Using Kirkpatrick Four Level Evaluation model to assess a 12‐week accelerated ultrasound intensive course

Sonography is a practice‐based discipline where outcome of ultrasound examination is highly dependent on the practitioner's expertise. Sonography trainees therefore require a sustained period of high level intense clinical supervision in the workplace which in turn severely impacts on productivity of supervising sonographers. This paper aims to evaluate the worth and merit of a 12‐week accelerated intensive ultrasound course, implemented at the University of Auckland, via the Kirkpatrick Four Level Evaluation model. Methods This paper draws its data from three sources: the quantitative data obtained from the course evaluations conducted by the University, and the qualitative data from the two independent evaluations commissioned by Health Workforce New Zealand. Results and Discussion All Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation were assessed to be achieved. The course is determined to be worthy as it meets the needs of the workplace in terms of student work‐readiness and the reduced level of supervision. The course is also of merit as each criterion has been rated as excellent. The 12‐week accelerated model of training has a positive impact on the workplace. Due to the success of the 12‐week intensive course, as of July 2016, the course is now funded by both major public and private providers from the Northern region of Auckland.