Sonographer on your Shoulder Programme
What's included in this unique abdominal ultrasound training and mentorship package?
Pre-and post course questionnaire to help measure your learning objectives
We ask a series of questions which will help you to judge your perceived level of clinical confidence at performing a comprehensive abdominal ultrasound survey both before you start the course and on completion.
We want to see you progress and show you how far you've come in our 6-month programme!
It's also a great way to keep us in check and demonstrate that we have met your learning objectives.
Access to Aspire UCS comprehensive 'The Full Monty' online video course
Our popular comprehensive online video course covering the fundamentals of ultrasound controls and image optimisation, demonstrations on how to scan the individual abdominal structures included in a full abdominal survey as well as explaining the tricky art of ultrasound-guided needle techniques.
This video course really is the 'Full Monty' and guaranteed to get you ready for action!
Access to the 'Aspire UCS 8-Step Abdominal Ultrasound Survey' technique workbook
Illustrated workbook, unique to SOYS members only, is all about breaking down our full abdominal survey into 8 manageable step-by-step elements, helping you to build on clinical confidence as you progress on to each step.
This resource tool is the perfect compliment to our 'The Full Monty' video course, consolidating the theoretical and demonstration into a systematic, repeatable techniques.
We don't rush this one, we need you to be super-confident in your techniques before moving on to the next step.
By the end of the programme you will be ready to perform a full survey using a comprehensive and consistent scan technique.
Invitation to a regular monthly, 60-minute, group 'Ultrasound Clinic' virtual meetings
Regular monthly group meetings led by an Aspire UCS mentor, provides structured learning, objective discussions, informal Q&A, Technique Tips and Tricks and sooooo much more.
What's more, you have the opportunity to bring your own interesting cases and topics for discussion to the meeting and help others learn from your experience.
You won't want to miss these!
Our 'SOYS" Whats App and Community Group Support
This versatile social media platform allows our 'SOYS' members to interact with one another in an informal, safe, relaxed and supportive manner, sharing any concerns or queries they may come across whilst in clinic and regarding their ultrasound systems, image optimisation skills and technique tips and tricks.
We also have a closed online SOYS Community Group portal for our members, another great space to communicate with the Aspire mentorship team and fellow members on 'all things ultrasound-related'
Whether you are a passive learner or an interactive one, all parties can benefit from the input from one another and a host of Aspire UCS mentors.
Significant discount on our popular, RACE-Accredited, 2-Day 8-Step Abdominal Ultrasound Practical Workshop
This relaxed, informative and highly practical two-day workshop is designed to support all our clients and serves as a GREAT introduction to our 'SOYS' 8-Step Abdominal Survey.
Our 'Sonographer on Your Shoulder' (SOYS) members get to attend this essential at a reduced price. This is the perfect opportunity to consolidate all the online resource information with the practical hands on techniques taught, supported by Aspire UCS mentors, as well as develop a strong community relationship with other SOYS members.
Our workshop size is kept deliberately small to ensure we have the very best learning outcomes through our high mentor:delegate ratio.
The Aspire UCS 8-Step Abdominal Ultrasound Poster
Our popular Aspire 8-Step Abdominal Ultrasound Survey poster has been revamped!
This poster serves as a useful aide memoire of which structures are included in each of the 8-steps.
The poster is given out at the 2-day 'SOYS' workshop, along with other hardcopy learning materials.
Optional weekly 1:1 30 min 'Turning Point' virtual meeting to discuss any individual underlying issues
Members of the 'Sonographer on your Shoulder' group have the option to book in for a free 30 minute 1:1 virtual meeting.
Perfect the the awkward questions you didn't want to share in the group or when you need us to help you with your ultrasound system!
Aspire UCS Complimentary Learning Tools
Aspire UCS have developed a range of clinical assessment tools designed to support those on their ultrasound learning journey as well encouraging a high-quality ultrasound service delivery model to support a thriving business.
Our 'Abdominal Ultrasound Learning Objectives' and 'Clinical Logbook Template' are available on request to support our virtual training package.
These tools enable learners to review and reflect on their learning outcomes and provide an opportunity for competency sign off by either a local, in-house ultrasound mentor or an Aspire UCS mentor (if appropriate).
Full Monty Course Curriculum
Introduction to this course
First things first, let’s find out a little bit more about you!
Introduction to Module 1
Ultrasound generation and how images are formed
Ultrasound transmission
The importance of transducer and image orientation
Which transducer/probe to use and why. The compromise between depth and image resolution
How to use the depth and zoom controls and the benefits of getting it right
The impact of overall gain (OG) and Time Gain Compensation (TGC) controls on your image
How does adjusting the focus control affect your image?
When and why you should utilise the Scan Range or Sector Angle (Field of view) control
What is dynamic range and how does it help you?
How to use the ultrasound machine controls to optimise the image
The importance of image annotation
How to make sure you measure structures correctly
What you need to consider when evaluating structure with ultrasound
The importance of following a systematic approach to an ultrasound scan
Infection prevention and control and caring for your equipment
The importance of presets and what you need to consider when choosing an ultrasound machine
Module 1 – Checkpoint Quiz
Introduction to Module 2
How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound survey
How to assess the liver of the canine and feline patient
How to assess the gallbladder of a canine and feline patient
How to assess the biliary tract and main branch of the portal vein in a canine or feline patient
GIT Part 1: How to assess the stomach of a canine or feline patient
GIT Part 2: How to assess the small intestine of a canine or feline patient
GIT Part 3: How to assess the colon of a canine or feline patient
How to assess the spleen of a canine or feline patient
How to assess the kidneys of a canine or feline patient
How to assess the urinary bladder of a canine or feline patient
How to assess the aorta and caudal vena cava (CVC) of a canine or feline patient.
How to assess the adrenal glands of the canine and feline patient
How to assess the pancreas of the canine and feline patient
Basic Abdominal Point of Care Ultrasound (APoCUS) – Abdominal free fluid, where to find it in the canine and feline patient
Abdominal Free Fluid Scoring
No. 1. Guess the A-PoCUS Site
No. 2. Guess the A-PoCUS Site!
No. 3. Guess the A-PoCUS Site!
No. 4. Guess the A- or T-PoCUS Site!
No. 5. Guess the APoCUS Site!
No. 6. Guess the APoCUS Site!
No. 7. Guess the APoCUS Site!
Answers for No. 1-7: Guess the A-PoCUS Site
Module 2 – Checkpoint Quiz
Copy of More resources for you!
Introduction to Module 3
Setting your ultrasound system up for ultrasound-guided needle procedures
In-plane and out-of-plane technique for ultrasound-guided needle procedures
Storing your images and documenting ultrasound-guided needle pocedures
Top tips for success with ultrasound-guided needle procedures
Module 3 – Checkpoint Quiz
Congrats, and thats a wrap!
You’ve completed your Aspire UCS course and have a head full of knowledge! Tell us how you feel NOW about scanning.
Before you go, could we please have a little feedback on the course?
About this course
- 50+ lessons
- 12 hours of video content
Eliminating Uncertainty Using The Aspire 8-Step UCS Adnominal Survey
The 8-Step Abdominal Survey Workbook is more than a guide — it is a central learning companion for every learner on the Aspire UCS Sonographer on Your Shoulder training and mentorship programme. Designed specifically for everyday general practice, it transforms abdominal ultrasound from something that feels overwhelming or “hit-and-miss” into a reliable, repeatable, systematic clinical skill.
One of the biggest challenges when developing abdominal ultrasound skills is knowing where to start, what order to follow, and how to avoid missing important findings.
The 8-Step Survey solves this by giving you a step-by-step, top-to-tail roadmap through the abdomen. Each step spells out:
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the exact anatomical region to examine,
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the probe movements and landmarks to aim for,
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the optimal imaging techniques to use, and
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the normal structures and normal variants you should expect to see.
The 8-Step Abdominal Survey Workbook is not an optional extra; it is the core framework, the essential backbone that makes the Aspire UCS mentorship so effective.
It ensures that:
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you and your mentor speak the same clinical language,
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your scanning follows a consistent, reliable pattern,
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each week builds naturally on the last, and
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your growth is measurable, structured, and supported.
This is how the “sonographer on your shoulder” becomes real — through a clear framework you can trust, every single time you pick up the probe.
The 8-Step Abdominal Survey Workbook supports every level of learner, whether you are brand new to ultrasound or refining established skills, the workbook gives you:
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a solid foundation if you’re just getting started,
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a reset button if past training felt disorganised or overwhelming, and
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a method for sharpening your existing technique into a more systematic approach.
Packed with revision anatomy diagrams, normal ultrasound characteristics and appearances, technique breakdown and top tips, this workbook encourages learners to master each of the 8 steps in the form of ‘mini-scan’ components.
Abdominal scan techniques suddenly become more manageable, simpler to remember, and much easier to learn and practice – instead of the traditional approach to teaching abdominal ultrasound which creates an overwhelming pressure to build competency in abdominal scanning all at once.
This workbook endorses our unique and successful approach to teaching abdominal ultrasound: ensuring that each individual abdominal structure or organ is assessed thoroughly and systematically, mirroring the stringent routines employed by diagnostic medical sonographers and veterinary specialist imagers, providing a trusted, professional-grade approach from the beginning.
Become THE Ultrasound Superhero FOR your practiCE
Want to get the ball rolling?
Does The SOYS Programme Really Get Results?
Just Take a Look at This Case Study - From Uncertain to Unstoppable!
How Aspire UCS 'Sonographer on Your Shoulder' Transformed Dr. Anna McCosh’s Ultrasound Practice
Dr Anna McCosh BVMS CertAVP(SAM) MRCVS
When first opinion vet Dr. Anna McCosh joined the Aspire UCS ‘Sonographer on Your Shoulder’ (SOYS) Training and Mentorship Programme, she wasn’t just signing up for an ultrasound course — she was stepping into a journey that would completely transform her confidence, her diagnostic skills, and her practice’s bottom line.
Before Aspire UCS, Anna only felt comfortable performing targeted scans, charging around £40 for each. A full abdominal survey? That felt out of reach — not because she didn’t care, but because she didn’t feel ethically right charging for a clinical service that she wasn’t fully confident in providing.
Fast forward to today:
- Anna now routinely performs full abdominal surveys, confidently charging around £400 per scan.
- Her practice has generated over £46,600 in ultrasound revenue, directly linked to the skills and diagnostic confidence she gained through the Aspire UCS mentorship.
- Even after covering the cost of her training and investing in a new, high-spec ultrasound machine, the practice still cleared a net profit of over £26,000.
But here’s the real magic: Aspire UCS doesn’t just teach ultrasound — they transform ultrasound services. Through their unique personal mentorship style, they empower vets to go beyond technique, to deliver better diagnoses, better patient outcomes, and better business results.
Anna’s story didn’t end with the SOYS programme. She’s now completed an Imaging Certificate to go alongside her medicine certificate and is working across multiple practices as a mobile medicine and imaging expert, sharing her expertise with colleagues and elevating care for countless clients and their pets.
If you want to grow your confidence, your services, the success and reputation of your practice — Aspire UCS will give you the skills, the tools and the support to make it happen.