About the ASA
Vision: A healthier world through sonographer expertise
Purpose: Developing the sonography profession to deliver better health through ultrasound
The Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) is the professional organisation for Australasian sonographers who are experts in ultrasound. The ASA has over 7,000 members and a membership of more than 70% of Australasia’s sonographers.
The purpose of the ASA is to foster a sonography profession that delivers high quality ultrasound with a vision of creating a healthier world through sonographer expertise. The ASA is a not-for-profit organisation, and a registered charity working to advance the health of the public and to advance the education for those performing ultrasound.
The ASA provides the most comprehensive range of sonographer focused CPD opportunities in Australasia. Members have access to the highest quality learning tailored for the sonography profession, including an online learning library, face-to-face and online events, an Annual International Conference, and an extensive collection of resources and publications.
The ASA invests in, supports and disseminates research that contributes to the sonography profession's body of knowledge. The ASA contributes to the quality and standards of sonography practice by developing recommendations for sonographers and the sonography industry.
The ASA advocates, on behalf of sonographers, to governments and industry stakeholders to ensure patients have access to safe and high-quality medical diagnostic ultrasound. The ASA also invests in and supports sonography research, and is a proud major partner of Radiology Across Borders’ (RAB), which trains radiologists, doctors and medical imaging staff around the world to provide skills and knowledge to help save lives.
History of ASA
The ASA was established 27 October 1992 by the Victorian Ultrasonographers Group, with interstate support as a body that exclusively represented the sonography profession. The founding President Andrew Martin’s mission was to move towards sonographer registration with an agenda to preserve and improve the sonographer role in the medical imaging profession.
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2024 |
Sonography Journal moved to online-only in keeping with ASA's commitment to sustainability ASA's Guides to Consent and Bariatric Guideline: Developed and shared with members and the broader profession Release of ASA position statement on clinical training placements for sonography students in Australia |
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2023 |
ASA's Annual International Conference became the largest conference for sonographers in the world Launch of Leadership Series "Empowering Clinical Supervisors" Launch of Student Showcase (now Emerging Presenters Showcase) Launch of ASA's Clinical Audit Grant ASA commissioned Scan Times Research Report released to members |
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2022 |
Submission for sonographer regulation under the NRAS finalised May 2022 Launch of Ask an Expert and Podcasts 30th Anniversary of the ASA on 27 October Launch of New Zealand Sonography Advisory Group |
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2021 |
First Hybrid Annual Conference held in Brisbane Launch of Member App Consumer website launched |
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2020 |
Website redeveloped and online learning opportunities substantially enhanced First fully virtual Annual International Conference held |
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2019 |
Launch of new sonography research summary Making Waves in Sonography Research Pru Pratten Memorial Sonographer of the Year relaunched as Pru Pratten Memorial Life Time Achievement Award ASA membership reaches 6,000 |
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2018 |
25th Annual Conference held in Sydney with record attendance Launch of ASA Research Grant program Launch of annual Australasian Sonographers Day, 27 October |
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2017 |
Launch of new website and new web address at www.sonographers.org ASA membership reaches 5,000 Member participation in CPD program reaches 2,000 Launch of new member e-newsletter Cross Section |
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2016 |
ASA Fellowship Program established |
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2015 |
ASA membership reaches 4,300 The Strategic Intent 2015–2020 sets a clear direction for the future of the ASA and sonography profession |
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2014 |
Membership votes to change the association's name to the Australasian Sonographers Association ASA becomes registered charitable organisation Launch of Sonography journal and separation from soundeffects news |
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2012 |
Membership reaches 70% of accredited sonographers in Australia Strategic Plan 2012–2015 initiatives include New Zealand branches, asawebinars and online reference collection |
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2011 |
Competency Standards for Entry Level Sonographer contribute to quality of sonography in Australia Inaugural Awards of Excellence |
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2009 |
ASA membership reaches 2,500 |
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2008 |
Current corporate branding introduced with launch of Strategic Plan 2008–2012 PD-asa established |
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2005 |
First Special Interest Group Symposium held in Hobart in October (vascular and O&G streams) |
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2004 |
ASA becomes a company limited by guarantee and governing body changes to a Board of Directors First CEO appointed in November 2004 and ASA office implements a formal structure |
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2003 |
First Travelling Workshops held Organisational review by external consultant sets the course for significant governance and structural change |
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2002 |
ASA membership reaches 1,000 and Rural & Remote Support is launched |
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2001 |
Sonographer accreditation recognised as the minimum standard in Medicare regulation |
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1999 |
First formal strategic plan developed Full-time secretariat appointed to support the ASA Council |
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1997 |
ASA membership reaches 600 Inaugural Sonographer of the Year award soundeffects news changed from newsletter to publication format |
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1994 |
First Annual National Conference held in Sydney in June ASA partners with ASUM and ASMIRT to establish the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) |
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1993 |
ASA membership reaches 300 |
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1992 |
Australian Sonographers Association (ASA) registered under Victorian Law on 27 October 1992 |