MSK
1 day
Shoulder Ultrasound Course
ACEM, ACRRM, AOA, RACGP
Course highlights
- Focused shoulder ultrasound training – Comprehensive assessment of the shoulder joint.
- Hands-on practice – Scan real patient models with expert guidance.
- Expert-led training – Learn from experienced MSK sonographers.
- Optimised scanning techniques – Improve accuracy & image quality.
- Hands-on training with state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment.
Course Dates
Description
This sonographer-led one-day course is designed for health professionals with an interest in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound of the shoulder.
The course emphasises a structured approach to shoulder scanning that can be applied in both protocol-driven settings and targeted assessments. Common clinical presentations such as rotator cuff injuries, tendinopathy, and bursitis are discussed in the context of sonographic evaluation.
You’ll build practical skills to confidently perform basic shoulder assessments while learning anatomical landmarks, optimisation techniques, and positioning tips to enhance your scanning practice.
Hands-on training is delivered in small group sessions using state-of-the-art ultrasound machines and real volunteer models, with direct supervision from experienced MSK sonographers.
What you’ll learn
- Build a strong foundation in MSK ultrasound scanning for the shoulder.
- Refine scanning techniques to improve image clarity and anatomical accuracy.
- Identify normal and common pathological shoulder anatomy, including tendons, bursa, joint spaces, and the long head of biceps.
- Recognise and minimise ultrasound artefacts such as anisotropy.
- Apply safe and effective sonographic practices in a clinical imaging context.
- Practise optimal patient positioning for both static and dynamic shoulder assessments.
Real-world applications
- Contribute to shoulder-focused musculoskeletal assessments through high-quality imaging.
- Support multidisciplinary care in sports medicine, emergency, rehabilitation, and general practice settings.
- Understand the role of ultrasound in assessing shoulder structures and informing clinical management.
- Gain insight into the integration of sonographic findings in evidence-based MSK care.
Who should attend?
- Sport and Exercise Physician
- Rheumatologist
- Orthopaedic Surgeon
- General Practitioner
- Emergency Medicine Physician
- Rehabilitation Physician
- Physiotherapists
- Sonographer
- Radiologist
- Rural Generalist
- Rural Medicine Physician
- Junior House Officer
- Senior House Officer
Objectives
The objectives of this shoulder ultrasound course are:
- Develop scanning skills to recognise normal and pathological shoulder sono-anatomy, including rotator cuff, long head of biceps, bursae, and joint-related structures.
- Explore patient positioning techniques for static and dynamic shoulder assessment.
- Discuss safe practice, machine hygiene, and recognition of pitfalls specific to shoulder MSK ultrasound.
- Identify and reduce ultrasound artefacts (particularly anisotropy) to improve image quality.
- Learn to recognise basic shoulder pathologies and understand their clinical relevance in an imaging context.
Prerequisites
The prior ultrasound experience assumed for this course is highlighted below.
| None/Minimal | Don’t use ultrasound |
| Limited | Use ultrasound weekly/monthly |
| Moderate/Experienced | Use ultrasound daily/weekly |
Accreditation
ACEM
Approved for Educational Activities 8 hours.
ACRRM
This course is approved for 8.5 total activity hours. PDP units: 3.15 Educational Activity, 4.15 Performance Review. MOPS points: 4.15 Radiology. Grant eligibility: Anaesthetics, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics, Surgery.
AOA
7 CPD points.
RACGP
CPD Approved Activity under RACGP 2023-25 CPD program. Approved for Educational Activities 2.5 hours, Reviewing Performance 6 hours, specific requirements diagnostic radiology. Provider Number 214288, Activity ID 410552.
HOURS
| Theoretical | 2.75 |
| Practical | 3.75 |
| Total | 6.5 |
CATERING
Morning tea, a light lunch and refreshments are provided each day.