Diagnostic Medical Sonography

South Campus - Windsor (H796)
   - Centre for Applied Health Sciences

Ontario College Advanced Diploma
 - Delivered in 2.5 years

September

Anita Harris
(519) 972-2727, ext. 4014
aharris@stclaircollege.ca

PROGRAM GOALS

This advanced diploma program will prepare the graduate for entry-to-practice as a General Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Technologist). Simulation labs and clinical placement settings will expose the student to practical learning. Course work includes clinical application courses, sonographic physics, sonographic identification of normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, pathology, and patho-physiology of the abdomen, pelvis, and small parts of the adult, pediatric, and fetal patient, and comprehensive exam reviews. Utilizing advanced knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, pathology, and physical applications, a sonographer performs examinations to provide diagnostic ultrasound images for interpretation by a medical radiologist. As a member of a health-care team, the sonographer will produce images of internal body structures utilizing a variety of hand-held acoustical scanning probes and imaging techniques. The profession requires critical thinking skills, judgment, and the ability to provide safe and competent health care.

The overall program goals and objectives are aligned with the current National Competency Profiles (NCP) for the Generalist, as approved by the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP) and the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (CSDMS) boards.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates will work as an Ultrasound Technologist in such settings as hospitals, clinical laboratories, and other health care facilities.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus successful completion of:

• Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4C or EAE4U
• Grade 12 Mathematics - MCT4C, MAP4C, MHF4U, or MCV4U
• Senior Level Physics (C) or (U)
• Senior Level Biology (C) or (U)
• Senior Level Chemistry (C) or (U)

Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.

The Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (HOAE) test may be required for entrance into this program for Fall 2012. There is a fee associated with this test. Please check this program page later for details.

NOTE: This is an OVERSUBSCRIBED program. Apply by February 1 to be considered for this program. See Admission Procedures for details.

For more information, see the Admission Procedures document on the Registrar's Office page.

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Students in this program must have basic computer literacy, which includes word processing, spreadsheets, Internet and e-mail.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must have an adequate knowledge of written and spoken English as a pre-requisite for admission because English is the language of instruction in all programs at St. Clair College, and because English is critically important in clinical settings where strong English speaking skills are required to maximize safety and security of patients, staff and the public. Regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency prior to being accepted.

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS:

Applicants are required to have the following completed prior to clinical placement and are responsible for the associated costs:

• A satisfactory medical examination.
• First Aid.
• Heart and Stroke Foundation Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) BCLS
• Level C/AED.
• An up-to-date immunization record including tetanus and diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox) and Hepatitis B (including Hepatitis B titre within the last 24 months) and TB skin test
• NIOSH N95 Respirator Fit Test.
• Up-to-date Police Clearance (vulnerable sector screening).

Employers who provide our clinical placement settings require a clear POLICE RECORD CHECK for criminal offences with vulnerable sector screening before accepting a student into the clinical setting. The record check MUST be obtained by the student and at the student’s expense. If you are unable to obtain this police clearance by the first week of your first semester and the first week of each semester thereafter you will be unable to attend clinical placement which would result in you not meeting the requirements for graduation eligibility.

Clinical placements may be on day, afternoon or weekend shifts anywhere within Ontario and the student is responsible for travel and accommodation costs for these clinical rotations.

Please be advised that lack of documented immunizations may result in the restriction of clinical placement and therefore may delay and/or prevent completion of the prescribed program.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Student selection is highly competitive and may include academic achievement beyond the stated minimum pre-requisites. The selection process is based on academic standing (average of the pre-requisites). Applicants conditionally accepted into the program with mid-term marks or progress reports are required to present final marks to the Registrar’s Office by July 8 in order to be officially accepted into the program. The average of those final marks must be equal to or higher than the average initially presented for full acceptance into the program. A drop in the final overall average from the presented mid-term marks may result in a ranking change and possible non-acceptance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Program Physical Demands Analysis: H796

YOUR INVESTMENT

Fees are subject to adjustment each year. The standard tuition and compulsory fees for 2011 are as follows:

$5,414.72
$600 - $800

For a breakdown of tuition and other compulsory fees for Canadian, U.S. and International students, see Tuition & Fees.