine needle aspirates or biopsy samples as indicated by the ultrasound examination
  • Communicate their findings and interpretation orally and in the form of a written ultrasound report

Generic skills

Successful candidate will develop skills in problem solving, analysis and written and verbal communication.

Graduate attributes

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:

Academically excellent:

  • have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
  • have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
  • reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
  • be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
  • be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

Knowledgeable across disciplines:

  • examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
  • expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
  • have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
  • have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment

Leaders in communities:

  • initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
  • have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
  • mentor future generations of learners
  • engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

Attuned to cultural diversity:

  • value different cultures
  • be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
  • have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
  • respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

Active global citizens:

  • accept social and civic responsibilities
  • be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
  • have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics

Last updated: 10 November 2023