Program Overview
Utilizing advanced knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, pathology, and physical applications, a sonographer performs examinations to provide diagnostic ultrasound images for interpretation by a medical radiologist. As a member of a health-care team, the sonographer will produce images of internal body structures utilizing a variety of hand-held acoustical scanning probes and imaging techniques. The profession requires critical thinking skills, judgment, and the ability to provide safe and competent health care.
The overall program goals and objectives are aligned with the current National Competency Profiles (NCP) Generalist, as approved by Sonography Canada. Graduates will be eligible to challenge the Sonography Canada national board exams and successful completion of the registry exams will allow sonographers to seek employment in Ontario. Sonography is a regulated profession in Ontario under the guidance of the CMRITO - College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (https://www.cmrito.org/).
Course work includes sonographic physics, physiology, pathology, pathophysiology and the study of normal and abnormal cross-sectional anatomical structures necessary for sonographic interrogation of abdominal, obstetrical/ gynecological, general vascular and small parts imaging.
Program Highlights
- The program is accredited through Equal - ACCREDITATION CANADA.
- Graduates are eligible to write the Sonography Canada Generalist Sonographer credentialing examinations.
- Simulation labs and clinical placement settings will expose the student to practical learning.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will work as an Ultrasound Technologist in such settings as hospitals, clinical laboratories, and other healthcare facilities.
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited through Equal - ACCREDITATION CANADA and previously the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Conjoint Accreditation. St. Clair College’s DMS program was granted a six-year accreditation status in 2019. Students must graduate from an accredited school to qualify to complete the Sonography Canada certification board examinations. The program's accredited status is posted on the Official List of Programs at https://accreditation.ca/educational-programs/.
Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus successful completion of:
- Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4C or EAE4U
- Grade 12 Math (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Physics (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Biology (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Chemistry (C) or (U)
OR
- The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees certificate or equivalent courses from the Academic and Career Entrance program.
Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.
For more information, see the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Admission Guidelines document also found on the Admission Procedures page.
Important Information
This is an OVERSUBSCRIBED program. Apply by February 1 to be considered for this program. See Admission Procedures for details.
Selection Procedure
A score is determined for each applicant derived from the required subjects for admission. Scores are then ranked by highest score and selection is made for the available positions and places on the waiting list.
For high school applicants, all of your Grade 11 courses and the first semester of your Grade 12 courses will be averaged and ranked in order to make the selection for acceptance into this program. When final grades are released applicants must meet the minimum requirement in mandatory courses.
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:
Semester 1
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
SON101
|
Basic Sonography Techniques
|
6
|
|
SON107
|
Abdominal Sonography I
|
5
|
|
SON111
|
Human Anatomy & Physiology For Sonographers
|
3
|
Semester 2
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
SON201
|
Pelvic Sonography & Pathology
|
4
|
|
SON202
|
Abdominal Sonography II
|
6
|
|
SON212
|
Introduction To Patient Care
|
4
|
|
SON401
|
High Resolution Imaging & Msk
|
4
|
|
SON211
|
Pathophysiology For Sonographers
|
3
|
Semester 3
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
SON350
|
Clinical Sonography I
|
20
|
Semester 4
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
SON408
|
Sonography Physics II
|
3
|
|
SON407
|
Introduction To Vascular Sonography
|
5
|
|
SON409
|
Advanced Sonography Techniques
|
5
|
|
SON405
|
Obstetric Sonography I
|
4
|
Semester 5
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
SON550
|
Clinical Sonography II
|
35
|
Semester 6
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
SON510
|
Obstetric Sonography II
|
5
|
Semester 7
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
SON750
|
Clinical Sonography III
|
35
|
Pre-Placement Requirements
St. Clair College has partnered with Synergy Gateway Inc to provide you access to Verified - a platform that is used by students at other post-secondary institutions across Ontario for the purpose of digitally collecting placement requirements related to placement(s). Synergy Gateway Inc will provide support and clearance to help with your required documentation. You will be required to complete an Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) Review through the Verified platform in order to receive clearance to begin your clinical placement. You will be provided access to "Verified" via a secure username and password. You will use Verified to:
- Upload your pre-placement requirements documentation for review.
- Book your Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) service (this is a service that reviews the documents you have uploaded and provides you a status as to your eligibility to begin placements).
- Track your ongoing requirements compliance.
Each student will receive log-in credentials to access Verified that will be sent to your St. Clair College email account. Please check your inbox, spam and junk mail folders for an email from the "Synergy Help Desk". You will be required to create a new password upon logging in. Be sure to view the video user guides and student guidebook to learn how to use the Verified platform.
Any associated fees for Synergy Gateway Inc to complete the pre-placement requirements are the sole responsibility of the students.
It is mandatory that students complete their ERV service through Verified to be eligible for your upcoming clinical placement.
Once your account has been set up with Verified, inquiries can be directed to Synergy Gateway Inc at www.Synergyhelps.com. You will need to submit a Help Desk ticket. Their Help Desk hours are Monday to Friday: 10 am - 3 pm, excluding holidays.
** Please note: If you are an International student completing a placement, you will require a valid COOP Work Permit.
Requirements
(Please refer to your Synergy communications for full details)
This is to make you aware that, although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, most of our 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 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 placement, however, they are not currently required.
- Student placements are assigned. Student personal requests for placement cannot be accommodated.
- Placements may be outside the Windsor/Chatham area.
- Students are responsible for their own travel and costs to placements.
- Students are responsible for the cost of scrub uniforms/footwear and equipment (such as a stethoscope, a watch with a second hand) and other incidentals as required.
- Placement schedules may include shifts on days, afternoons, weekends and holidays throughout the program based on placement need and agency availability.
Your Investment
The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:
2023-2024 Tuition Fees
For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses is at the student's own expense. It is recommended for most programs, that students have access to a laptop or desktop computer while away from home during experiential learning periods.
Textbooks and other materials are in addition to Tuition Fees. Textbook prices may be found through the Bookstore website.
Please be aware that tuition and compulsory fees are subject to adjustment each year. The College reserves the right to change, amend or alter fees as necessary without notice or prejudice.
Smart Start Information
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Medical Imaging Technology – Ultrasonography (Ontario College Advanced Diploma) (MTCU Code 61610)
The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
- Apply critical thinking skills to ensure best performance as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
- Communicate in a professional manner with patients and other health care professionals using effective verbal, non-verbal and written skills.
- Provide competent and individualized patient care, demonstrating principles of professional conduct and judgement.
- Integrate available diagnostic data and patient’s medical history and status to formulate sonographic scanning strategies.
- Provide technical analysis of sonographic data and technical impression for physician interpretation, utilizing knowledges of structures and conditions. Demonstrate an understanding of Diagnostic Sonography hardware and software.
- Apply ultrasound safety procedures with respect to screening, bio-effects (particularly Doppler) and emergency procedures for incidents and accidents during ultrasound procedure(s).
- Apply the theoretical principles and physical properties of physics and sonography to optimize image quality while minimizing risk of adverse events to clients and self.
- Utilize all aspects of quality assurance and perform routine quality control procedures by applying knowledge of the principles of ultrasound physics and instrumentation to best optimize both diagnostic abilities and image quality.
- Identify and respond competently in all emergency situations.
- Interact appropriately within the healthcare environment a member of a multi-discipline team.
- Perform patient assessments and medical interventions, differentiate sonographic appearance of normal structures from anomalous and pathologic conditions and produce diagnostic data using techniques within the scope of practice and in accordance with national regulatory standards.
- Implement infection control practices and respond to the hygiene needs of the patient and practice in accordance with legislation, regulations and ethical guidelines related to the profession.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of the professional and governing bodies of the discipline.
- Incorporate strategies for continual learning within the changing field of medical imaging technology.
- Perform Sonographic examinations of:
- Obstetrical studies
- Gynecological studies
- Abdominal studies
- Superficial structures studies
- Musculoskeletal studies
- Vascular studies
- Select and demonstrate appropriate sonographic imaging strategies to identify pathological processes of:
- Obstetrical studies
- Gynecological studies
- Abdominal studies
- Superficial structures studies
- Musculoskeletal studies
- Vascular studies