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Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Overview

Train from industry experts to provide important patient care as a Sonographer in Ultrasound Technology in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography involves using ultrasound equipment to use high-frequency sound waves to capture images of body organs, masses and fetuses at various stages of pregnancy. Sonographers are important members of a patient care team, assessing patients and ensuring accurate information is provided to the physician to confirm a diagnosis. Graduates will find themselves working in a hospital or private clinic setting.

A full time condensed, 80-week program, combining face-to-face instruction, with structured online learning components. This program has extensive on campus clinical training as well as hospital and clinic-based practicum placements (see below).

Students will learn everything from important anatomy and patient care to proper equipment-use, quality imaging and proper procedures for scanning. Small class sizes and a practicum component allow for a more focused learning environment for students to hone their skills and succeed in the profession.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, students will receive a Diploma in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Who should take this program?

Health care workers see people at their most vulnerable state. Empathy and compassion are important attributes for a Sonographer.

To be successful, we encourage students who have the following:

Excellent communication skills
Critical thinker
Independent worker
Ability to quickly grasp technical components
Ability to learn detailed anatomy
Strong physical health, including upper body strength and good wrist dexterity
Excellent vision and hearing

Costs

Tuition Costs:

$45,000.00	Tuition
$2,900.00	Books
$500.00	Supplies
$48,400.00	Total

[For international students there is a non-refundable application fee of $500.00]

Grad employment rate

Figures represent the 2022/2023 period and are sourced from the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey.

Average Wage per Hour

Figures represent the 2022/2023 period and are sourced from the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey.

Courses

Term 1

Ultrasound Physics 1

60 hours

Ultrasound Physics 1 is an introduction to fundamental physical principle in diagnostic sonography.The course focuses on the physical properties of ultrasound waves, the mechanisms of sound wavesinteracting with human tissue, pulse echo instrumentation and fundamentals of optimizing asonographic image. The theory will be reinforced in the Scanning Fundamentals course.

Patient Care in Sonography

45 hours

Patient Care in Sonography is an introduction to developing skills in communication, professionalism and patient care relative to sonography. The theory will be reinforced in theScanning Fundamentals course.

Abdominal Sonography 1

60 hours

Abdominal Sonography 1 covers the sonographic assessment of structures in the normalabdominopelvic cavity. The topics discussed include normal anatomy and relational anatomy,physiology, and sonographic appearance. The theory will be reinforced in the ScanningFundamentals course.

Scanning Fundamentals

60 hours

Scanning Fundamentals is an introduction to the sonographic assessment technique. The focus is on the practical application of sonographic scanning and professionalism skills. Students will gain experience in sonographic assessment and documentation of abdominal and female pelvic structures. The theory taught in Ultrasound Physics 1, Abdominal Sonography 1, Anatomy Fundamentals for the Sonographer, Sonography of the Female Pelvis and Patient Care will be reinforced in this lab setting.

Anatomy Fundamentals

30 hours

Anatomy Fundamentals for the Sonographer introduces students to fundamental concepts ofscanning the human body relevant to the generalist sonographer. The focus of this course isrelational and cross-sectional anatomy and sonographic terminology. The theory will bereinforced in the Scanning Fundamentals course.

Sonography of the Female Pelvis

45 hours

This course covers the sonographic assessment of the female pelvis and first trimester pregnancy. Topicsdiscussed will include normal female pelvic anatomy and pathology, normal and abnormal first trimesterpregnancy, embryology, physiology, sonographic appearances and scanning techniques. The theory willbe reinforced in the Scanning Fundamentals course.

Term 2

Abdominal Sonography 2

60 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Abdominal Sonography 2 is a continuation of Abdominal Sonography 1, focusing on the sonographic assessment of common pathologies affecting structures in the abdominopelvic cavity. The topics covered include pathophysiology, common sonographic appearances, correlation of clinical data with sonographic findings and surgical/therapeutic treatments.

Generalist Scanning Lab

60 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Generalist Scanning Lab builds on the skills acquired in Scanning Fundamentals. The focus is on the practical application of sonographic scanning and professionalism skills. Students will gain experience in sonographic assessment and documentation of abdominal and female pelvic structures. The theory taught in Ultrasound Physics 1 and 2, Patient Care, Professional Interactions 1, Abdominal Sonography 1 and Sonography of the female Pelvis will be reinforced in this lab setting.

Obstetrical Sonography 1

80 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Obstetrical Sonography covers the sonographic assessment of second and third trimester pregnancy. Topics discussed include normal fetal anatomy, fetal environment, common pathologies, sonographic appearances and scanning techniques.

Professional Interactions 1

40 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Professional Interactions 1 focuses on the skills required in communication, professionalism, interprofessional collaboration and patient care relevant to sonography.

Ultrasound Physics 2

60 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Ultrasound Physics 2 builds on the concepts discussed in Physics 1. The course topics include transducer construction and characteristics, image storage and display, Doppler imaging physics and instrumentation, image artifacts. Digital imaging and storage will be discussed along with Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

Vascular Scanning Lab 1

40 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Vascular Scanning Lab 1 focuses on the practical application of sonographic scanning and professionalism skills. Students will gain experience in sonographic assessment and documentation of lower extremity veins and carotid arteries. Theory from Ultrasound Physics 1 and 2 and Vascular Sonography 1 will be reinforced in this lab setting.

Vascular Sonography 1

60 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Vascular Sonography 1 covers the sonographic assessment of the venous, hepatoportal and arterial circulatory system, specific to generalist sonography. The topics discussed include normal anatomy and relational anatomy, physiology, and sonographic appearance. Sonographic assessment of the lower extremity deep veins and carotid arteries will be practiced in the Vascular Scanning Lab 1.

Term 3

Obstetrical Sonography 2

40 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Obstetrical Sonography 2 is a continuation of Obstetrical Sonography 1. The topics covered include sonographic assessment of fetal and maternal abnormalities in the second and third trimester of pregnancy as well as postpartum complications.

Professional Interactions 2

20 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Professional Interactions 2 expands on concepts covered in Professional Interactions 1, as well as prepares the student for clinical practicum. Students will use case scenarios to apply critical thinking, communication, conflict management and professionalism skills.

Sonography of Superficial Structures

24 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Sonography of Superficial Structures explores the sonographic assessment of neck structures, scrotum, breast, and superficial tissue. Topics include normal anatomy and relational anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and common sonographic appearances. Sonographic assessment of the thyroid will be practiced in a lab setting.

Ultrasound Physics 3

24 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Ultrasound Physics 3 is a continuation of Ultrasound Physics 2. The topics covered include bioeffects, quality assurance and new technologies in sonography.

Vascular Sonography 2

32 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Vascular sonography 2 is a continuation of Vascular sonography 1, focusing on the sonographic assessment of common pathologies found in the venous, hepatoportal and arterial circulatory system. The topics covered include pathophysiology, common sonographic appearances, correlation of clinical data with sonographic findings and surgical/therapeutic treatments.

Term 4

Clinical Sonography 1

300 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Clinical Sonography 1 is the first of three practicum semesters. The focus of this hands-on clinical rotation is to integrate students into the generalist clinical environment building on scanning and professionalism skills. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to perform portions of normal, abnormal, and technically difficult generalist studies with direct supervision and mentoring.

Term 5

Clinical Sonography 2

450 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Clinical Sonography 2 is a continuation of Clinical Sonography 1. During this clinical semester, students are building on integrating theoretical and clinical skills by performing generalist ultrasound exams in more challenging patient scenarios. Upon successful completion of this semester, students will be able to complete non challenging generalist exams and portions of abnormal and challenging generalist ultrasound exams, with indirect supervision and mentoring.

Term 6

Clinical Sonography 3

625 hours
Pre-Requisites:

Clinical Sonography 3 is the third and final practicum semester. During this clinical semester, students are integrating theoretical knowledge and clinical skills while performing generalist sonographic exams in a variety of patient scenarios, with minimal supervision. Upon successful completion of this semester, students will complete specific clinical objectives to attain competencies to an entry level proficiency, as specified by Sonography Canada’s current National Competency Profile (NCP).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?

80-weeks. The first 46 weeks of the program is didactic and the last 34 weeks is practicum.

What credential do you get when you graduate?

MCG College Diploma. Successful graduates will be eligible to write the Sonography Canada generalist examinations and American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examinations.

Is this program online?

No. This is a full-time program.

Is the 34-week practicum done in Calgary?

No, practicums may be anywhere in Canada. You must also be prepared to move around as not all practicums will be at one location.

When does the program start?

January 2023 - Full January 2024 - Applications not yet accepted Applicants can take the Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Pharmacology Entrance requirement in:

I took Medical Terminology at another school. Do I have to take MCG’s mandatory Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Pharmacology course?

To grant you an exemption from taking the mandatory prerequisite, we need to be able to review a detailed curriculum from the course you took to determine if there is enough of a match to grant an exemption. There is a cost for this review.

Is there a waitlist?

This is a competitive entry program and there are more applicants than seats available. Seat offers are made based a combination of academics and interview results.

How many students do you take every intake?

We offer a maximum of 16 seats per intake.

If I apply, take the mandatory prerequisite, and then don’t get offered a seat, can I apply again? Do I have to take the prerequisite over again?

Yes, you can apply for the next intake as soon as applications open. You do not have to take the mandatory prerequisite again provided you achieved the minimum 80% passing grade. You will have to fill out another application and pay the registration fee.

How much does the Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Pharmacology course cost and how do I register for it?

To register, send an email with your contact information to: info@mcgcollege.com. We will phone you to complete the registration process for this course.

Entrance Requirements

Standard Admission Requirements

Completion of high school diploma, verified by official transcript, with a minimum of 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

Completion of MCG’s Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Pharmacology course with a minimum of 70% (120 hour course)

Meet English Proficiency requirements (one of the following):

Canadian Language Benchmarks
- 7 in each strand
IELTS Academic
- 5.5 with minimum band score of 5.0
TOEFL
- 71
IQAS – Formal assessment
- Alberta Education English Language Arts equivalents
Alberta Education High School English Course
- 60% in English Language Arts 31-1.

Academic ranking

Interview with Dean or designate of MCG Career College

Applicants with prior MCG Career College credentials with a minimum 70% may be given special consideration for the interview shortlist

Final selection is based on interview scores

Mature Admission:

Be 18 years of age or older
Complete an interview with the Dean or designate of MCG Career College
Completion of MCG’s Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Pharmacology course with a minimum of 70% (120-hour course)
Completion of Canadian Achievement Test – 4th Edition

Professional health designation with regulated college (must provide registration documents and academic transcripts)

Completed credential in health profession with minimum 70% average

All applicants will be interviewed by the Dean or designate of MCG Career College.

Applicants with prior MCG Career College credentials with a minimum 70% may be given special consideration for the interview short list.

All applicants: Final selection is based on interview and academic ranking.

Practicum Placement

To complete the program, components of the practicum will be required to be completed outside of Calgary and potentially outside of Alberta. Any costs associated with this, including but not limited to, transportation, housing, meals, etc., will be the sole responsibility of the student.

Police Information Check, inclusive of Vulnerable Sector Search

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 a student’s entry into practicum or even the program. In cases where a PIC or VSS is not clear, the Dean will conduct a formal assessment to determine whether the student would be permitted to enter the program.

Standard First Aid with CPR Level C and AED

Students are required to provide proof of completion of the Standard First Aid with CPR Level C and AED course. Students need to maintain current certification throughout the program including practicum.

Computer Literacy

Students are required to be computer literate for success within this program. The program utilizes blended learning approaches and harnesses the benefits of technology throughout the program. This includes but is not limited to: word processing, spreadsheet creation, utilization of a learning management system, email management and web-based activities.

Health Requirements

This program may be difficult for students with arm, back, shoulder, wrist or neck problems due to the nature of activities required while performing the duties of a sonographer. College staff would be happy to discuss this with students that may have concerns in this area. We also encourage students to consult with their family physician.

Scanning Requirements

During your time on campus at MCG Career College you will be required to scan other students and students will scan you. This is imperative to provide you and your student colleagues the experience needed to meet the required competences of the program. Areas scanned will include, but are not limited to, the abdomen and pelvis, thyroid neck and arms, legs, etc.

Immunizations

Students are required to provide proof of immunization status. Without complete and acceptable immunization status practicum sites may refuse to accept students as per their organizational requiremets, which could prevent successful completion of the program.

National Examinations

To qualify for certification as a Generalist Sonographer, successful graduates of the MCG Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are required to successfully complete the two examinations that are administered by Sonography Canada. Their website provides detailed information regarding these examinations. Costs associated with this including but not limited to transportation, accommodation, meals, etc., will be the sole responsibility of the student.

Rules and Regulations

Please also read and agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations set out by the MCG Career College as posted on the website.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Overview

Who should take this program?

Costs

100%

Grad employment rate

$46.83

Average Wage per Hour

Courses

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 5

Term 6

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?

What credential do you get when you graduate?

Is this program online?

Is the 34-week practicum done in Calgary?

When does the program start?

I took Medical Terminology at another school. Do I have to take MCG’s mandatory Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Pharmacology course?

Is there a waitlist?

How many students do you take every intake?

If I apply, take the mandatory prerequisite, and then don’t get offered a seat, can I apply again? Do I have to take the prerequisite over again?

How much does the Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Pharmacology course cost and how do I register for it?

Entrance Requirements

Calgary Campus

Red Deer Campus

Cold Lake Campus

Give Your Review

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Overview

Who should take this program?

Costs

100%

Grad employment rate

$46.83

Average Wage per Hour

Courses

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 5

Term 6

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?

What credential do you get when you graduate?

Is this program online?

Is the 34-week practicum done in Calgary?

When does the program start?

I took Medical Terminology at another school. Do I have to take MCG’s mandatory Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Pharmacology course?

Is there a waitlist?

How many students do you take every intake?

If I apply, take the mandatory prerequisite, and then don’t get offered a seat, can I apply again? Do I have to take the prerequisite over again?

How much does the Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Pharmacology course cost and how do I register for it?

Entrance Requirements

Newsletter

Calgary Campus

Red Deer Campus

Cold Lake Campus

Give Your Review