Melanie Harrison is a consultant sonographer at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Her trust has been developing new ways to train sonographers, and currently employs two ultrasound apprentices.

‘In our trust we have been developing a proper career ladder for sonography. Medical ultrasound is a growing area due to high demand, and changes have been made to open up access to sonography. This includes new apprenticeships and undergraduate degrees, with the opportunity to progress to become an advanced practitioner after graduation.

‘In November 2020 a newly qualified undergraduate sonographer approached our trust for a sonographer post. We employed her as a band 5 sonographer with a view to supporting her to progress to band 6.

‘As part of this we developed a comprehensive job description, setting out what was expected at each level. Band 5 sonographers scan a wide variety of patients and clinical presentations with indirect clinical supervision, including AAA* screening, UIU** renal scans, third trimester growth scans and surveillance gallbladder scans.

‘They can also conduct more complicated scans overseen by a senior sonographer. We use rotas to ensure there is enough supervision available. We have found that having students and apprentices undertake scans can free up time for existing band 7 sonographers to do other things like audits, peer review and continuous professional development (CPD).

Learning sonography skills on the job

‘Our band 5 sonographer started work in January 2021. She worked for 12 months under the supervision of a senior sonographer and qualified as a band 6 sonographer in 2022. She then completed a preceptorship, becoming a band 7 advanced practitioner in November 2022, just 22 months after starting as a band 5.

‘Her skills and knowledge were evident in her competencies, and much of this was due to the specific work-based learning she had from working in the department. She is an excellent sonographer, and the overall training period was comparable or shorter than the traditional route.

‘We now have two medical ultrasound apprentices working in the trust. It’s clear they have the accountability, determination and drive to succeed. The on-the-job learning has proven beneficial, with their skills and knowledge being developed specifically to fit the requirements of being a safe and competent sonographer.

‘We intend to continue offering the apprenticeship route alongside postgraduate and undergraduate degree training opportunities. With the continued guidance and support of Sheffield Hallam University, we see a bright future in sonography as a profession.’

* Abdominal aortic aneurysm

** Urological investigation unit