CPD: 16 Hrs
Course Objectives
- To understand how an ultrasound image is created - the Physics of Ultrasound
- To be able to Identify basic tissue structure patterns using ultrasound
- To demonstrate and use the fundamental scanning techniques used to identify musculoskeletal anatomy
- Observe and demonstrate how to move the probe using probe handling techniques to scan structures
- Practice the fundamental scanning techniques used to identify musculoskeletal anatomy
What's Included?
- Each delegate has their own POD Toolbox for the duration of the course. This contains a Sonon 300L ultrasound system and gel phantom. Ultrasound gel and wipes are also included.
- 4 x weekly 2hr live teaching sessions with lectures, demonstrations, and interactive guided scanning practice.
- Weekly homework assignment with feedback to guide practice.
- CPD certificate upon completion.
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This course is aimed at developing the foundation knowledge and skills that underpin the use of ultrasound for examination of musculoskeletal structures. It is intended for clinicians and practitioners with little or no previous ultrasound scanning experience or understanding of the physics and controls of medical ultrasound. The course does not culminate in an exam or any form of educational or competency assessment but has been independently assessed CPD accreditation.
The format is a home-based programme of instruction and practical assignments facilitated by provision of an appropriate ultrasound scanner to each delegate. The interactive video conference sessions and accompanying practice exercises have been specifically designed to develop a foundation of understanding of the physics and principles of scanning and its application to guide the identification and assessment of musculoskeletal structures.
The course is conducted over 4 weeks.
All delegates are sent an Orca POD Toolbox containing a Sonon 300L portable ultrasound, a gel phantom, ultrasound gel and clinical wipes all of which are provided for the duration of the course. The POD Toolbox incorporates all the elements necessary to enable the progressive acquisition of knowledge and skills through home-based practice. The teaching programme is delivered by a combination of interactive lectures and practice exercises that will equip delegates with the essential cognitive skills necessary to begin incorporating ultrasound imaging guidance into their daily clinical management.
There is an assignment at the end of each session which helps the delegates to revise the concepts learnt during each session and to provide a framework for practising those skills.

Stewart Kerr
Advanced Practice Physiotherapist
Stewart is an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist and Musculoskeletal Sonographer. He is the Clinical Director of Life Fit Wellness an independent healthcare & exercise facility in Falkirk, Scotland where he regularly performs diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injections. Stewart has a BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science, MSc in Physiotherapy and following over 10 years of post-graduate experience he obtained a Diploma in Injection Therapy and a Pg Cert in MSK Medical Ultrasound from Glasgow Caledonian University.
Stewart is passionate about how ultrasound can enhance patient care if used appropriately and is interested in the training process, clinical education and competency. He is also involved with research both as an independent researcher and as part of the Badminton World Federation Research Commission.
Week 1: Principles of Scanning
Time | Topic | Speaker/Presenter |
---|---|---|
19:00 - 19:15 | Welcome and introduction | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
19:15 - 19:45 | Basic Physics of Ultrasound Probe orientation | Douglas Ogg |
19:45 - 20:00 | Break | |
20:00 - 20:20 | Alignment of probe with structure | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
20:20 - 20:30 | Supervised practice session on gel phantom | Stewart Kerr |
20:30 - 20:50 | Scanning the patella tendon - live demonstration and supervised practice | Stewart Kerr |
20:50 - 21:00 | Q&A | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
Week 2: Normal appearance of structures and developing probe skills
Time | Topic | Speaker/Presenter |
---|---|---|
19:00 - 19:15 | Welcome and introduction | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
19:15 - 19:45 | Review of session 1 and assignments | Stewart Kerr |
19:45 - 20:00 | Break | |
20:00 - 20:20 | Presentation: Probe Skills 2 | Stewart Kerr |
20:20-20:30 | Normal appearance of MSK tissues (muscle, bone, tendon and nerve) | Stewart Kerr |
20:30 - 20:50 | Practical | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
20:50 - 21:00 | Q&A | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
Week 3: Scanning on smaller structures and a joint
Time | Topic | Speaker/Presenter |
---|---|---|
19:00 - 19:15 | Review of Exercises from session 2 | Stewart Kerr |
19:15 - 19:45 | Intro and Practical -consolidate and develop key probe skills on a smaller structure | Stewart Kerr |
19:45 - 20:00 | Break | |
20:00 - 20:20 | Continue: consolidate and develop key probe skills on a smaller structure | Stewart Kerr |
20:20 - 20:30 | Normal appearance of a typical synovial joint - key tips for scanning | Stewart Kerr |
20:30 - 20:50 | Demonstration and supervised practice | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
20:50 - 21:00 | Q&A | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
Week 4: Normal Appearance of structures and developing probe skills
Time | Topic | Speaker/Presenter |
---|---|---|
19:00 - 19:30 | Review of exercises from session 3 | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
19:30 - 19:45 | Interactive Discussion review of skills learnt | Stewart Kerr |
19:45 - 20:00 | Break | |
20:00 - 20:30 | Next steps in Ultrasound qualification - CASE accredited courses; PgCert, sources of information FSEM, CSP, POC Ultrasound | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
20:30 - 20:40 | Considerations for devices- requirements, infection control, safety, SOP | Stewart Kerr |
20:40 - 21:00 | Whistle stop pathologies to whet your appetite to continue | Stewart Kerr |
20:50 - 21:00 | Q&A | Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg |
How do I know whether a course is suitable for me?
The programme for each course is formulated by the course director and a description of the content and intended learning objectives is provided.
Who are the course directors?
The biographies for the Course directors of each course are provided so that you can see their experience.
Does this course qualify me to perform ultrasound guided injections in my workplace?
In order to perform image guided injections in your workplace you must conform to your local guidelines and competency requirements.
Do I need to have scanned before in order to attend a course?
Our Foundation courses are specifically designed for people who have no previous scanning experience.
What about if I want to keep my SONON at the end of the course?
There are options available to buy, rent or lease these and other ultrasound products that we sell. If you are interested please inform a member of our training staff or email us at orcapod@orcamedical.co.uk.
How will I receive my Orca POD?
When you have registered you'll be asked to fill out a form which gives us your preferred delivery details. Your Orca POD will be shipped to you via DHL Express. You get to keep and use the Orca POD for the entire duration of the course and we'll arrange the collection after the last session/assessment.
How will I be able to operate the SONON Ultrasound on my own?
We provide pre-course technical support to help you from the time you receive your Orca POD. Our team is available for one-on-one meetings before and between sessions to support you.
What if I cannot make one of the sessions?
When someone is unable to attend a session a colleague can attend in their place.
What's included in the price?
The Course Fee includes the rental of the equipment for the entire duration of the course as well as the tutor's fee, shipping, CPD points and certificate.
I'm interested in a very specific area. How will I know if your course covers that?
If you would like more information about any of our courses then please contact us on orcapod@orcamedical.co.uk.
What do I do if I am unable to attend the next course or it is fully booked?
If you would like to book a future course or enquire about future dates please contact us on orcapod@orcamedical.co.uk.

Price: £799.00
Week 1: Friday 13 January 2023
Week 2: Friday 20 January 2023
Week 3: Friday 27 January 2023
Week 4: Friday 03 February 2023

Price: £799.00
Week 1: Friday 26 May 2023
Week 2: Friday 02 June 2023
Week 3: Friday 09 June 2023
Week 4: Friday 16 June 2023