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, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is offered as a blended learning program, combining face-to-face instruction, with structured online learning components, allowing students to balance life commitments while advancing their education. 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:
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[For international students there is a non-refundable application fee of $500.00]
Courses
Term 1
Ultrasound Physics 1
60 hours
Patient Care in Sonography
45 hours
Abdominal Sonography 1
60 hours
Scanning Fundamentals
60 hours
Anatomy Fundamentals
30 hours
Sonography of the Female Pelvis
45 hours
Term 2
Abdominal Sonography 2
60 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Generalist Scanning Lab
60 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Obstetrical Sonography 1
80 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Professional Interactions 1
40 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Ultrasound Physics 2
60 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Vascular Scanning Lab 1
40 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Vascular Sonography 1
60 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Term 3
Obstetrical Sonography 2
40 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Professional Interactions 2
20 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Sonography of Superficial Structures
24 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Ultrasound Physics 3
24 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Vascular Sonography 2
32 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Term 4
Clinical Sonography 1
300 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Term 5
Clinical Sonography 2
450 hours
Pre-Requisites:
Term 6
Clinical Sonography 3
625 hours
Pre-Requisites:
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.
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 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2
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
OR
- Professional health designation with regulated college (must provide registration documents and academic transcripts)
OR
- 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.
A career like no other.
A rewarding career and long-term success starts here.
