Diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound) is an important medical diagnostic imaging technology and is an integral part of the diagnostic process in all health care institutions in Canada.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to display real-time images of the soft tissue structures in the human body such as the abdomen, pelvis (male and female), breast, thyroid, musculature and vessels. It also plays a large role in assessing fetal development, well-being and fetal anatomy and can also be used to assess the viability of different types of organ transplants by assessing the vascular flow.

Sonographers use ultrasound technology to assess anatomical structures and blood flow. An ultrasound exam is dynamic, and strongly relies on the accuracy and skills of the sonographer. They collaborate with Radiologists to provide an overall impression of their assessment to that serves as a key component to the radiologist’s diagnosis and follow-up recommendations for patient management.

Many sonographers work in interdisciplinary teams, consisting of other medical imaging colleagues, radiologists, nurses and referring physicians. Career opportunities may be in hospitals, independent health facilities (clinics), research, management, vendor applications or sales, or in education.

The learning outcomes and objectives of the Ultrasound curriculum are directly related to the National Competency Profiles (NCP) Version 6.1 by  Sonography Canada  for the Generalist Profile.

Acquisition of academic knowledge, scanning skills, patient care and professionalism skills are necessary for an entry level Generalist Sonographer as defined by Sonography Canada National Competency Profile (Abdomen, Superficial Structures, Vascular for generalist, Gynecology and Obstetrics) including:

• Development of patient care skills in a simulated and clinical environment
• Sonographic knowledge of cross sectional, relational, normal and pathological processes of the abdomen, superficial structures, vessels, musculoskeletal, obstetrics and gynecology related to the adult human
• Development and Evaluation of scanning skills in a simulated lab environment utilizing peer to peer scanning and low and high-fidelity phantoms for more sensitive exams such as breast, transvaginal and obstetrics ultrasound.
• Clinical placement at a hospital and or clinic in Canada using the Sonography Canada Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA) tool as a graduating criterion
• Development of skills for effective communication and collaboration to enhance Interprofessional Collaboration in Health Care
• Development of critical thinking skills essential for working in a health care environment

For detailed course descriptions, please visit the Ultrasound Curriculum page.

Length: 30 weeks
Start: September
End: April

You will be assigned to clinical placement site(s) through Michener’s Office for Clinical Education. This process begins with an information session in the first year winter semester of your program.

As clinical education is a major component of all Michener programs, our affiliated clinical sites are integral to your education. They include teaching and community hospitals and private clinics in Ontario and other provinces. Working closely under the supervision of Canadian credentialed Generalist Sonographers, you will have the opportunity to integrate academic knowledge and scanning skills into practice during the clinical phase of your program. Clinical placements give you hands-on experience in work environments and the opportunity to network with potential employers.

For more information about Clinical Education, please see Michener’s Clinical Education Model page.

• Canadian National Society:  Sonography Canada
• Canadian Provincial Society: Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS)
• Ontario Regulatory College: College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO)

Certification Exams:

• Canadian Practice: Sonography Canada
• American Practice: The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)