Program Overview
Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers (DCS) utilize high-frequency sound waves to assist physicians in making heart health diagnoses. They perform sonographic procedures on the heart and determine which images to submit for review to the primary care physician. This graduate certificate program would be of interest to graduates of applied health science programs such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Technology, Nursing and Human Kinetics.
The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program will prepare students to develop theoretical and clinical competency skills required in the field of cardiac sonography and will also allow them to gain extensive laboratory and clinical experience, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment.
Program Highlights
- This hybrid program is offered as online lectures and in-person labs in the late afternoon/ evenings/weekends
- Students who have previously graduated from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or Cardiovascular Technology program may be eligible for transfer credits.
- This is a fast-track program to be completed in 16 months of continuous study. The program includes 2 semesters of online lectures and in-person labs, followed by 2 semesters of clinical placements.
- The program will allow students to participate in two 12-week semesters of clinical training and meet the competencies outlined in the Sonography Canada National Competency Profile (NCP).
Accreditation
St. Clair College's Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program was granted a two-year Accredited with condition status in 2022, through EQual - ACCREDITATION CANADA. Students must graduate from an accredited educational program to qualify to complete the Sonography Canada credentialing examinations and register with the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO) to be eligible to work in Ontario.
Career Opportunities
Diagnostic cardiac sonographers operate ultrasound equipment and use non-invasive cardiovascular technology equipment to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart and blood vessel conditions. They perform echocardiograms, or ultrasound imaging, to evaluate different aspects of the heart such as chamber size, valve function, and blood flow and to produce and record images of the cardiac system. While diagnostic cardiac sonographers do not diagnose patients, they work with physicians in doing so and may assist in other diagnostic procedures.
Graduates of this continuous 16-month certificate program may work in hospitals, medical offices, private clinics, and independent cardiac testing centres.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess post-secondary credentials such as a college diploma, advanced diploma, or degree from a medical or health-related discipline with successful completion of a minimum of 2 courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology and 2 healthcare-related courses (Ex: Patient Care, Ethics, Medical Research, etc.)
Examples of medical or health-related degrees include but are not limited to BSc Kinesiology, BA Kinesiology, BSc Nursing, Bachelor of Medical Radiation Technology, Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences, MSc OT, and MSc PT.
Examples of medical or health-related Diplomas or Advanced Diplomas include but are not limited to Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Radiation Technology, Respiratory Therapist, Registered Practical Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology, Registered Massage Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant.
Selection Procedure
Please note: This program is deemed "oversubscribed". As a result of the limited number of seats available.
Applicants who have completed a related health science program will be ranked utilizing their program GPA from their previous related health science degree or diploma. We will not include those courses related to Pre-Health Sciences program that were completed to gain admission into a health sciences program. Please note an official letter from your previous academic institution stating your program GPA may be requested.
Computer Proficiency Requirements
Students in this program must have basic computer literacy, which includes word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, and e-mail.
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
This is to make you aware that, although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, all of our clinical placement sites are requiring students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible to attend. Students who are not fully vaccinated cannot be provided with a clinical placement for their program and therefore will not be able to complete their programs. Please be advised that COVID-19 booster shots and or other requirements may become mandatory for clinical placement, however, they are not currently required.
If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, please contact our St. Clair College Health Centre at 519-972-2727 ext. 4484 (in Windsor) or 519-354-9100 ext. 3729 (in Chatham).
Clinical placement is a mandatory component of the program curriculum and consists of two, 12-week clinical rotations. Students are placed at clinical sites located throughout Ontario. Students may be scheduled for day, afternoon or weekend shifts during their clinical placements, in accordance with the clinical placement site. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the clinical placement site on a daily basis.
Note: Students are responsible for all costs associated with clinical placements including accommodation and travel expenses.
Placement Requirements
Students are required to have the following completed prior to clinical placement.
The deadline to be cleared is Second Semester - March 1.
- Passport to Health
- Completion of the Medical Requirements Form
- An up-to-date immunization record including tetanus and diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B (incl. Hep B titer within the last 24 months) and TB skin test
- May take up to 2 months to complete
- Police Clearance - Vulnerable Sector Check (12-month expiry)
- Visit our Police Clearances page for additional information
- Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form
- CPR - Basic Rescuer or equivalent
- Annual renewal is required regardless of the expiry date on the card
- Online and hybrid courses are NOT acceptable
- Standard First Aid
- 3-year expiry
- Online and hybrid courses are NOT acceptable
- N95 Mask Fit Testing
- Two doses of the Covid-19 vaccination
- Student Confidentiality Form
Note: Students are responsible for all costs associated with requirements.
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (Ontario College Graduate Certificate) (MTCU Code 71610)
The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
- Act in accordance with applicable regulations and professional guidelines to meet the standards of practice.
- Perform examination procedures, obtain images, correlate results, and analyze data using critical thinking and problem solving to meet diagnostic expectations of the health care team.
- Provide care that recognizes and respects the dignity, culture and individuality of patients and clients to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
- Perform as an effective practitioner within cardiac sonography to be a valuable member of the multi-disciplinary health care team, assuming a leadership role as required.
- Communicate effectively and professionally as a member of a multi-disciplinary healthcare team using relevant terminology, behaviour and language appropriate to the recipient to ensure understanding and informed care.
- Operate ultrasound equipment safely and effectively to ensure patient/workplace safety.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
- Apply advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology to cardiac sonography protocol and procedures.
- Modify cardiac sonography protocols in response to abnormalities 'identified' in diagnostic images that may indicate disorders of the cardiovascular system.