ماجستير العلوم في الموجات فوق الصوتية الطبية
Master of Science in Medical Ultrasound (MSc. MUS)

Ultrasound stands as a cornerstone in modern medical diagnostics, offering a non-invasive and radiation-free method to visualize the body’s internal structures. As a career, sonography is not only technically rewarding but also personally fulfilling, as sonographers play a pivotal role in patient care, aiding in both diagnosis and treatment. The field combines the allure of medical science with the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in patients’ lives, making it a unique and special profession.

Currently, there is shortage in registered sonographers at the national level. Recognizing a UAE market need, we introduced the MSc in Medical Ultrasound (MSc. MUS), underscoring our dedication to bridging healthcare gaps with top-tier education.

The MSc. MUS program is a clinically skill-oriented study program which is one of its kind in the UAE tailored for working professionals. This program is the perfect fit for radiographers aspiring to embark on a rewarding career as sonographers. It is meticulously designed to offer exceptional educational, clinical, and research experience in order to graduate competent general sonographers who are holistic practitioners embodying professionalism, ethics, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The MSc. MUS program is delivered over 2 years (42 credit hours) with program learning outcomes aligned to Level 9 of the National Qualifications Framework (QF Emirates).

The goal of the MSc in Medical Ultrasound program is to graduate competent (general) sonographers who are:

  1. Professional and ethical practitioners
  2. Lifelong learners
  3. Safety and risk managers
  4. Communicators and collaborators
  5. Sonographic practitioners

The scope of practice of general sonographers covers the following sonographic domains:

  1. Abdomen and Pelvis (ABD)
  2. Obstetric/Gynecological (OBS/GYN)
  3. Superficial Structures (SST)
  4. Vascular (VAS)
  5. Musculoskeletal (MSK)

Vision

The Master of Science in Medical Ultrasound Program at the Gulf Medical University will be distinguished for:

  1. Clinical excellence and advancement of evidence informed sonography practice.
  2. Scholarly achievements and professional recognition of students, faculty and clinical collaborators.
  3. Dedication to the health and well-being of the UAE community.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Medical Ultrasound Program at Gulf Medical University is:

  1. Fosters excellence through its dedication to medical ultrasound, clinical skill proficiency, research and evidence-based practice, service & professional duty, and lifelong learning.
  2. Fosters innovative education to progress the science of sonography, to influence current and emerging healthcare practices and policies, and to advance the profession at national and international level.
  3. Engage in community and university activities as representative of our teaching, research and professional functions that benefits the quality of health and life of all people.
  • Curriculum aligned with international standards and accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE.
  • Tailored for working medical imaging professionals with evening and weekend classes.
  • Graduates can obtain Sonographer license after fulfilling requirements.
  • Practicing in state-of-the-art simulation labs and GMU own Academic Hospitals.
  • Collaborations with numerous renowned hospitals across the UAE.
  • Learn from a team of seasoned academic and clinical professionals.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants shall meet all admission criteria for entry into the higher education programs offered by the University, as laid down in the Standards (2019) published by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs, UAE.
  • A bachelor’s degree in medical Imaging Sciences, Radiography, or Radiologic Technology from an accredited University in the UAE or equivalent to outside the UAE.
  • A minimum cGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent.
  • Evidence of English proficiency:
    1. EmSAT English: A minimum score of 1400;
    2. TOEFL: A minimum of 550 (213 CBT, 79 iBT); or
    3. IELTS Academic: A minimum of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 on any individual band.
  • A Valid license as a Radiographer or Radiologic Technologist issued from MoH / DHA / HAAD, U.A.E. is preferable.

Conditional Admission Read More

Students with:

  1. A bachelor’s degree in medical Imaging Sciences, Radiography, or Radiologic Technology from an accredited University in the UAE or equivalent to outside the UAE.
  2. A minimum cGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent.
  3. Evidence of English language proficiency:
    1. EmSAT English: A minimum score of 1250;
    2. TOEFL: A minimum of 530 (197 CBT, 71 iBT); or
    3. IELTS Academic: A minimum of 5.5, with no less than 5.0 on any individual band.
  4. A Valid license as a Radiographer or Radiologic Technologist issued from MoH / DHA / HAAD, U.A.E. is preferable.

may admit with the condition that they may take a maximum of six credit hours of credit-bearing courses studied for the program in the first semester of study, and must meet the following requirements during the semester or be subject to dismissal:

  1. an EmSAT score of 1400 or equivalent; and
  2. a minimum cGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Students with:

  1. A bachelor’s degree in medical Imaging Sciences, Radiography, or Radiologic Technology from an accredited University in the UAE or equivalent to outside the UAE.
  2. A minimum cGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent.
  3. Evidence of English proficiency:
    1. EmSAT English: A minimum score of 1400;
    2. TOEFL: A minimum of 550 (213 CBT, 79 iBT); or
    3. IELTS Academic: A minimum of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 on any individual band.
  4. A Valid license as a Radiographer or Radiologic Technologist issued from MoH / DHA / HAAD, U.A.E. is preferable.

may admit with the condition that they may take a maximum of nine credit hours of credit-bearing courses studied for the program in the first semester of study, and must meet the following requirements during the semester or be subject to dismissal:

  1. a minimum cGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Students with:

  1. A Bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging Sciences, Radiography, or Radiologic Technology from an accredited University in the UAE or equivalent to outside the UAE.
  2. A minimum cGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent.
  3. Evidence of English proficiency:
    1. EmSAT English: A minimum score of 1400;
    2. TOEFL: A minimum of 550 (213 CBT, 79 iBT); or
    3. IELTS Academic: A minimum of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 on any individual band.
  4. A Valid license as a Radiographer or Radiologic Technologist issued from MoH / DHA / HAAD, U.A.E. is preferable.

may admit with the condition that they may take a maximum of nine graduate-level credit hours as remedial preparation for the graduate program. These remedial courses are not for credit within the degree program. The student must meet the following requirements in these nine credits of remedial courses in order to progress to the graduate program or be subject to dismissal:

  1. a minimum cGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Required mandatory documents:

  • Recognized baccalaureate degree and transcripts attested from the Ministry of Education, UAE
  • Equivalency certificate for graduates from outside UAE
  • Passport copy and Emirates ID Card (if UAE Resident- Family book)
  • Valid English Proficiency Score sheet (EmSAT/IELTS/TOEFL etc.)
  • Passport-size Photographs × 5
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Two Recommendation letters
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Relevant academic or professional experience certificates (if any)

Apply Now: [link]

By the end of the program graduates will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate technologies and techniques used in ultrasound.
  2. Recognize and evaluate sonographic appearances of a range of anatomical structures and pathological conditions.
  3. Apply the scientific concepts and principles to inform ultrasound practice including image optimization and biological effect.
  4. Competently perform medical ultrasound examinations with accuracy and reliability in a safe manner using standard strategies and modifying them when the need arises.
  5. Communicate effectively and justify a technical report to the referring physician and the interprofessional healthcare team.
  6. Investigate, analyze, synthesize, and reflect on complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply this knowledge and understanding to ultrasound practice.
  7. Apply knowledge of research principles, evidence based, reflective and ethical ultrasound practice, as well as lifelong learning skills.
  8. Make professional judgment based upon the best available evidence and in accordance with medico-legal and socio-cultural norms.
  9. Assume the role of a sonographer capable of independent and collaborative clinical decision making to perform the appropriate ultrasound procedures to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury.
  10. Utilize evidence-based practice to address complex issues related to medical ultrasound and arrive at new ideas and views of problem solving.
  11. Form and express a judgement of the potential influence of Artificial Intelligence on medical ultrasound practice.

The program study is full-time and is of 2 years (4 Semesters) (42 credit hours).

The courses are of 5 categories:

  1. Core Ultrasound Course (27 credit hours): Contain theoretical and practical components that are essential for learning medical ultrasound.
  2. Research Courses (3 credit hours): Contain theoretical components that cover necessary research skills in preparation for the final thesis.
  3. Clinical Practice Courses (6 credit hours): Clinical practical components in medical ultrasound with no theoretical components.
  4. Thesis (6 credit hours): An individual research project.
Code Name Credit Hours
Category 1: Core Ultrasound Course
MUS-STU 601 Science and Technology of Ultrasound 4
MUS-PPP 602 Principles of Professional Practice in Medical Ultrasound 2
MUS-ABD 603 Abdominal Ultrasound 4
MUS-GYN 605 Gynecological Ultrasound 4
MUS-OBS 606 Obstetric Ultrasound 6
MUS-VAS 608 Vascular Ultrasound 2
MUS-MSK 609 Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 2
MUS-SST 610 Superficial Structures Ultrasound 3
Total 27
Category 2: Research Courses
MUS-RMS 611 Research Methods and Biostatistics 3
Total 3
Category 3: Clinical Practice Courses
MUS- CLP I 604 Clinical Ultrasound Practice I 2
MUS- CLP II 607 Clinical Ultrasound Practice II 2
MUS-CLP III 612 Clinical Ultrasound Practice III 2
Total 6
Category 4: Thesis
MUS-THS 613 Thesis 6
Total 6

Study plan

The study plan for the MSc. MUS program is as follows:

YEAR I
Semester Course Code Pre-requisites Course Topics CH LH NLH
I MUS-STU 601 Nil Science and Technology of Ultrasound 4 3 2
MUS-PPP 602 Nil Principles of Professional Practice in Medical Ultrasound 2 1 2
MUS-ABD 603 Nil Abdominal Ultrasound 4 3 2
MUS- CLP I 604 Nil Clinical Ultrasound Practice I 2 0 12
Semester Credit Hour 12
II MUS-GYN 605 MUS-STU 601

MUS-PPP 602

Gynecological Ultrasound 4 3 2
MUS-OBS 606 MUS-STU 601

MUS-PPP 602

Obstetric Ultrasound 6 4 4
MUS- CLP II 607 MUS- CLP I 604 Clinical Ultrasound Practice II 2 0 12
Semester Credit Hour 12
YEAR II
Semester Course Code Pre-requisites Course Topics CH LH NLH
III MUS-VAS 608 MUS-STU 601 Vascular Ultrasound 2 1 2
MUS-MSK 609 MUS-STU 601

MUS-PPP 602

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 2 1 2
MUS-SST 610 MUS-STU 601

MUS-PPP 602

Superficial Structures Ultrasound 3 2 2
MUS-RMS 611 Nil Research Methods and Biostatistics 3 3 0
MUS-CLP III 612 MUS- CLP II 607 Clinical Ultrasound Practice III 2 0 12
Semester Credit Hour 12
IV MUS-THS 613 All Thesis 6 0 18
Semester Credit Hour 6
Total Credit Hours 42

CH-Credit Hours, LH-Lecture Hours, NLH-Non-Lecture Hours.

Course Description

The course descriptions of the MSc MUS program are as follows:

MUS-STU 601 Science and Technology of Ultrasound

Develop knowledge of the scientific and technical principles needed to perform sonographic examinations optimally and safely. Examine a wide variety of ultrasound advances that have influenced sonographic practice, analyze the contributions these technologies have made, and critique their value. Prepare and analyze quality assurance program to maintain optimal operational conditions.

MUS-PPP 602 Principles of Professional Practice in Medical Ultrasound

Establish the foundation for professional and evidence-based practice in medical ultrasound within an ethical and legal framework, including reporting. Use general ultrasound scanning skills necessary to perform high-quality medical ultrasound with minimal physical stress to the operator. Relate sonographic appearance to normal anatomy and underpinning pathologic processes.

MUS-ABD 603 Abdominal Ultrasound

This course equips you with essential skills to conduct an abdominal ultrasound examination and the principles of producing a technical report. It delivers an in-depth understanding of both normal and abnormal presentations within the abdomen, including organs such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, biliary tract, spleen, GIT, urinary system, and male and female pelvis. Furthermore, it will make you acquainted with the most recent innovations in the field of abdominal ultrasound.

MUS- CLP I 604 Clinical Ultrasound Practice I

Practice abdominal and pelvic ultrasound in clinical setting under supervision, and modify standard approaches with regards to the clinical question and patient presentation. Interact with patients, families, clinical staff, administrative staff and clinical educators and hone your professional and communication skills. Acquire lifelong clinical learning skills such as critical thinking and reflect practice.

MUS-GYN 605 Gynecological Ultrasound

Prepare for gynecological sonography practice in the clinical setting through grasping and implementing up-to-date concepts of women’s care, safe practice, and proper gynecological sonographic techniques in a simulated environment. Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and sonographic appearances of the female pelvis to critique images, recognize normal and abnormal manifestations, and produce accurate report. Engage in critical evaluation of current gynecological ultrasound practices and technologies, revealing their benefits and limitations.

MUS-OBS 606 Obstetrical Ultrasound

Prepare for obstetric sonography practice in the clinical setting through grasping and implementing up-to-date concepts of pregnancy care, safe practice, and proper obstetric sonographic techniques in a simulated environment. Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, embryology and sonographic appearances in obstetrics to critique images, recognize normal and abnormal manifestations, and produce accurate reports. Engage in critical evaluation of current obstetric ultrasound practices and technologies, revealing their benefits and limitations.

MUS-CLP II 607 Clinical Ultrasound Practice II

Practice obstetric and gynecological ultrasound in clinical setting under supervision, and modify standard approaches with regards to the clinical question and patient presentation. Interact with patients, families, clinical staff, administrative staff and clinical educators and hone your professional and communication skills. Acquire lifelong clinical learning skills such as critical thinking and reflect practice.

MUS-VAS 608 Vascular Ultrasound

Prepare for vascular sonography practice in the clinical setting through grasping and implementing up-to-date relevant patient care and communication skills, and scanning techniques — including B-mode and Doppler— in a simulated environment. Use in-depth knowledge of vascular anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and sonographic appearances to critique images, recognize normal and abnormal manifestations, and produce accurate reports. Engage in critical evaluation of current vascular ultrasound practices and technologies, revealing their benefits and limitations.

MUS-MSK 609 Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Prepare for musculoskeletal (MSK) sonography practice in the clinical setting through grasping and implementing up-to-date relevant patient care and communication skills, and scanning techniques in a simulated environment. Use in-depth knowledge of MSK anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and sonographic appearances to critique images, recognize normal and abnormal manifestations, and produce accurate reports. Engage in critical evaluation of current MSK ultrasound practices and technologies, revealing their benefits and limitations.

MUS-SST 610 Superficial Structures Ultrasound 

Prepare for superficial structures sonography practice in the clinical setting through grasping and implementing up-to-date relevant patient care and communication skills, and scanning techniques in a simulated environment. Superficial structures include the anterior neck, breast, and external male reproductive organs. Use in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology and sonographic appearances to critique images, recognize normal and abnormal manifestations, and produce accurate reports. Engage in critical evaluation of current superficial structures ultrasound practices and technologies, revealing their benefits and limitations.

MUS-RMS 611 Research Methodology and Biostatistics

This course encompasses both qualitative and quantitative research and analysis. Students will gain an understanding of the skills needed to design and undertake a research project including legal and ethical requirements in planning research projects; experimental design and analytical methods and how to present data for extension to the wider community.

The course equips students also with concepts and methods of descriptive and inferential statistics along with their applications. Topics include qualitative and quantitative data, characteristics, sources and presentation, comparison of means and proportions, sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, parametric and nonparametric tests, linear regression and correlation critical interpretation of research results and the use of computers for data processing and statistical analysis is also practiced.

MUS-CLP III 612 Clinical Ultrasound Practice III

Practice ultrasound examination of superficial structures, musculoskeletal system, and vascularity in clinical setting under supervision, and modify standard approaches with regards to the clinical question and patient presentation. Interact with patients, families, clinical staff, administrative staff and clinical educators and hone your professional and communication skills. Acquire lifelong clinical learning skills such as critical thinking and reflect practice.

MUS-THS 614 Thesis 

In this course students will continue their research studies. This includes research proposal submission and approval and time lined with the thesis tracker system. The data collected as part of their research study will be entered and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS data will be interpreted and discussed by the supervisory faculty. Before the end of the course the student has to submit a thesis and defend the work in the viva. The student will also prepare a publishable article.

Starting from the first semester, clinical experience hours are mandatory for every student. Clinical assignments are coordinated by the Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, and MUS Faculty. Students are placed at affiliate clinical sites that have a standing agreement with GMU. To enrich the educational experience, students may be rotated across different sites over the course of three sequential clinical courses. These rotations aim to expose students to diverse administrations, protocols, procedures, and equipment across various cities including Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain Hospital Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. Available affiliate sites include:

  • Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman
  • Thumbay Hospital, Ajman
  • Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Ajman
  • International Radiology Center, Sharjah and Ras Al-Khaimah
  • American Hospital, Dubai
  • UNISON Capital Investments LLC (partnered with 13 hospitals), Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain Hospital, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah
  • Rashid Hospital, Dubai

All affiliate sites offer excellent training environments with experienced clinical instructors.

Clinical placements are carefully managed to provide each student with a diverse range of ultrasound experiences necessary for completing their clinical competencies and logbook.

Although GMU aims to place students near their homes, this isn’t always feasible. Balancing workflow at clinical sites and ensuring that Clinical Preceptors have time to supervise students may require students to commute to more distant locations at their own cost and time.

Working Students

Working students may elect to undergo training at their current workplace, provided that the following requirements are fulfilled:

  1. The student is obliged to complete a minimum of 90 clinical hours at hospitals affiliated with GMU for each clinical course.
  2. All competency assessments must be executed under the direct observation of a Clinical Preceptor who is affiliated with GMU.
  3. The student must procure a formal Letter of Support from their current employer. This letter should explicitly state the employer is committed to support the student in fulfilling the clinical training requirements essential for the successful completion of the course.
  4. The student must secure the services of a qualified Clinical Preceptor and a Clinical Mentor. It is permissible for one individual to serve in both capacities, provided that he or she meets the qualification standards.
  5. All designated Clinical Preceptors and Mentors are required to satisfy the professional development prerequisites.
  • Diagnostic sonographers in hospitals and private clinics.
  • Research scientist in research and academic institutions focusing on medical imaging.
  • Educators in academic institutions offering sonography or related courses.
  • Application specialists in medical equipment manufacturing companies.
  • Eligible to pursue a PhD degree in related fields.

MSc in Medical Ultrasound

  1. Successful completion of 42 credits of the program.
  2. Minimum pass mark of 70% (Grade C) in each graded course.
  3. Pass clinical practice courses.
  4. Minimum cGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
  5. Minimum attendance of 80% in graded courses.
  6. Minimum attendance of 100% in clinical courses.
  7. Submitting and defending a thesis to the satisfaction of the thesis judging committee with a minimum pass mark of 70%.
  8. Publishing abstract and presenting research work in a conference.