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.

As a sonographer, you will use this technology to assess the specific anatomy (as requested by a physician) and differentiate between normal and abnormal anatomy. In the case of vessels, you will use Doppler ultrasound to assess vascular flow abnormalities. Once the examination is complete you will write a technical report of your findings, this along with the images you have recorded will be analyzed by the Radiologist who will indicate the differential diagnosis and any required follow-ups. Throughout your interaction with the patient, you must provide ethical, professional, non-judgmental, and compassionate care.

You will work with an interdisciplinary imaging team consisting of radiologists and other health care providers in a diagnostic medical imaging department.

Future career opportunities include (but are not limited to) working in hospitals, private clinics, research, management, applications, sales or in education.

Graduates can specialize in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Imaging Informatics programs at Michener. They may also apply for advanced standing at Ryerson University or apply for a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences (Medical Imaging) or master’s degree in Applied Sciences (Medical Ultrasound) through distance learning at Charles Sturt University .

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 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)