Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound

Who is a Sonographer?
Sonographers are highly skilled health care professionals who use ultrasound (sound waves) to look inside a patient's body, evaluate the condition of various organs and record digital pictures.
Sonographers evaluate organs and structures such as the liver, kidneys, heart, thyroid, blood vessels, muscles, ovaries and developing babies. Sonographers provide a summary of what they've discovered and discuss their findings with specialized doctors, who use this information to make a diagnosis.

Where do Sonographers work?
Sonographers usually work in hospitals or clinics, however some Sonographers work as managers, educators, equipment sales representatives, equipment applications specialists, medical information technology (IT) specialists or researchers.

How do I become a Sonographer?
The School of Health Sciences offers a four year Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) degree program, which includes theory and practice. Students will take core professional development courses with a concentration on ultrasound specific knowledge and skills. A diploma option is possible after completion of Year 3.

Entrance Requirements
Students must have a high school diploma which includes English, Math, Physics and Biology at the grade 12 level. Acceptance requires no mark below 70% in each of these courses with an overall minimum average of 75%. Post secondary students must have a GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.30 scale), with no grade lower than a C in prerequisite courses. Acceptance is offered to residents of the Maritime Provinces, then to residents across Canada, then to all other applicants.

Examples of Courses in the Program

Anatomy & Physiology
Pathophysiology for Health Sciences
Sonography in Obstetrics
Sonography of the Abdomen and Superficial Structures
Health Care Ethics
Foundations in Health Care Practice
Statistics
Digital Imaging
Introduction to Health Research

Accrdeditation
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) accredits the program. For more information go to: www.cma.ca/officiallist.

Professional Associations
The Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (CSDMS) is the national professional body for Sonographers. Membership with the CSDMS is maintained through active registration with the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP) and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Registrants must undergo continuing professional development to maintain active registration.

Job Opportunities
Sonographers are in high demand locally as well as throughout Canada and the United States. The working hours and salaries vary depending on the work setting and employer. Sonographers may be required to work or be on call over evenings, weekends or holidays. Starting salaries are comparable with other health science professionals.

For more information on Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, visit www. csdms.com, www.cardup.org and www.sdms.org or www.ardms.org.