Overview
Diagnostic medical sonography, commonly known as ultrasound, uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the developing fetus, heart, abdomen, pelvis, and blood vessels. Each patient comes with unique needs and, as a student, you will learn diagnostic problem-solving and team collaboration skills to give each patient the highest quality of care.
About the program
The BCIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography program draws students from across the province. Our program provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in ultrasound technology so that you are ready to start your career the moment you graduate.
- Twenty-seven-month, full-time Diploma program
- Lectures and labs provide you with theory and active practice on campus
- Forty-six weeks of clinical experiences in BC hospitals and/or clinics
- Includes both areas of study – general and cardiac
- Graduates may decide to work in either general or cardiac sonography, or to practice both
This program is in demand. Visit Program Details to learn more.
Who it’s for
This program is for individuals who:
- Take an inquisitive approach to solving problems
- Enjoy working directly with patients and teams in a hospital environment
- Have strong technical skills and hand-eye coordination
- Have completed one year of post-secondary education or higher level of education
- Are BC residents
See Entrance Requirements to find out more about applying to BCIT’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
What grads can do
Diagnostic Medical Sonography grads find work soon after they graduate. Learn more about career opportunities at Graduating and Jobs.
Entrance Requirements
Note: In alignment with public health orders, this program requires that students be vaccinated for a number of communicable diseases – including COVID-19.
Application processing
Applications accepted October 1st* to January 5th.*
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
Note: Applicants to this program must be residents of British Columbia. This program does not accept applications from international students. View programs that do
*or next business day
Indigenous applicants: This program is committed to the recruitment and retention of Indigenous applicants. To support applicants, a dedicated Indigenous admissions process was established, and dedicated seat(s) per intake are reserved for Indigenous students.
To be considered under this admission category, applicants must:
- Self-identify as an Indigenous person of Canada on the admission application
- Have successfully completed the program’s entrance requirements.
Our program also works closely with Indigenous services at BCIT to ensure students receive the best possible support and encouragement while in the program. Please visit Indigenous Initiatives for more information on available resources.
Entrance requirements
Admission to this program is highly competitive. In 2022, BCIT admitted 1 in 5 applicants. Successful applicants substantially exceeded entrance requirements. They also had paid or volunteer experience working with the public.
Competitive Entry: Three-step process
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program has a competitive selection process. The program mandate is to select those applicants deemed to have the best opportunity for success. BCIT does not guarantee admission to applicants who meet the minimum program entry requirements.
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Math, biology, and physics requirements completed within the last five years
- Post-secondary education
- Consistently good grades in previous education
- A demonstrated interest in the field
- Related volunteer and/or work experience
Applicants with preferred entrance requirements are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 1 – English Studies 12 (73%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following (or equivalent):
- Pre-Calculus 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- MATH 0001 – Technical Mathematics (73%) or
- MATH 0120 – Math 12 Competency Test (73%) or
- 3.0 credits post-secondary math (linear algebra, pre-calculus or calculus) at 100 level or higher (73%) from a recognized institution
- Biology: one of the following (or equivalent):
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BHSC 0110 – Foundational Human Anatomy and Physiology (73%) or
- BHSC 0100 – Human Biology (73%) or
- BHSC 0012 – Biology 12 Challenge Exam (73%) or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary human biology (73%) from a recognized institution
- Physics: one of the following (or equivalent):
- Physics 11 (73%) preferred or
- PHYS 0309 – Pre-Entry Physics 1 (73%) or
- PHYS 0110 – Physics 11 Challenge Exam (73%) or
- Physics 12 (73%) or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary physics (73%) from a recognized institution
- Complete the following assessment:
- Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics): Casper will send the results directly to the BCIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography department once you request that your score be distributed to the program.
Note: Please register to complete the Casper assessment as soon as possible. Registration numbers and dates are limited. - Complete the following forms for submission with your online application:
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
- Casper Confirmation Form [PDF]
If more than five years have elapsed since you completed the math, biology, or physics requirement, upgrading is preferred.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Shortlisted applicants
The program area will review all complete applications after the application deadline. If you are shortlisted, the program area will contact you to book a virtual meeting and visual-spatial test.
Step 3: Conditionally accepted applicants
If you have been conditionally accepted to BCIT, you will be notified through myCommunication. The following will be required for full acceptance::
MRAD 0150 – Medical Terminology for Imaging (80%)
Access to this online course is provided once you are conditionally accepted or waitlisted.Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - Level C
Immunization Review [PDF]
Submit to Student Health Services.
Immunization is a mandatory requirement for this program. For instructions and more information, visit Student Health Services’ Health Science Student Information.
Once these and any other outstanding conditions have been met, you will receive notification of your full acceptance.
Clinical requirements
Note: Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly-funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term-care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.
As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times through the flu season prior to being placed in your clinical studies.
Face Respirator Fit Testing
Respirator fit testing with a N95 respirator (1860, 1860s or 1870) is required and must be performed in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02. Fit testing must also include inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of protective equipment. Students will be given specific instructions on how to access fit testing by the program prior to the first clinical. Students are responsible for paying for the annual fit test while in the program and carrying their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.
Recommended for success
Physical and mental stamina. Applicants with a history of arm, shoulder, neck, and/or back injury should carefully consider their suitability for this career choice. Examples include but are not limited to carpel tunnel syndrome, nerve entrapment, rotator cuff tears, thoracic outlet syndrome, and spinal injury.
Fine motor control / manual dexterity
Excellent communication skills
- Ability to:
- visualize objects in three dimensions
- accurately differentiate shades of grey, colors and sounds
- work independently and in team situation
- manage stressful and busy work environments
- move and transfer patients from wheelchairs to stretchers and to the washroom
- assist patients with toilet needs
- multitask accurately and efficiently
- problem solve in a variety of situations
International applicants
Applicants to this program must be residents of British Columbia. This program does not accept applications from international students. View programs that do.
Apply to program
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers three areas of specialization:
- General Sonography Option
- Cardiac Sonography Option
- General and Cardiac Sonography Option
Candidates apply to their preferred option and may indicate their second and third option choices in the online application.
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through re-admission or direct entry. Applications are considered based on:- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success. However, acceptance is not guaranteed, and is dependent on available seats or clinical placements.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
If accepted for advanced placement, you may be required to submit an up-to-date criminal record check and immunization record, and undergo current respirator fit testing.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Resolve academic difficulties
Your acceptance will, in part, be dependent upon the successful implementation of a plan to resolve previous academic difficulties.
Please review the letter you received from Student Records to determine whether or not you are eligible for re-admission.
- The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program reserves the right to deny any applicant re-admission to the program after a single course failure due to:
- Violation of BCIT guiding principles and standards or conduct (policies 5101, 5102, and 5104)
- Violation of the Sonography Canada Code of Ethics
- If you have withdrawn from or failed any Diagnostic Medical Sonography course that is a prerequisite for a course in the next level of the program, you are deemed to have failed out of the program. You must apply for re-admission when ready to return to the program.
- If you have any combination of two instances of withdrawal or failure in a Diagnostic Medical Sonography course, or have failed two or more courses in a single term, you may be re-admitted to the program only “with written permission from the Associate Dean, who will detail any special considerations in a written contract” (BCIT Policy 5103).
- The length of time out of the clinical environment will influence which level of the program to which you may be re-admitted. If you have been out of the program for two sequential terms you may be required to repeat a previous clinical course for which you have credit.
- You may be required to audit or retake courses already successfully completed. You may not take any courses in the next level until you have successfully completed all courses in your current level.
- If you have failed any level 3 courses, you must re-apply for the failed courses(s) and must audit the remaining level 3 course(s), including meeting attendance and participation requirements. This is to ensure that you are prepares to successfully and safely enter level 4 clinical.
How to apply
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Submit the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (General and Cardiac Sonography Option) Re-Admit form [PDF] with your application.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
Direct entry is available for graduates of the Cardiac Sonography Option only. Direct entry to this program will remain available until Fall 2024.
If you have graduated from BCIT’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Cardiac Sonography Option program within the last three years and are interested in general sonography, you may apply for direct entry into Level 3 of the General and Cardiac Sonography Option.
Note: If you have graduated from BCIT's Diploma in Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Sonography Option, you may consider applying for the Advanced Diploma in Sonography (Cardiac Option).
How to apply
BCIT accepts complete applications from June 1* to August 15.*
Submit the General and Cardiac Option Direct Entry form [PDF] with your application.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
*or next business day
Courses
If accepted, you will be required to take the following courses:
| Level 3 (15 weeks) – September to December | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DSON 3001 | Abdominal and Superficial Structures Sonography 3 | 3.0 |
| DSON 3002 | Women’s Health Sonography | 3.0 |
| DSON 3005 | Vascular Sonography 2 | 3.0 |
| DSON 3011 | General Sonography Lab 3 | 3.0 |
| Level 4 (26 weeks) – January to July | Credits | |
| DSON 4008 | General Sonography Clinical 2 | 18.0 |
| DSON 4009 | General Sonography Clinical 3 | 18.0 |
Credential
Upon graduation, you will be required to return your original Diagnostic Medical Sonography General Option or Cardiac Option diploma to Student Records before receiving your General and Cardiac Option diploma.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Books & supplies
Level 1: $1,150
Level 2: $600
Level 3: $400
Level 4: $200
Level 5: $200
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Face respirator fit testing: approx $35 per year, annual re-fitting required.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Program matrix
| Level 1 (15 weeks) September – December |
Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| BHSC 1143 | Abdomen Form and Function (DSON) | 3.0 | |
| DSON 1001 | Abdominal and Superficial Structures Sonography 1 | 3.0 | |
| DSON 1002 | Obstetrics and Gynecological Sonography 1 | 3.0 | |
| DSON 1003 | Cardiac Sonography 1 | 3.0 | |
| DSON 1011 | General Sonography Lab 1 | 3.0 | |
| DSON 1012 | Cardiac Sonography Lab 1 | 3.0 | |
| HSIP 1000 | Health Sciences Interprofessional Patient Care | 2.0 | |
| PHYS 1073 | Sonography Physics 1 | 3.0 | |
| Level 2 (20 weeks) January – May |
Credits | ||
| BHSC 1144 | Human Behaviour 1 (DSON) | 3.0 | |
| COMM 3173 | Communication for Diagnostic Sonography | 2.0 | |
| DSON 1004 | Clinical Orientation | 1.5 | |
| DSON 2001 | Abdominal and Superficial Structures Sonography 2 | 4.0 | |
| DSON 2002 | Obstetrics and Gynecological Sonography 2 | 4.0 | |
| DSON 2003 | Cardiac Sonography 2 | 4.0 | |
| DSON 2005 | Vascular Sonography 1 | 2.0 | |
| DSON 2011 | General Sonography Lab 2 | 5.5 | |
| DSON 2012 | Cardiac Sonography Lab 2 | 4.0 | |
| PHYS 2073 | Sonography Physics 2 | 2.5 | |
| Level 3 (21 weeks) July – December |
Credits | ||
Clinical (6 weeks) |
|||
| DSON 2006 | Sonography Clinical 1 | 6.0 | |
Academic (15 weeks) |
|||
| BHSC 2143 | Pathophysiology (DSON) | 3.0 | |
| BHSC 2144 | Human Behaviour 2 (DSON) | 2.0 | |
| DSON 3001 | Abdominal and Superficial Structures Sonography 3 | 3.0 | |
| DSON 3002 | Obstetrics and Gynecological Sonography 3 | 3.0 | |
| DSON 3003 | Cardiac Sonography 3 | 3.0 | |
| DSON 3005 | Vascular Sonography 2 | 2.0 | |
| DSON 3011 | General Sonography Lab 3 | 3.0 | |
| DSON 3012 | Cardiac Sonography Lab 3 | 3.0 | |
| PHYS 3073 | Sonography Physics 3 | 3.0 | |
| Level 4 (26 weeks) January – July |
Credits | ||
| DSON 3006 | Sonography Capstone | 3.5 | |
| DSON 4004 | Sonography Clinical 2 | 18.0 | |
| DSON 4005 | Sonography Clinical 3 | 18.0 | |
| Level 5 (13 weeks) August – November |
Credits | ||
| DSON 4006 | Sonography Clinical 4 | 18.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 144.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
The program
The Dual Option of the diploma program is 27 months in length. The program includes theory, labs and clinical training in general sonography (abdomen, superficial structures, pelvis, pregnant female pelvis, carotid arteries, and peripheral veins) as well as cardiac sonography (heart). While on campus, students will scan each other’s hearts (chest area), abdomens, arms, legs, and necks. All students should be prepared to be patients for these types of exams. Care is always made to keep all sensitive areas covered at all times.
In their second year, students will continue studies and undertake clinical placements in both general and cardiac sonography. The sonographic specialties are supported by instruction in physical principles and instrumentation, patient care, communication, human behaviour, and research principles.
Graduates of the sonography program should be prepared to scan all body parts, including endo-vaginal, endo-rectal, trans-esophageal, and breast exams.
Students will have the opportunity to attain all of the required skills in the Sonography Canada National Competency Profile (NCP) for the Generalist Sonographer and Cardiac Sonographer. Students will complete the Sonography Canada Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA) for the Generalist Sonographer and Cardiac Sonographer during the program.
Students are advised that travel to clinical placements at their own expense is required. Students are asked to identify site preferences, but it may not be possible to accommodate all requests. All students will be assigned to at least one placement site outside of the lower mainland (Vancouver Island, northern or interior BC). Some lower mainland students may be required to attend placements that are lengthy commutes from their homes, or difficult to access by bus, yet still considered a local placement. It may be possible for applicants with permanent residences outside of the lower mainland to access some clinical placements in their home area.
Students are expected to have access to a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a printer, and to be proficient in the use of the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Program length
Two years (27 months) full-time.
Students start in September and graduate at the end of November.
Grading
All didactic courses require a mark of 65 percent to pass. Lab and clinical courses require satisfactory completion of all competencies.
Additional program options
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and its affiliate accreditation (AC) through their new EQUAL Canada program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Our graduates get work
You will graduate ready to work in general or cardiac ultrasound, or both. Our grads have the people, academic, technical, and problem solving skills to be active members of the healthcare team. Patients and doctors rely on their expertise to give the best patient care possible.
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Sonography Canada Generalist and Cardiac examinations (SC Examinations) and are also eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography specialty examinations (ARDMS Examinations) in Abdomen, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Adult Echocardiography just prior to graduation.
Career opportunities
Grads primarily work in hospitals and private clinics. Careers can be found in casual, part-time, and full-time positions and many move into full-time employment within a few months of graduating. Salaries start at approximately $32 per hour in careers like:
- Medical sonographer
- Echocardiographer or cardiac sonographer
- Commercial sales
- Research and development
Keep learning
Our grads join a community of health specialists dedicated to professional development and continuous learning.
Our students become members of Sonography Canada, a leading organization for our industry. Their annual conference provides networking and skill building opportunities that can help with career advancement.
The British Columbia Ultrasonographers’ Society (BCUS) offers seminars to help diagnostic sonographers keep their skills current and stay connected with the latest news and trends in the industry.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Program Details FAQ
- What are the physical requirements for a sonography career?
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography includes cardiac and general scanning. Can I choose to do just one or the other?
- Are the three program options completely separate?
- Why would I choose a single option rather than the dual?
- Why would I choose a dual option rather than a single option?
- If I choose a single option, can I complete the other one later?
- Is there a pathway to degree completion?
- What are the workload requirements of the program?
- Can I do this program part time or online?
- Are there any breaks in the program?
- Where will my clinical placements be located?
- What is scheduling like for clinical portions of the program?
- Am I responsible for costs throughout clinical placement?
- Will I need to have use of a car?
What are the physical requirements for a sonography career?
Sonography is a demanding profession with a number of physical requirements, including:
- Good upper body strength, overall stamina, and flexibility to manage a high level of activity throughout the workday.
- Ability to exert constant pressure for extended periods of time
- People with current or previous injuries/conditions
limiting strength and/or endurance involving hands, arms, shoulders, neck and/or back may have difficulty managing the work requirements.
- People with current or previous injuries/conditions
- A high level of manual dexterity and coordination. Anyone with poor eye-hand coordination may have difficulty with these tasks. Sonographers in this program must be able to scan using either hand.
- Good vision with the ability to distinguish subtle shades of grey
- Ability to distinguish colours (i.e. not colour-blind)
- Ability to distinguish sounds to ensure accurate performance of Doppler studies
- Ability to work in a low light environment for most of the day
- Ability to effectively manage stressful, busy environments
Diagnostic Medical Sonography includes cardiac and general scanning. Can I choose to do just one or the other?
Since the September 2018 intake, we have offered three options to students. Most students complete a combined general and cardiac (Dual-option) program. Others choose a cardiac-only or general-only option. Students will select their option at the time of program application. Note: The Cardiac-only option is suspended for the September 2022 intake. Please see the Program Admission FAQs and the Program Entry page for more information.
Are the three program options completely separate?
No. All students complete the first year of the program together. This will provide foundational information and skills that will serve the students well regardless of their chosen option. In Level 3, the start of the second year, students will stream into their specific options, which will allow them to devote time and energy to those skills. Some common courses will also occur during Level 3.
All students will commence their final clinical experiences in January of their second year. The total clinical time will vary:
- General-only: 26 weeks
- Cardiac-only: 26 weeks
- General and cardiac combined: 39 weeks
Why would I choose a single option rather than the dual?
There are several reasons:
- Some students know they want to work in cardiac or general, and this allows them to focus on that area.
- The Level 3 course load is lighter for the single options and the clinical time is shorter.
- Some students find it difficult to “switch” between cardiac and general scanning.
- Some people prefer the variety of general imaging while others prefer the focus of cardiac.
- A large number of departments offer only general or cardiac scanning, so if you choose to work there, your additional clinical time and skills will not be utilized.
- Cardiac sonography is often performed in cardiology departments where no general scans are performed. Many of the larger, tertiary care diagnostic imaging departments perform only general studies. These specialized sites can be very rewarding in terms of diagnostic challenges and learning opportunities.
Why would I choose a dual option rather than a single option?
There are several reasons:
- The dual option may provide a wider range of employment opportunities.
- Some students may prefer the variety of performing a broader range of exam types.
- Some departments may give preference to dual trained sonographers.
- Some students wish to gain work experience in both areas of sonography before making a final decision on their preferred area.
If I choose a single option, can I complete the other one later?
Students who have successfully graduated from either the Cardiac or the General Sonography option may return to complete the other option within 3 years of graduating. Interested graduates should apply for what is called ‘Direct Entry’ to the Dual option. A special registration form can be found on the Advanced Placement page of the Dual-option program website. Direct Entry seats are limited. BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success. Acceptance is not guaranteed, and is dependent on available seats and clinical placements. Students who are offered Direct Entry to the Dual option will need to wait until the next offering of Level 3 courses, and will join in with the current cohort of students. Upon successful completion of all courses, the student will return the original diploma from the single option in exchange for a diploma from the Dual option.
Is there a pathway to degree completion?
The BCIT DMS program has entered into an articulation agreement with Thompson Rivers University for credits toward a Bachelor of Health Sciences. This is a distance education program that will allow you to complete your degree while continuing to work.
What are the workload requirements of the program?
The program schedule requires attending approximately 25 hours of classes/ labs or 35 hours of clinical each week. Expect several hours of homework and preparation each evening. You will also need to plan time for library research and group work.
This is a very demanding program. Working at a job during the school year is not recommended. Any work hours must accommodate class, lab and clinical hours.
Can I do this program part time or online?
The program is offered only in a full-time format commencing each September. Students complete the program as a cohort, based out of the BCIT Burnaby campus. Should you need to leave the program for any reason, you will be required to re-apply. Some online courses are administered during portions of the program.
Are there any breaks in the program?
In addition to Christmas and spring breaks, there is a six-week vacation in June-July after the first year for all students, and a seven-week vacation in the summer of the second year for Dual-option students.
Where will my clinical placements be located?
The BCIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography program arranges clinical training for the students. In order to attain a well-rounded clinical experience, students can expect to be placed in 4-8 different clinical sites during the program. Some of these clinical rotations will be outside of the lower mainland. Students will be requested to provide their preferences for out-of-town clinical placements, but there is no guarantee that they will be assigned to one of their preferences. Training sites are located in all parts of the province and students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and transportation. Note: Student learning during clinical training is supported by BCIT via Learning Hub. Students will require internet access other than that at the clinical site.
What is scheduling like for clinical portions of the program?
Clinical experiences have historically been comprised of regular 8 hour days Monday-Friday; however, as the hours of sonography departments extend, students will likely be expected to work some afternoon shifts or weekend days as required.
Clinical term 1 occurs in early July to late August of the first year. Over this 7 week period, students will complete the equivalent of 3 weeks of clinical. This clinical may occur at one site or may be divided between 2-3 sites to assure a well-balanced experience.
Clinical terms 2, 3 and 4 occur in the final year of the program. Each rotation is 13 weeks in length and spans January through June for single option students followed by a rotation late August through November for dual option students. In order to assure an adequate variety of clinical experiences, each of these terms is divided into 2 distinct rotations of 6-7 weeks in length. Students are expected to attend two of these rotations in a site outside of the lower mainland.
Am I responsible for costs throughout clinical placement?
Students are responsible for all personal expenses, including food, accommodation and transportation throughout the clinical experiences. No stipend is available for any portion of the program.
Will I need to have use of a car?
Student clinical placements occur in a variety of hospitals and clinics throughout the lower mainland as well as in other parts of the province. Students move through a variety of sites over the program and many of these sites may not have access by public transit. Each student is responsible for arranging his or her own transportation.
Program Admission FAQs
- When do I have to choose my option?
- Why do I have to choose my option when I apply?
- Can I change options during the program?
- How can I make my application more competitive?
- How competitive is the program, and is there a waitlist?
- Can I apply to the program whilst I’m working on meeting the prerequisites, or do I need to wait until all are complete?
- I did not receive a ‘B’ in English 12. Will my post-secondary English marks be considered?
- Do you consider GPA within the selection process?
- What can I do to prepare myself for success in the selection process?
- I have met all prerequisites for the program. What post-secondary courses can you recommend to support my success in the selection process and in the program?
- Can I apply for transfer credit for my college/university courses?
- If Admissions requires proof of BC residency, what may I be asked to provide?
When do I have to choose my option?
Applicants must choose their option at the time of application. Applicants are requested to provide a second and possible third choice. In the event that their preferred option has no remaining capacity, they may be offered a seat in another option. Note: The Cardiac-only option is suspended for the September 2022 intake.
Why do I have to choose my option when I apply?
Because the clinical spaces for each option are limited, the numbers of students in each option must be set at the start of the program. This will prevent any of the options from being over-requested which could result in students being placed in an undesired option later in the program.
Can I change options during the program?
Changing options is unlikely and will be possible only in the event that a space opens up in another option. However, because the first year of the program is common, single option students can potentially return to complete the other option following graduation.
How can I make my application more competitive?
Admission to the program is highly competitive. In addition to completing all of the prerequisites, successful applicants typically have the following profile:
- Post-secondary education with a focus on human anatomy and physiology and/or health. Physics courses are also an asset. Many successful applicants have university degrees.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a full course load at the post-secondary level
- Strong, consistent academic performance
- Job experience in a fast-paced customer or patient related area
- Volunteering or work in a patient environment that includes hands-on physical care of elderly or ill patients/clients. Extracurricular activities such as team sports are also an asset.
- Demonstration of a clear understanding of the profession and the program
- Excellent communication skills
The questionnaire that is included with the application should exhibit thoughtful, articulate answers to all questions, as these are carefully reviewed in the short-listing of candidates.
How competitive is the program, and is there a waitlist?
We receive anywhere from 140 to 280 complete applications each intake. We accept 32-40 students into the program. Historically, we have invited 80-100 students to participate in the second stage of the selection process. Acceptance into the program is based on the ranked score achieved during the selection process. Some applicants who are not among the top 32-40 will be placed on a waitlist for the current intake in the event that a seat becomes available. The waitlist is cleared once the program intake is full and the first program term has commenced; unsuccessful applicants must re-apply to be considered for next year.
Can I apply to the program whilst I’m working on meeting the prerequisites, or do I need to wait until all are complete?
You should only apply when you have fully met all the academic requirements. If you apply without having completed all minimum entrance requirements, your application will be marked incomplete by Admissions. Incomplete applications do not go forward into the competitive selection process.
I did not receive a ‘B’ in English 12. Will my post-secondary English marks be considered?
Admissions will assess post-secondary transcripts for courses that fulfill the English language proficiency requirement.
Do you consider GPA within the selection process?
Preference will be given to applicants with a strong GPA, post-secondary education, a demonstrated interest in the field, and related volunteer/work experience. It is important that transcripts demonstrate an aptitude for success in past academic courses.
The program selects, from a large pool of complete applications, only those candidates deemed to have the best opportunity for success. Meeting minimum entrance requirements and having a high GPA does not guarantee you will be selected for the second stage of the competitive entry process.
What can I do to prepare myself for success in the selection process?
The program looks for well-rounded individuals who will be successful as students and as future diagnostic medical sonographers. Ensure that you have researched what it means to be a sonographer and are aware the scope of the work involved.
I have met all prerequisites for the program. What post-secondary courses can you recommend to support my success in the selection process and in the program?
Post-secondary health-related courses and those in human anatomy and physiology, pathology and physics will strengthen your application and would support your overall success in the program. Be aware that many successful applicants have completed university degrees, so post-secondary education is an important factor.
Can I apply for transfer credit for my college/university courses?
Most courses are program specific. Typically only patient care and communication courses will be considered. If you feel you have completed courses equivalent to the Sonography program courses, you may apply for individual transfer credit within the first two weeks of the program start. Please note: If individual course transfer credit is granted, this will not reduce your tuition or the duration of the program; it will only reduce your course load.
If Admissions requires proof of BC residency, what may I be asked to provide?
Proof of residency may be requested to confirm status in BC, documentation such as utility, cellular or insurance bills (automotive or otherwise) would be required.
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