Overview
Train to perform ultrasound procedures and help monitor patient health in hospitals and community clinics through this specialized program covering all the key aspects of ultrasound technology, as well as anatomy and patient care.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, also known as ultrasound, is a technology involving the application of high-frequency sound waves toward patients to help physicians in medical diagnoses.
Diagnostic medical sonographers work as members of patient care teams, assessing patients and providing information to physicians for diagnoses and monitoring patients’ health status. This is a specialized vocation requiring a high degree of technical skills and exceptional interpersonal skills.
This program teaches key aspects of ultrasound technology including obstetrics and gynecology, the cardiac and vascular systems and abdomen and superficial structures. Studies also include patient care, physics, anatomy and physiology, equipment instrumentation, quality control and the performance of diagnostic scanning procedures.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is 26 months in length and consists of theory and lab courses along with practicum rotations off-campus. Practicum locations are constantly changing. All students can expect to be placed outside of Calgary (including out of province) more than once during the program.
Certain courses may be offered through Open Studies during the daytime, evenings, and/or weekends, as well as in a classroom, blended, or online format. All courses must be completed within the program completion timeframe. Please be advised that for the purpose of student loans, full-time student status requires that learners are enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full course load per semester.
Interprovincial health training agreementsSAIT offers reserved seats in diagnostic medical for Saskatchewan students. Limited space available, call 403.284.8500 to learn more.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks and exceptional communication skills in English usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
Students are expected to spend approximately 20 hours per week outside of class studying.
Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide, utilize critical thinking in practice, are eager, persevere and enjoy working in a team environment.
In order to be successful in this program, applicants must have basic computer literacy. An acceptable computer skill level would include the ability to use word processing and communication software. Educational interaction in this program depends on these basic computer skills. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the adequacy of these skills prior to program admission.
Students who experience success in this program have the following characteristics:
- intrinsic motivation
- ability to handle unpleasant situations
- ability to lift heavy patients
- ability to stand for long periods of time
- upper body strength while scanning patients in difficult positions
- good physical health including upper body and shoulder strength
- good wrist and hand dexterity and stamina
- full body muscle stamina
- strong vision and hearing.
Individuals with previous chronic or repetitive strain injuries have experienced re-injury or aggravation of these conditions in this program and/or as a sonographer.
Employers for Sonography professionals indicate that working hours could be days, evenings, weekends and potentially 24/7 shift expectations.
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada. The program also works closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Committee to ensure that our curriculum continues to meet or exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma.
Graduates are eligible to write Sonography Canada and American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography exams. Graduates will be eligible to write registry exams in Core (Physics), Abdomen and Superficial Structures, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Adult Echocardiography.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a diagnostic medical sonographer in:
- hospitals
- doctors’ offices
- community clinics
Related careers include:
- cardiology technologist
- combined lab and x-ray technologist
- magnetic resonance technologist
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $8,813.50
- Year 2: $7,536.50
- Year 3: $2,836.50
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for Fall 2022 are accepted from Oct. 6 to Dec. 1, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | June 23, 2023* |
*Students completing their second year of study will finish classes on Aug. 19, 2023.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Train to perform ultrasound procedures and help monitor patient health in hospitals and community clinics through this specialized diploma program at SAIT covering all the key aspects of ultrasound technology, as well as anatomy and patient care.
Admission requirements
Application dates
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021, to Dec. 1, 2021.
- Please note: Access to the DMS Profession Specific Entrance Assessment will close end of the day Dec. 17, 2021.
*This program does not accept international students
Program requirements
At least 75% in each of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 30-1, Math 30-2, or Pure Math 30, and,
- English Language Arts 30-1, and,
- Biology 30, and,
- Physics 30
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Successful applicants must meet or exceed 50% on the scoring rubric for the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process.
Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: five-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Review the information related to the necessary components of the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process
Step 3: Complete the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process non-academic admission requirement. Ensure that you meet all of the academic admission requirements listed above.
Step 4: Apply to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades prior to the application close date.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. Find out how to monitor your application status.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add diagnostic.imaging@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students will be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program at a later date. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practica such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Care Provider Level (C) CPR
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- N95 respiratory mask fitting
- Health and wellness status
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-205 | Sectional Anatomy | 3.0 |
| ANPH-209* | Anatomy & Physiology | 3.0 |
| DMST-202 | Ultrasound Scanning Fundamentals | 1.5 |
| DMST-217 | Professional Practice l | 3.0 |
| MEDT-211* | Medical Terminology l | 1.5 |
| PHYS-216 | Physics l | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DMST-244 | Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography l | 3.0 |
| DMST-253 | Adult Echocardiography l | 3.0 |
| DMST-254 | Abdomen and Superficial Structure l | 3.0 |
| DMST-265 | Vascular Sonography l | 3.0 |
| INFC-215* | Infection Prevention and Control | 1.5 |
| PHYS-254 | Physics ll | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 3 - Spring
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DMST-283 | Adult Echocardiography II | 1.5 |
| DMST-285 | Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography II | 1.5 |
| DMST-293 | Vascular Sonography II | 1.5 |
| DMST-295 | Abdomen and Superficial Structures II | 1.5 |
| MRAD-374 | Professional Practice II | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 Total | 7.5 | |
| First Year Total | 37.5 | |
Second year
Semester 4 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DMST-276 | Professional Practice III | 3.0 |
| DMST-315 | Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography III | 3.0 |
| DMST-326 | Abdomen and Superficial Structures III | 3.0 |
| DMST-333 | Adult Echocardiography III | 3.0 |
| DMST-343 | Vascular Sonography III | 3.0 |
| PHYS-314 | Physics lll | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 18.0 | |
Semester 5 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-300 | Clinical Practicum I | 7.5 |
| Semester 5 Total | 7.5 | |
Semester 6 - Spring/Summer
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-310 | Clinical Practicum II | 7.5 |
| Semester 6 Total | 7.5 | |
| Second Year Total | 33.0 | |
Third Year
Semester 7 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DMST-375* | Clinical Integration | 3.0 |
| PRCT-370 | Clinical Practicum III | 7.5 |
| Semester 7 Total | 10.5 | |
| Program Total | 79.5 | |
| * Available by correspondence and/or online learning. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Please contact the Academic Chair prior to enrolling in any online or correspondence courses. | ||
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6,420 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $7,753 |
| 2 | $5,393 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,726 |
| 3 | $1,798 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $3,131 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books, supplies and uniforms are approximately $2,700 for the first year, $600 for the second year and $500 for the third year. The Comptracker fee is $75 per semester.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica including relocation costs to practicum sites outside Calgary.
Sonography Canada certification exam fees are approximately $1,300. Sonography Canada association dues are $175 per year with the option to purchase professional liability insurance.
There is a fee associated with obtaining a criminal record check (including vulnerable sector check) and is payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $188
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $7,050 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $8,813.50 |
| 2 | 3 | $5,922 | $916 | $698.50 | $7,536.50 |
| 3 | 1 | $1,974 | $458 | $407.50 | $2,836.50 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee:
- Year 1: $245
- Year 2: $196
- Year 3: $98
- Universal transit pass (Upass):
- Year 1: $320
- Year 2: $320
- Year 3: $160
- Student support fee:
- Year 1: $250
- Year 2: $200
- Year 3: $100
- Student technology fee:
- Year 1: $250
- Year 2: $200
- Year 3: $100
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum:
- Year 1 & 2: $436.50
- Year 3: $145.50
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books, supplies and uniforms are approximately $2,700 for the first year, $600 for the second year and $500 for the third year. The Comptracker fee is $75 per semester
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica including relocation costs to practicum sites outside Calgary.
Sonography Canada certification exam fees are approximately $1,300. Sonography Canada association dues are $175 per year with the option to purchase professional liability insurance.
There is a fee associated with obtaining a criminal record check (including vulnerable sector check) and is payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Get started on pre-orientation requirements
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place Sept. 1 on campus (optional) and Sept. 2 online. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your campus orientation.
We are expecting to meet you at student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes that start on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
You will be evaluated on your level of competency performance using a tracking system called CompTracker. You will require a wi-fi-enabled Apple tablet with the ability to run the most up-to-date operating system to support the CompTracker system.
- Any size tablet is acceptable.
- Keyboards are advisable but not mandatory.
- Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker.
There is a required user license fee billed on a per-semester basis. Each program will have a different student fee depending on how the system is used within the program. More information will be shared at orientation.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Other requirements
- CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR course
- N95 mask-fit testing
- Police Information clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check - Associated
- Immunizations record
- Health and Wellness Status
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
