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.
Field/Clinical Placements
Applicants are required to have the following completed prior to clinical placement. You are responsible for the associated costs.
- Standard First Aid (online courses are NOT acceptable)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) BLS with AED (Annual renewal is required regardless of the expiry date on the card. Online courses are not acceptable)
- N95 Mask Fit Testing
- Employer requirement for up-to-date CLEAR POLICE CLEARANCE (vulnerable sector screening)
- MUST be obtained by you, the student.
- Obtain the Police Clearance before the first clinical placement (Spring - first semester).
- Clinical placements may be on day, afternoon or weekend shifts ANYWHERE within Ontario.
- You are responsible for travel and accommodation costs.
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.
Health Requirements
- Medical Requirements Form
- A satisfactory medical exam.
- 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.
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:
Placement Requirements
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).
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