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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
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.
As a two and a half year program offered full-time, 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.
The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the Program Outline. Please be advised that full-time student status requires the student to take 60 percent 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 the Canadian Medical Association. 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.
In addition, students will have received the foundational theory needed to enable them to work towards their Vascular Sonography credential after graduation.
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
100%
$80,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $6,825
Year 2: $6,591
Year 3: $2,623
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
This is a competitive program. If applicants meet the admission requirements they will be assessed based on additional criteria. Applicants will be offered admission to this program if they’re qualified through the competitive process and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 accepted Oct. 7, 2020, to Dec. 1, 2020.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Check us out
Ultrasound, or diagnostic medical sonography, 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.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are accepted Oct. 7, 2020 to Dec. 1, 2020.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
Admission Requirements
At least 75% in each of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 30-1, Math 30-2, or Pure Math 30,
- English Language Arts 30-1,
- Biology 30,
- Physics 30
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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.
Competitive Entry: Seven Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Review the selection information to understand the process and deadlines
- Applications and proof of the admission requirements ( transcripts and/or anticipated final grades) along with all supporting documents must be submitted by Dec. 1 to be included in selection.
- Applicants will have one attempt to complete the selection process for this program. If you're not offered admission, you can re-apply for the next intake and you will be required to complete the selection process again.
- Selection is done on a continuous basis and will continue until the program is full. Apply and complete all steps early for the best chance of getting a seat.
- Portions of the selection process may require access to a computer with a webcam and speakers or headphones
- Competitive academic averages are not a portion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program selection process.
- There will be 22 seats offered for the fall intake.
- Additional seats are reserved for Saskatchewan residents through an interprovincial agreement.
In the selection process, applicants will be assessed on the following criteria and seats will be offered accordingly.
Phase 1: Program Selection Package
Applicants will be sent a program selection package via email if they meet the admission requirements. The selection package must be completed and returned within five days of the initial email date.
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.
You are solely responsible to ensure the information in the selection package is legible, articulate and best reflects you as a candidate. Falsifying information will result in your application being removed immediately from the selection process and may result in the initiation of SAIT's Student Code of Conduct Procedure AC.3.4.1.
Selection packages are evaluated using standardized answer keys. Scores from the selection package are used to determine which individuals move to Phase 2 of the selection process and differentiate applicants whose scores may be tied.
- If scores from the selection package are above the benchmark established by the School of Health and Public Safety, the applicant will move to Phase 2 of the selection process.
- If scores from the selection package are below the benchmark, the applicant will be declined in selection.
- Those applicants who fail to complete and submit their packages by the deadline date will also be declined from further selection.
Phase 2: Aptitude Test
- Applicants who successfully move to Phase 2 of the selection process will be emailed information on how to complete the two required aptitude tests. Profession Specific Aptitude Test will assess your ability to answer questions delivered both in written and verbal format and your capacity to understand and follow directions. The assessment includes reading comprehension, math, science, career awareness, and reasoning-type questions. We do not provide a breakdown of the question type beyond what has been provided here. There is a fee for this assessment.
- CASPer is an online test which assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. The CASPer test is comprised of 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. The test can be accessed through their website- www.takeCASPer.com There is a fee for this assessment.
- An applicant's score must be above the benchmark established by the School of Health and Public Safety to be offered a seat in the program. Successful applicants will be offered seats until the program is full. Once the program is full, those exceeding the benchmark will be placed on a ranked qualified waitlist. Please note that program benchmarks for the selection package, aptitude test as well as CASPer are determined annually and may vary from the previous years.
Step 4:Apply to Diagnostic Medical Sonography and submit your transcripts.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT to check your admission status. If eligible, your status will indicate that you are "In Selection."
Step 6: Complete the selection package that is emailed to you.
Step 7: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection 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.
Due to the significant number of applications for this program, the selection process can take some time. Every effort will be made to maintain the timelines outlined above. We appreciate your patience. You can also log on to mySAIT.ca to check your admission decision status.
Unfortunately, due to the extremely large volume of applicants, we cannot provide any assistance or follow-up as to why the candidate was not competitive or where the applicant is ranked on the waitlist.
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 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
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. | ||
Please be advised that full-time student status requires students to take 60% of a full course load per semester. Depending on the number of courses completed by correspondence, a student may be considered a part-time student, which may impact his/her financial loan status.
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 to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Athabasca University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (The Marine Institute)
- Thompson Rivers University
- University or New Brunswick, Saint John
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,603 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,825 |
| 2 | $5,369 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,591 |
| 3 | $1,401 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $2,623 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
Books and Supplies*
- Books, supplies and uniform are approximately $2,700 for the first year, $600 for the second year and $500 for the third year.
- Comptracker fee $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 $50 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
Find out 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.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
✅ 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.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
We are expecting to meet you at new student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes which start on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
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
iPad, iPad-mini, with Blue Tooth keyboard with the ability to run the most current Apple iOS to support CompTracker system. Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker.
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, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 165: Safety at SAIT.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
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 required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Jennifer Brown, Academic Chair
Email: jennifer.brown@sait.ca