Sonographer performing an ultrasound examination in a clinical setting
Accredited by
Programs→Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Diploma 2,135 Hours In-Person + Practicum

Where sound waves become diagnostics.

Train as a Sonographer and play an essential role in modern healthcare — using ultrasound to provide detailed imaging that helps guide patient diagnosis, treatment, and care.

$42.00/hr
Median Canadian wage
Job Bank Canada · NOC 32122
In-Person
Mode of delivery
80 weeks
Full-time program
—
Next intake
Overview

Train to see what matters most.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography involves using advanced ultrasound technology. Sonographers capture detailed images that help physicians make informed decisions while providing patients with care, professionalism, and confidence throughout their imaging experience.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at MCG Career College is a full-time, 80-week program designed to prepare students for a career in diagnostic imaging. Through face-to-face instruction and hands-on on-campus training, students build the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform ultrasound examinations with confidence. Training covers anatomy, patient care, equipment operation, image quality, and scanning techniques in a classroom and supervised lab environment.

Students benefit from small class sizes and 34 weeks of practicum placement with our clinical partners across Canada. Graduates work in clinical settings and are awarded a Diploma in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

The program is recognized and licensed by Alberta Advanced Education, and government funding may be available to eligible students.

Sonographer performing an ultrasound examination
Accredited by
Accreditation & Credentials

Credentials recognized across Canada.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by Accreditation Canada. Graduates are eligible to sit national examinations that allow them to practise anywhere in Canada.

SC
National · Canada
Sonography Canada
Graduates are eligible to sit for the national examinations administered by Sonography Canada — enabling them to practise across Canada.
ARDMS
International · United States
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Graduates may also choose to sit for American exams through the ARDMS. Exam costs and registration are the sole responsibility of the student.
Career Paths

Where this diploma takes you.

Graduates can pursue opportunities in hospitals and medical imaging clinics, with the potential to continue building their expertise through ongoing education, certification, and professional development.

Primary Graduate Role
Generalist Medical Sonographer
$34.90–$51.00/hr
Canadian average wage range · Job Bank Canada, NOC 32122
Career Outlook

High demand.
Excellent pay.

Sonographers rank among Canada's most in-demand allied health professionals — with wages that reflect it. Graduates regularly step into full-time roles within weeks of certification.

$87,360
median annual salary
Government of Canada Job Bank · NOC 32122 · Nov. 2025
$42.00
median hourly wage
Range $34.90–$51.00/hr · ~$87,360/yr
Very Good
employment outlook
Government of Canada Job Bank
Program Structure / Mode of Delivery

Built around real clinical training.

An intensive 80-week program combining face-to-face campus instruction and 34 weeks of supervised practicum in clinical settings across Canada.

80
weeks
Total program length
46 weeksin-person instruction
+
34 weeksclinical practicum
Small
Cohorts
Personalized learning
With smaller cohorts, MCG gives you more time with instructors, more hands-on practice with ultrasound equipment, and more personalized feedback as you build the skills and confidence needed for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
01

In-Person Instruction

Learn on campus through structured classroom and lab training. You'll build a strong foundation in anatomy, patient care, ultrasound physics, equipment use, and scanning techniques before applying those skills in real clinical settings.

02

34-Week Clinical Practicum

Gain supervised clinical experience with MCG's clinical partners across Canada. You'll apply your training in real healthcare environments, working with patients and ultrasound equipment while learning from credentialed Sonographers in the field.

Admissions Timeline

Your path to graduation.

The DMS admissions process is competitive and multi-stage. Applications for the next intake open in Fall 2026 — here's exactly what to expect.

* Dates represent the current intake cycle and are subject to change. Contact admissions for the most current schedule.

Courses

What you'll study.

Six terms of focused instruction — from foundational physics and anatomy through to advanced scanning and three full semesters of supervised clinical practicum.

Term 1 Foundations 300 hrs
Ultrasound Physics 160 hrs
Abdominal Sonography 160 hrs
Scanning Fundamentals60 hrs
Sonography of the Female Pelvis45 hrs
Patient Care in Sonography45 hrs
Anatomy Fundamentals30 hrs
Term 2 Applied Sonography 400 hrs
Obstetrical Sonography 180 hrs
Abdominal Sonography 260 hrs
Generalist Scanning Lab60 hrs
Ultrasound Physics 260 hrs
Vascular Sonography 160 hrs
Vascular Scanning Lab 140 hrs
Professional Interactions 140 hrs
Term 3 Advanced Modalities 160 hrs
Obstetrical Sonography 240 hrs
Vascular Sonography 232 hrs
Sonography of Superficial Structures24 hrs
Ultrasound Physics 324 hrs
Vascular Scanning Lab 220 hrs
Professional Interactions 220 hrs
Term 4 Clinical Practicum I 300 hrs
Clinical Sonography 1300 hrs
Term 5 Clinical Practicum II 450 hrs
Clinical Sonography 2450 hrs
Term 6 Clinical Practicum III 525 hrs
Clinical Sonography 3525 hrs
Admission Requirements

Ready to apply?

Admission to the DMS program is competitive and multi-stage. All applicants must meet with an MCG Career College Admissions representative, complete both an online, open-response situational judgement test (SJT) and a Spatial Aptitude Assessment, and attend an interview to evaluate their suitability for the program.

Pathway 01

Standard Admission

  • Alberta High School diploma, verified by transcript or non-Alberta equivalent, completed within the past 24 months. High School Diplomas that are not from Canada must be verified by IQAS or the World Education Services Gateway Program.
  • At least 75% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, English Language Arts 30-1, Biology 30 and Physics 30 or equivalents.
  • Completion of MCG's Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Pharmacology courses (120 hours) with a minimum of 70%.
Pathway 02

Mature Admission

Applicants must meet one of the following three pathways:
Pathway A
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Completion of the Canadian Achievement Test – 4th Edition
  • Completion of MCG's Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Pharmacology courses (120 hours) with a minimum of 70%
OR
Pathway B
  • Professional health designation with a regulated college — transcripts and registration documents must be provided
OR
Pathway C
  • Completed credential in a health profession with a minimum of 70% average, verifiable by transcripts
Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

  • Successful completion of Grade 12 Alberta Education English Language Arts or non-Alberta equivalent. (High school diplomas not from Canada will be verified by IQAS or the World Education Services Gateway Program.)
  • Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of at minimum one year (two semesters) of full-time post-secondary education at a school where English was the primary language of instruction in a recognized nation where English is the primary language of instruction
  • Canadian Language Benchmark of at least 7, through one of the following:
    • IELTS Academic — minimum band score of 6.0
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) — minimum score of 53
    • Duolingo — score between 105–115
    • TOEFL — minimum score of 71
All Candidates

Additional Requirements · All Applicants

Police Information Check

According to the Protection for Persons in Care Act, clinical partners require a clear Police Information Check (PIC) including Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS). Any criminal code offence for which a pardon has not been received may be a deterrent to entry into practicum or the program. Where a PIC or VSS is not clear, the College Dean will conduct a formal assessment.

Basic Life Support

Students must provide proof of completion of the Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support Provider course. Current BLS certification must be maintained throughout the practicum.

Computer Literacy

Students must be computer literate. The program uses blended learning and technology throughout, including word processing, spreadsheet creation, a learning management system, email management, and web-based activities.

Health Requirement

This program may be difficult for students with arm, back, shoulder, wrist, or neck problems due to the physical demands of sonography. Students with concerns are encouraged to speak with College staff and consult their family physician.

Up-to-Date Immunizations Required

Students must have up-to-date immunizations and provide proof prior to starting practicum. Practicum sites require current immunization records and may refuse placement without them — this could prevent successful completion of the program.

CASPer Assessment · Required for all applicants

All applicants must complete the CASPer (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test as part of the application phase. CASPer is an open-response situational judgment test that measures aspects of your social intelligence and professionalism, like ethics, empathy, problem-solving and collaboration. Source: Acuity Insights

Register at Acuity Insights
Tuition & Fees

A clear investment in your future.

Tuition includes all course materials, lab supplies, and clinical placement coordination. A non-refundable application fee applies to all applicants: $500.00 for domestic students, $500.00 for international students.

Note: Examination fees for Sonography Canada and ARDMS are not included.

Domestic Students
$48,400
total program cost
Tuition $45,000.00
Books $2,900.00
Supplies $500.00
International Students
$83,400
total program cost
Tuition $80,000.00
Books $2,900.00
Supplies $500.00

Note: Practicum placements may require travel. Any associated travel costs and living expenses during practicum are the responsibility of the student and are not covered by MCG.

Financial aid & payment plans may be available. A non-refundable application fee of $500.00 applies to domestic applicants; $500.00 for international applicants. Licensing / examination fees (Sonography Canada, ARDMS) are the sole responsibility of the student. Speak with an advisor →
Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions.

Yes — we are currently accepting applications for the March 2026 intake. Apply here to begin. Our admissions team will guide you through every step, including CASPer registration and the aptitude assessment.
CASPer (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is an open-response situational judgment test that measures aspects of your social intelligence and professionalism, like ethics, empathy, problem-solving and collaboration. It is required for all applicants as part of the application phase. You register directly at the Acuity Insights website and fees are your responsibility. Source: Acuity Insights
The Spatial Aptitude Assessment evaluates your three-dimensional thinking and visualization skills — critical abilities for interpreting ultrasound images. It is conducted during the Admissions Testing Phase (). No special preparation is required, though familiarity with spatial reasoning exercises is helpful.
Graduates who choose to move to the United States will have to sit for the American exams through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Exam costs and registration are the sole responsibility of the graduate.
The DMS program includes 34 weeks of clinical practicum with MCG's clinical partners. Placement sites are arranged by the College and may be located anywhere across Canada. Travel and lodging during the practicum are at the student's expense.
Financial aid options and payment plans may be available. Please speak with an MCG admissions advisor to discuss your situation. Indigenous students may qualify for ISETP funding — contact us for details.
Your next chapter starts here

Canada's healthcare needs Sonographers. Your training starts now.

Talk to a real advisor — not a chatbot. Fifteen minutes, no pressure, and we'll map your exact path into the March 2026 intake.