Point-of-care ultrasound workshop for early pregnancy ultrasound

Designed for midwives and other early-pregnancy health professionals, these practical point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) workshops combine clinical teaching with small-group, hands-on scanning.

TT Building

Why undertake PoCUS training?

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) can support timely clinical decision-making by helping clinicians answer focused questions during pregnancy assessment. 

Depending on the clinical setting, this may include identifying:

  • Whether a pregnancy is intrauterine 

  • Findings that may indicate an ectopic pregnancy 

  • Normal early-pregnancy appearances  

  • Pregnancy of unknown location  

  • When referral or further investigation may be required 

PoCUS is intended to support clinical assessment, management discussions and appropriate referral. It does not replace a formal diagnostic ultrasound performed by an imaging service. 

What the PoCUS workshop covers

The workshop topics include: 

  • PoCUS scope, safety and clinical governance  

  • Ultrasound optimisation and machine familiarisation  

  • Pelvic anatomy and normal uterine appearances  

  • Normal early-pregnancy development and sonographic appearances  

  • Recognition and management of pregnancy of unknown location  

  • Ectopic pregnancy: sonographic findings, clinical red flags and referral pathways  

  • Image review and interpretation 

  • Reporting, documentation and escalation  

  • Formative assessment and feedback 

Professional recognition

This programme is being developed with reference to the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) Certificate in Allied Health Performed Ultrasound pathway, including basic early pregnancy. 

Participants intending to complete an ASUM CAHPU credential should be aware that attending the workshop is only one component of the credentialing pathway. Additional requirements include: 

  • Separate enrolment with ASUM 

  • Payment of ASUM enrolment and module fees 

  • Completion of Physics Module  

  • Completion of a supervised clinical logbook 

  • Access to an ASUM-approved supervisor 

  • Formal assessment by an appropriately recognised assessor 

Participants are responsible for confirming the current ASUM requirements and arranging suitable supervision.  

Workshop details

Date:   Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2026 

Time:   Friday, 8.00am–4.15pm, and Saturday, 8.00am–11.00am 

Location: TT Building, Gate 4, University of Waikato, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton 

Fee: $2,000 per person

Places are limited to support small-group teaching and supervised practical scanning.

Workshop presenters:  The programme will be led by Jo McCann - Course Director and Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato 

Register now

Ultrasound Workshop registrati…

PoCUS workshop and enquiries

For workshop and registration enquiries, please contact: 

Jo McCann 
Division of Health 
University of Waikato 
jo.mccann@waikato.ac.nz