Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those in diagnostic medical sonography tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.
You need:
- good health and upper body and shoulder strength
- physical dexterity to be able to use your hand, wrist, and arm for prolonged periods
- strong hand-eye coordination
- communication and observation skills
- the ability to visualize in three dimensions
- extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology
- to be comfortable with human blood and tissue
- attention to detail
- critical thinking skills
- perseverance
- the ability to handle unpleasant situations and work under pressure
- teamwork skills
- to adhere to a high standard of medical ethics at all times.
You should enjoy working with all types of people, using technical equipment and compiling information.
As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you may work in environments where a considerable amount of time is spent standing or sitting while performing tasks that may be repetitive. In this profession, you should 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 or as a sonographer.
All medical personnel should be comfortable assessing injuries, performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods. This includes exposure to latex and other disinfectant materials.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for diagnostic medical sonographers to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You will complete required clinical practicums and rotate through different clinical settings to achieve specific clinical objectives.
By completing all practicum rotations, you will specialize in Generalist Sonography. In addition, you will complete a practicum pathway within the program, in which you’ll specialize in either Adult Echocardiography or Vascular Sonography. You will be assigned your pathway selection before your first practicum.
You will practice all competencies associated with the practicum pathway you are assigned, though these competencies may not fully align with those detailed in your course outlines. Additionally, each competency associated with your practicum pathway will not necessarily be practiced consistently in all of your practicum rotations.
You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
Graduates of this program are eligible to write the Sonography Canada registry exams in:
- Core (Physics), and
- Generalist, and
- Adult Echocardiography or Vascular, depending on the practicum pathway you completed within the program.
In addition, graduates are eligible to write the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography exams.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada.
Our program administrators work closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Committee to ensure our curriculum continues to meet or exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Specialized intakes
Some seats in this program are reserved for applicants currently residing in Saskatchewan to help meet the healthcare needs of that province.
Learn more about our interprovincial health training agreements.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma.
Program length
2+ years (26 months)
Not open to international applicants
This program is not available to international applicants at this time.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Medical sonographers (32122)
- Medical radiation technologists (32121)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
Application process
Applicants must meet or exceed a score of 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety entrance testing process as an admission requirement for this program by the set deadlines.
These deadlines may be different than the typical application closing dates.
Learn more about the entrance testing process >
Program outline
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma requires 79.5 credits (27 courses) to complete.
The program spans 26 months, with seven semesters.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books, supplies, and uniforms are approximately $2,700 for the first year, $600 for the second year, and $500 for the final semester.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. A laptop (non-Android) or Apple tablet is required, and a phone is not a suitable alternative.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Required uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Additional fees
- A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines you need to be administered will result in additional charges.
- A fee of approximately $50 to $100 is associated with an electronic student permit checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- A fee is associated with the CompTracker application used in this program.
- You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
- Sonography Canada certification exam fees are approximately $1,525. Sonography Canada association dues are $175 per year, with the option to purchase professional liability insurance.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Patient care - provide patient care that ensures comfort, safety, and dignity.
- Teamwork and 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 and 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 students’ technical and professional development 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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