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overview
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound) is a rapidly expanding medical technique. A probe (transducer) that is moved over the body to obtain images of various body structures emits high-frequency sound waves. This technique provides valuable diagnostic information regarding the underlying anatomy and pathology that may be present. Unlike X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound is a non-ionizing technique. To date, no significant biological effects have been demonstrated.
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a medical professional who performs ultra sound examinations under the supervision of a physician. Areas of particular interest include the abdomen, the pregnant and non-pregnant female pelvis, the vascular system, and the heart.
A sonographer must:
- demonstrate effective verbal, oral and written communication skills
- exhibit excellent interpersonal skills
- obtain and interpret patient history
- correlate clinical and diagnostic findings
- problem solve in a clinical environment
- visualize anatomy in three dimensions
- possess excellent hand-eye coordination
- demonstrate technical aptitude
- obtain diagnostic images of normal anatomy
- identify and document pathology
- provide a high standard of patient care
- physically assist in moving patients and equipment
- maintain strength, especially in the upper body and back
- discriminate subtle variations in colour and differentiate sounds
- interact with other members of the health care team
- demonstrate a high level of computer literacy (accuracy and speed in keyboarding, proficiency in use of Windows operating system)
- Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
The Program
The general program is one year (12 months) in length. The program includes abdominal, gynecological, obstetrical, and vascular sonography. Students may elect to learn echocardiography upon completion of the general program. Due to the accelerated nature of this program, students are expected to have a strong background in human anatomy, medical terminology, computer literacy and math upon arrival. It is highly recommended that applicants lacking recent acute care patient experience take patient care and medical terminology courses such as CARD 1186, and OFFC 1001 / 1002.
Graduates of the program apply to write the certification exams of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). They are also eligible to apply for registration with the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP) upon successful completion of the clinical assessment tool and the ARDMS examinations.
Students can expect to be assigned to one or more clinical sites outside Greater Vancouver, such as Vancouver Island, the North, and the B.C. Interior at their own expense. Applicants with permanent residences out of the lower mainland may be able to access some clinical rotations in their own area.
Students are expected to have access to a computer with a high speed internet connection/printer and be proficient in the use of Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
International applicants will not be considered due to a high domestic demand for this program.
program entry
Entrance requirements
1. Academic
- English 12 with a B or better or English-language proficiency.
- Diploma of Technology in a minimum two-year allied health program such as
Radiography, Nuclear Medicine or Registered Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in an appropriate health related field, and with an emphasis on human anatomy and physiology (i.e. Registered Nursing, Kinesiology).
Applicants who have completed their post-secondary education at an institution outside of Canada or the United States are required to have their credentials evaluated at their own expense by a service such as the International Credential Evaluation Service. The program requires that applicants obtain the comprehensive detailed evaluation.
2. Spoken English Proficiency
As English is the language of instruction in all programs at the Institute, an adequate knowledge of written and spoken English is required for admission and successful completion of the program. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language prior to acceptance. Spoken English is especially important in clinical settings where strong spoken communication skills are required to maximize safety and security of patients, staff, and the public. Spoken English proficiency may be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
- Successful completion of a minimum of 2 years of senior secondary education in English in Canada or in a country where English is the principal language and the curriculum is taught in English. Please note the minimum 2 year requirement does not include time enrolled in ESL courses.
OR
- Request a spoken language requirement waiver
Waiver request process: If you do not meet the spoken language requirement but believe that you have the proficiency of a native English speaker, please submit a waiver request to the BCIT Admissions office. Your request must include:
- A brief letter explaining why you believe the requirement should be waived.
- An official letter of recommendation from your school's English teacher, guidance counsellor, principal, or headmaster, which attests that your level of English proficiency is close to or equal to that of a native speaker. English must be the primary language of your referee. The letter should include the writer's contact information (phone number and email address). The letter must be on school letterhead and must be submitted in a sealed school envelope mailed directly from your school to BCIT admissions.
3. Additional Requirements
- Resume.
- Complete the following forms and submit with your application:
Short listed applicants will be invited to a selection interview.
Check for acceptable equivalent courses taught in BC high schools.
4. Provisional Acceptance:
If you have been provisionally accepted to BCIT you will be notified in writing and you will be required to submit the following documents in order to be fully accepted into the program.
Submit these documents to the Admissions Department:
- Proof of current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Level (CPR) Level C
- Satisfactory criminal record search [PDF, 13KB]
Mandatory Immunization Documentation: Submit this form to BCIT Student Health Services:
- Immunization Form (will be available April 1, 2010). Immunization is a requirement for clinical placement.
Once these and any other outstanding provisions have been met, you will receive written notification of your full acceptance.
BC provincial exams
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Application processing
Oct. 1 of the previous year until May 5. Applications are considered for a specific intake.
Application Deadline
All program requirements must be completed and documentation received in Admissions prior to the deadline.
Selection Process
Admission is competitive. Applicants should fully outline how the selection criteria have been met. Please do not assume that BCIT has knowledge of your past experiences. Due to the large number of applicants and limited number of seats, we employ top-down selection, inviting the most suitable applicants to join the program. Some applicants may meet the minimum requirements for admission and not be invited to join the program. The program area reviews completed applications in May. Interviews will follow for short listed applicants.
Out-of-province and international applicants should review BCIT's applicant priority information.
costs & supplies
Books and supplies
Level 5: $1,150; Level 6: $120
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)
courses
Program matrix
| Level 5 (15 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
BHSC 5307 |
Anatomy and Physiology
Teaches the gross and microscopic anatomy of abdominal and pelvic organs examined during clinical practice. Examines relational and sectional anatomy of these organs. Focuses on the development of three-dimensional visualization skills. Includes normal fetal development and related obstetric and gynaecological topics. Discusses normal physiology of the abdominal and pelvic organs and the physiological interactions between organs. |
3.5 |
| |
DSON 5311 |
Sonography Lab 1
This lab time will provide students with experience in scanning techniques. |
2.5 |
| |
DSON 5312 |
Abdominal Sonography 1
Provides normal anatomy and sonographic imaging techniques of the abdomen, male pelvis, neck, breast, scrotum and superficial tissues. Introduces normal musculoskeletal anatomy and imaging. Emphasizes identification of normal anatomy in standard and non-standard sonographic scan planes. Introduces blood flow patterns and variations as seen in the normal abdomen, and clinical problem solving by correlating clinical history with areas of greatest importance in each scan. Concludes with a section on professional practice. |
4.5 |
| |
DSON 5313 |
Obstetrical and Gynecological Sonography 1
Provides normal anatomy and sonographic imaging techniques of the gravid (including fetal anatomy) and non-gravid pelvis. Pays specific attention to identification of normal anatomy in standard and non-standard sonographic scan planes. Correlates sonographic patterns with menstrual cycle, stage of pregnancy and patient age. Gives particular attention to the unique role of sonography in pregnancy. |
4.5 |
| |
DSON 5314 |
Sonography Practicum 1
Includes BCIT lab and clinical site practicum experience. Integrates knowledge of normal anatomy, physiology, physical principles of sound and sonographic technique. Gives specific attention to organ assessment and optimization of image quality through correct use of sonographic windows and technical controls. Focuses on development of three-dimensional skills. Emphasizes safe ergonomic practices as well as provision of a high standard of patient care and professional conduct as required of sonographers. Prerequisites: DSON 5311 |
5.5 |
| |
PHYS 5373 |
Physical Principles of Ultrasound 1
Introduces physical principles of ultrasound including acoustic waves, transducers, beam formation, artifacts, pulse echo instrumentation and real time systems. Emphasizes integration of theory with application. |
3.5 |
| |
| Level 6 (17 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
BHSC 6307 |
Pathophysiology
Examines the pathophysiology of abdominal and pelvic organs normally examined during clinical sonography practice. Discusses abnormal fetal development and related obstetric and gynaecological pathophysiology topics. Correlates clinical findings and diagnostic procedures with the pathophysiology of the abdominal and pelvic organs and musculoskeletal conditions. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 5307 |
3.5 |
| |
DSON 6311 |
Sonography Lab 2
This lab time will provide students with additional experience in scanning techniques gained in DSON 5311. Prerequisites: DSON 5311 and DSON 5314 |
3.0 |
| |
DSON 6312 |
Abdominal Sonography 2
A continuation of DSON 5312. Emphasizes abdominal, thyroid, breast and scrotal pathology as identified and documented with sonography. Describes techniques to document abnormalities. Correlates clinical history with normal and abnormal findings. Prerequisites: 60% in DSON 5312 |
4.0 |
| |
DSON 6313 |
Obstetrical and Gynecological Sonography 2
A continuation of DSON 5313. Emphasizes abnormal findings in the gravid (including fetal) and non-gravid pelvis. Describes techniques to document abnormalities. Correlates clinical history with normal and abnormal findings. Prerequisites: 60% in DSON 5313 |
4.0 |
| |
DSON 6315 |
Vascular Sonography
Provides normal anatomy and hemodynamic principles of the vascular tree. Correlates patterns of blood flow in arteries and veins with changes in pressure, cardiac performance, peripheral resistance, respiration and disease. Emphasizes use of gray scale imaging and Doppler in the identification and documentation of vascular disease. Focuses on carotid and lower extremity venous disease. Introduces physiologic vascular testing and grafts. |
2.0 |
| |
DSON 6316 |
Sonography Practicum 2a
A continuation of DSON 5314. BCIT lab emphasizes vascular applications and instrumentation. The practicum component offers hands on experience in all sonography applications covered in the program (abdomen, superficial structures, gynecology, obstetrics and vascular). Focuses on the integration of academic knowledge and clinical practice in a closely supervised setting. Emphasizes safe ergonomic practices as well as a provision of a high standard of patient care. Prerequisites: DSON 5314 and DSON 6311 |
7.0 |
| |
PHYS 6373 |
Physical Principles of Ultrasound 2
A continuation of PHYS 5373. Includes image storage and display, hemodynamics, Doppler principles and instrumentation, acoustic power measurements, and biological effects and safety. Prerequisites: 60% in PHYS 5373 |
3.0 |
| |
| Level 7 (16 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
DSON 6317 |
Sonography Practicum 2b
A continuation of DSON 6316. This clinical course offers hands on experience in all sonography applications covered in the program (abdomen, superficial structures, gynecology, obstetrics and vascular). Focuses on the further development of skills acquired in DSON 6316 to the levels required of entry level sonographers. Prerequisites: DSON 6316 |
22.5 |
| |
| Total Credits: |
73.0 |
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
Program length
Twelve months, full-time, September to August. Students in this program must complete their credential within three years.
Grading
All didactic courses require a mark of 60 per cent to pass. Students in this program are allowed a maximum of two attempts to successfully complete a course.
graduating & jobs
Job Opportunities
Graduates in this dynamic allied health field will assume an important role in maintaining high-quality patient care using this diagnostic imaging technique. Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, clinics, commercial areas, and research. Most graduates work on a casual basis initially, moving into full-time employment. Salaries for sonographers, based on the current HSA scale, range from $25 to $32 per hour.
Graduate employment outcomes
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2005-2007 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2004-2006 Graduates.
Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Credential
Students who successfully complete this post-diploma program graduate with a Diploma of Technology.
faculty, advisors & staff
Clinical coordinators
- B.C. Children's Hospital
- B.C. Women's Hospital
- Brooke Radiology
- Burnaby Hospital
- Dawson Creek Hospital
- Eagle Ridge Hospital
- East Kootenay Regional Hospital, Cranbrook
- GR Baker Hospital, Quesnel
- Greig Associates
- Fort St. John Hospital
- Kelowna General Hospital
- Kelowna Medical Imaging
- Kootenay Boundary Hospital, Trail
- Kootenay Lake Hospital, Nelson
- Langley Memorial Hospital
- Lion's Gate Hospital
- Mount St. Joseph's Hospital
- Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
- Peace Arch Hospital
- Penticton Regional General Hospital
- Prince George Regional Hospital
- Richmond Hospital
- Ridge Meadows Hospital
- Royal Columbian Hospital
- Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops
- Royal Jubilee Hospital
- St. Joseph's Hospital, Comox
- St. Paul's Hospital
- Surrey Memorial Hospital
- Valley X-Ray Services
- Vancouver General Hospital
- Vernon Jubilee Hospital
- Vernon Radiological Associates
- Victoria General Hospital
- University Hospital
As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
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