Sonographer (integrated degree)
Level 6 · DegreeHealth and science 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This integrated degree apprenticeship at Level 6 trains sonographers to perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations and report findings to support patient care. Apprentices work in NHS or independent settings, scanning patients across a range of clinical areas such as obstetrics, gynaecology, or general abdominal imaging. It can lead to qualified practice as a registered sonographer, with progression to specialist or advanced practice roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Ultrasound physics and the principles of image formation
Anatomy and physiology relevant to ultrasound examination
Clinical protocols for a range of scanning examinations
Patient communication, consent, and care during scanning
Image interpretation and production of written reports
Safeguarding and professional accountability in clinical practice
Quality assurance and equipment safety checks
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Perform ultrasound scans across a range of clinical areas
Obtain high-quality diagnostic images following clinical protocols
Communicate sensitively with patients before and during scans
Produce written reports detailing scan findings
Refer abnormal findings to clinical colleagues appropriately
Carry out equipment safety checks and quality assurance
Maintain accurate patient records and documentation
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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