Overview
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, also known as ultrasound, is a technology involving the application of high-frequency sound waves toward patients to help physicians with medical diagnoses.
Diagnostic medical sonographers work as members of patient care teams, assessing patients, providing physicians with information for diagnoses, and monitoring patients’ health status. This specialized vocation requires 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, medical research, quality control, and the performance of diagnostic scanning procedures.
This program includes theory courses, lab practice, and practicum rotations at approved healthcare facilities. You will complete a practicum pathway within the program, where your practicum rotations specialize in either Adult Echocardiography or Vascular Sonography. Based on the availability of the practicum sites, you may have to travel or relocate to anywhere in Alberta and, in some circumstances, outside of the province.
Is this the right fit for me?
You'll experience success in this program and profession by developing the following traits, skills and aptitudes:
- fine motor skills
- critical thinking and adaptability
- effective communication skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- ability to work independently
- ability to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- work well under stress
- ability to use technology
- attention to detail
- ability to maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate
- can wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time and tolerate latex and disinfection materials
- can work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- able to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning patients and/or equipment and meet the physical demands of the job, including using your hand, wrist, and arm for prolonged periods of time
- upper body and shoulder strength to perform repetitive tasks with arms
- ability to visualize in three dimensions
- comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work in environments where they may spend a considerable amount of time standing or sitting and performing tasks that may be repetitive. They must observe safety precautions and ergonomics to reduce exposure and injury risk.
Individuals with previous chronic or repetitive strain injuries have experienced re-injury or aggravation in this program and/or as a sonographer.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the governing body’s competency profile for the profession to understand the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.
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
Graduates will be awarded a SAIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma after successfully completing this program.
Graduates are eligible to write Sonography Canada registry exams in Core (Physics), Generalist, and either Adult Echocardiography or Vascular, depending on the practicum pathway completed within the program. In addition, graduates can write the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography exams.
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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
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $9,598
- Year 2: $7,899
- Year 3: $3,113
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and achieve at least 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.
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
Program requirements
Mandatory admission requirement
Applicants are required to meet or exceed a score of 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety entrance testing process as an admission requirement for this program by the set deadlines.
These deadlines may be different than the typical application closing dates.
At least 75% in each of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 30-1, or Math 30-2, AND,
- English Language Arts 30-1, AND,
- Biology 30, AND,
- Physics 30
All applicants, including those educated in Canada, must demonstrate English language proficiency.
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 applying, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
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 you will likely need to travel or relocate outside of the city.
Successful applicants will be assigned their practicum placement. While we'll strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be given. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, 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
Learn more about practicum requirements
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Please note applications for this program close ahead of the set deadline to allow applicants time to complete the mandatory entrance testing requirements.
Direct entry: 5-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 program and submit your transcripts.
Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 5: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be 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 hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | June 23, 2023* |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | June 28, 2024 |
*Students completing their second year of study will finish classes on Aug. 19, 2023.
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
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 | 1.5 |
| PHYS-314 | Physics 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 |
| Semester 4 total | 16.5 | |
Semester 5 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-300 | Clinical Practicum I | 7.5 |
| Semester 5 Total | 7.5 | |
Semester 6 - Spring
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-310 | Clinical Practicum II | 7.5 |
| Semester 6 total | 7.5 | |
| Second year total | 31.5 | |
Third year
Semester 7 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DMST-375 | Clinical Integration | 3.0 |
| PRCT-380 | 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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5** | $7,725 | $1,105 | $768 | $9,598 |
| 2 | 2*** | $6,489 | $788 | $622 | $7,899 |
| 3 | 1 | $2,163 | $474 | $476 | $3,113 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
**.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.
*** The second year of this program is broken up into three semesters, with semesters five and six focused on clinical practicum. Practicum-only semesters are considered part-time studies based on credit load. The two part-time semesters are equivalent to one full-time semester.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
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.
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
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
Additional fees
- The Comptracker fee is $75 per semester
- Students require a laptop or Apple IPad to support the CompTracker system. The device requires wi-fi capability, and the size is at the discretion of the student. 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.
- Sonography Canada certification exam fees are approximately $1,525. 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 a 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.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*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.
Get started on practicum requirements
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus on August 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
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.
Additional tech requirements
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.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help 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.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
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.
Your journey starts here
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