Program Description
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, also known as ultrasound, is a technology involving the application of high-frequency sound waves toward patients to help physicians in medical diagnoses. Diagnostic medical sonographers work as members of patient care teams, assessing patients and providing information to physicians for diagnoses and monitoring patients’ health status. This is a specialized vocation requiring a high degree of technical skills and exceptional interpersonal skills.
This program teaches key aspects of ultrasound technology including obstetrics and gynecology, the cardiac and vascular systems and abdomen and superficial structures. Studies also include patient care, physics, anatomy and physiology, equipment instrumentation, medical research, quality control, and the performance of diagnostic scanning procedures.
Fast Facts
- This program consists of theory courses, lab practice, and practicum rotations at approved healthcare facilities
- Students will complete a practicum pathway within the program, in which their practicum rotations specialize in either Adult Echocardiography or Vascular Sonography
- Based on the availability of the practicum sites, students may have to travel or re-locate to anywhere in Alberta (and in some circumstances outside of Alberta) in order to complete their practica
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
All courses must be completed within the program completion timeframe. Please be advised that for the purpose of student loans, full-time student status requires that learners are enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full course load per semester.
Your Career
Graduates find work as diagnostic medical sonographers in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and community clinics.
Student Success
Job expectations for success in this profession include: - Fine motor skills
- Critical thinking
- Communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- Able to work independently
- Able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- Adaptable
- Able to work well under stress
- Able to use technology
- Attention to detail
- Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
- Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time
- Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- Able to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- Able to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning of patients and/or equipment
- Able to meet the physical demands of the job including
- Ability to use hand, wrist, and arm for prolonged periods of time
- Upper body and shoulder strength to perform repetitive tasks with arms
- Able to visualize in three dimensions
- Able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- Comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work in environments where they may spend a considerable amount of time standing or sitting and performing tasks that may be repetitive. They must observe safety precautions and ergonomics to reduce the risk of exposure and injury. Individuals with previous chronic or repetitive strain injuries have experienced re-injury or aggravation of these conditions in this program and/or as a sonographer. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession. Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma.
Graduates are eligible to write Sonography Canada registry exams in Core (Physics), Generalist, and either Adult Echocardiography or Vascular, depending on the practicum pathway completed within the program. In addition, graduates are eligible to write the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography exams.
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada. The program also works closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Committee to ensure that our curriculum continues to meet or exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Progression
The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.
Admission Requirements
At least 75% in each of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 30-1, or Math 30-2, AND,
- English Language Arts 30-1, AND,
- Biology 30, AND,
- Physics 30
Successful applicants must meet or exceed a score of 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Program Outcomes
- Patient Care: Provide patient care that ensures comfort, safety, and dignity.
- Teamwork & Interdependency: Collaborate effectively within the inter-professional environment to achieve a high standard of patient service. Engage in the healthcare system with a comprehensive understanding and accountability towards your impact.
- Sonographic Imaging & Intervention Procedures: Evaluate and document optimal diagnostic images. Produce and capture optimal real-time images for evaluation in an ultrasound imaging department using non-ionizing energy in a clinic or hospital. Provide assistance as required by physicians performing intervention procedures.
- Precepting Skills: Evaluate and guide the technical and professional development of students using educational institute guidelines.
- Communication: Use verbal, non-verbal, and written skills to communicate appropriately with patients, members of the healthcare team, and the public.
- Professionalism: Model professionalism by adhering to the professional code of ethics, legal and workplace standards, and by embracing a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Work Safety: Ensure the physical and psychological safety of patients, co-workers, and the self.
- Technical Skills: Competently operate and maintain equipment to perform clinical procedures.
- Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking and creativity to adapt to challenging situations in the workplace.
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