Sonographers are some of the most in-demand health professionals in New Zealand. If you're thinking about a career in sonography, or you're a qualified sonographer planning a move to NZ, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Quick answer: To become a sonographer in New Zealand, you'll usually complete an undergraduate degree in medical imaging or a related health science, then a postgraduate sonography qualification with supervised clinical training. You must then register with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) and hold an annual practising certificate.
Sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body, helping doctors diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions. They scan everything from pregnancies and blood vessels to muscles, joints and organs.
It's a hands-on role that combines technical skill with patient contact. Sonographers often work independently, analysing images as they scan and preparing findings for radiologists and other specialists.
New Zealand has a nationwide shortage of sonographers, including both general and specialist roles such as cardiac sonographers. Only a small number of new sonographers are trained in New Zealand each year, and clinical training placements are limited.
As a result, public hospitals and private radiology providers rely on overseas-trained sonographers and locums to fill vacancies. For sonographers, that means strong job security and a wide choice of locations.
Sonography is a postgraduate career in New Zealand. The usual pathway is:
Training usually takes around two years after your first degree, as you'll need to gain experience across many types of scans.
Postgraduate sonography study in New Zealand is offered through the University of Auckland. Places are limited, and you'll usually need a clinical training position in an ultrasound department alongside your study.
It's worth contacting hospital and private radiology departments early, as finding a training placement is often the biggest hurdle.
Sonography is one of the better-paid allied health careers in New Zealand. In the public sector, sonographers are paid on published pay scales under the APEX or PSA collective agreements, with pay rising as you gain experience.
Reporting and specialist sonographers are paid on higher scales, and locum sonographers often earn higher hourly rates in exchange for shorter assignments. You can see current public sector pay scales on Health New Zealand's sonographer careers page.
Sonographers can work as generalists or specialise in areas such as:
Roles are available in public hospitals, private radiology clinics and rural services, on permanent, fixed-term and locum contracts.
If you trained overseas, you'll need to apply for registration with the MRTB before you can practise. Depending on your qualifications and experience, this may include supervised practice or additional training.
New Zealand regularly recruits sonographers from the UK, Ireland, Australia and South Africa. Our team can guide you through registration, job offers and relocating to New Zealand.
We recruit sonographers for permanent, fixed-term and locum roles across New Zealand, in both public hospitals and private radiology. Whether you're based in NZ or planning a move, we'll match you with roles that suit your skills and lifestyle.
Browse our current jobs or register with us to speak to our team.
How do I become a sonographer in NZ? Complete an undergraduate degree in medical imaging or a related health science, then a postgraduate sonography qualification with supervised clinical training, and register with the MRTB.
How long does it take to become a sonographer in NZ? Usually around two years of postgraduate study and clinical training, after completing a relevant undergraduate degree.
Where can I study sonography in NZ? Postgraduate sonography study is offered through the University of Auckland, alongside a clinical training placement in an ultrasound department.
Do sonographers need to be registered in New Zealand? Yes. Sonographers must be registered with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board and hold a current annual practising certificate.
Can overseas sonographers work in New Zealand? Yes. Overseas-trained sonographers can apply for MRTB registration. Some may need supervised practice or extra training before working independently.