Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS) is a highly-skilled medical imaging professional within the allied health sector who utilizes their technical expertise, knowledge of human anatomy and the physical principles of ultrasound to produce diagnostic images of the body.
Sonography is used to evaluate various parts of the body, including the abdomen, pelvis, blood vessels, developing fetus, superficial organs and structures. The quality of the sonographic examination is intrinsically linked to the skill of the sonographer who tailors the examination and interprets the sonographic findings by selectively recording anatomical images and real-time physiological information. The final diagnostic report produced by the physician is inherently reliant on the technical and intellectual skills of the sonographer.
The primary goal of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to provide students with didactic, laboratory, and clinical education/experiences in preparation for a health career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. The graduate will demonstrate competency to meet the Sonography Canada examination requirements, deliver compassionate patient care, and function as an integral member of the health care team with confidence.
PROGRAM GOALS
To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers within the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behaviour) learning domains
Educate competent and compassionate sonographers capable of functioning as entry-level sonographers.
Provide a comprehensive competency-based curriculum
Prepare the student to think and act independently
Prepare the student for entry into the ever-changing sonography work environment
Prepare the student to achieve a satisfactory result on the Sonography Canada exam for Generalist Sonographer
Provide comprehensive student education to aid in student retention, course, and program completion
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS) program can be completed in 87 weeks, including 2 practicums (16 weeks each) with on-the-job training, offsite with potential employers. It provides you with a foundation of skills and experience, both in classroom learning with industry experts and in the ability to apply that knowledge to real-life, practical activities. Whether new to Canada and looking to expand your experience, trained in healthcare and wanting to specialize, or new to the field and fascinated by where this diploma can take your future, this program is second-to-none.
What you will learn
SEMESTER
DMS 100 – Introduction to Sonography
This course will focus on introducing students to diagnostic medical sonography and the role of a sonographer.
DMS 101 – Clinical Preparation
This course will prepare students to enter the clinical environment of sonography.
DMS 102 – Human Anatomy and Physiology
To become proficient in medical imaging, the student must have an excellent understanding of medical terminology, the structure and functions of the human body and relationship of organs to one another.
DMS 103 ? Cross-Sectional Anatomy
This course investigates the cross-sectional anatomy of the abdomen and pelvis.
DMS 104 – Physics and Instrumentation
This course investigates all aspects of the principles of diagnostic medical ultrasound physics and instrumentation.
DMS 105 – Abdominal Sonography I
This course will focus on applying ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the abdomen and all related structures.
DMS 106 – Sonography Scan Lab I
This clinical course introduces ultrasound scanning techniques, scan protocols and procedures in a simulated laboratory setting.
DMS 201 – Abdominal Sonography II
This course is a continuation of Abdomen I and will focus on applying ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the abdomen and all related structures.
DMS 203 – Sonography Scan Lab II
This clinical course focuses on ultrasound scanning techniques, scan protocols and procedures in a simulated laboratory setting.
DMS 200 – Infection Prevention and Control
This course focuses on best practices for infection prevention and control in sonography.
DMS 202 – Superficial Structures and Vascular Sonography
This course will focus on applying ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for the evaluation of superficial structures, extracranial arterial vessels, and peripheral venous Systems.
MHF 100 – Mental Health Fundamentals
This course will provide students with a practical introduction to the nature, epidemiology, and treatment of mental health disorders.
DMS 300 – First Trimester Screening
This course covers the essential aspects of first trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities and major structural defects.
DMS 301 – Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography
This course will focus on applying ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the female reproductive system in both the gravid and non-gravid state, along with the stages of fetal development from conception to birth.
DMS 302 – Sonography Scan Lab III
This clinical course focuses on ultrasound scanning techniques, scan protocols and procedures in a simulated laboratory setting.
EPC100 – Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration
This course explores and analyzes relational concepts and behaviours in healthcare communication and collaboration.
DMS 400 – Clinical Practicum I
This course is a clinical rotation in abdominal, male pelvic, superficial structures and lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds.
DMS 500 ? Clinical Practicum II
This course is a clinical rotation in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasounds.
DMS 600 – Review
This course will assist learners in preparing for their national certification exam and will have them complete a professional learning plan.
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
Student Success Strategies
This course focuses on strategies for increasing student success in college and life.
Introduction to Computers
This course will provide students with the ability to understand the basic components of the computer, how the operating system works, tips and techniques to search and locate information on the internet.
Employment Success Strategies
This course prepares students to write winning resumes and cover letters. It also helps students to develop interview skills they need for successful performance during the interview to secure the job.

The overall program goals and objectives are aligned with Sonography Canada?s National Competency Profile version 6.0. Sonography Canada requires that students have met exam eligibility requirements from an accredited institution. Anderson College Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program is currently registered with Accreditation Canada ? EQual program and expects to achieve accredited status prior to 2023 graduation. Sonography Canada?s accreditation and exam eligibility requirements can be found at www.sonographycanada.ca.
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) requires that students have met exam eligibility requirements from an accredited institution. Anderson College Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program is currently registered with Accreditation Canada ? EQual program and expects to achieve accredited status prior to 2023 graduation. ARDMS accreditation and exam eligibility requirements can be found at www.ardms.org.
Sonography is a regulated profession in Ontario under the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO). Sonographers are required to be registered with CMRITO to be able to practice in Ontario. Registration information can be found at www.cmrito.org.
If you have any questions regarding accreditation and exam eligibility, do not hesitate to contact us at info@andersoncollege.com.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, with senior-level College (C) University (U) level courses:
English
Mathematics
Minimum one senior science; Chemistry or Biology or Physics (Biology is strongly recommended)
Post-secondary level courses may be used to satisfy subject prerequisites. Applicants with post-secondary education must provide official transcripts for all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended
Students completing the English requirement at a high school in a country other than Canada and who have English as a second language, must complete an acceptable English Assessment TOEFL (Graduate Certificate: 580 for the paper-based test or 237 for the computer-based test, or 88+ minimums for the Internet-based test.) or equivalent testing
Foreign trained individuals must have their credentials assessed by WES or ICES for equivalency
Profession Specific Aptitude Test
Applicants will be assessed on their capacity to understand and follow directions. The assessment may include: questions related to reading comprehension, math, science, career awareness, and, reasoning-type questions, or scenarios related to interpersonal interactions.
CASPer Test
All applicants must complete the CASPer Test (https://takecasper.com/). Please continue to check the CASPer website for upcoming test dates. CASPer test results are valid for the entire school year in which the test was completed (October to August). You only need to take CASPer once during this time. Note: Last minute bookings are not recommended, register at least three days prior to your preferred test date.
There is a fee associated with testing.
NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
To participate in the clinical education portion of the Sonography program, the applicant must possess additional non-academic skills. These technical standards are consistent with the duties of an entry-level sonographer in a professional position. The applicant must have the ability to:
Lift and carry 30 pounds of weight
Lift and transfer patients to and from wheelchairs, stretchers, beds, and imaging tables
Move, adjust, and manipulate equipment to perform imaging studies
Position patients for exams
Respond appropriately to sounds such as the patient?s voice and movements in a normal conversational volume
Review and evaluate recorded real-time images to determine the quality of the image, as well as demonstrate visual accuracy in differentiating among subtle shades of grey used in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Respond appropriately to equipment signals such as sound and light
Manipulate the necessary hospital equipment for patient care and patient imaging, such as dials, switches, push buttons, and keyboards
Stand and perform exams for a prolonged period and work various shifts including on-call
Communicate fluently in the English language as to function effectively in the program and at clinical sites
Position a transducer device in a back-and-forth manner while maintaining balance
Communicate orally and in writing with patients, physicians, and other personnel, clearly and effectively
Follow verbal and written directions
PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regard to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practicum such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practical agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
Security clearance ? Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
N95 respiratory mask fitting
An up-to-date immunization record including tetanus and diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B (incl. Hep B titer within the last 24 months) and TB skin test. Sites may require additional vaccines such as influenza and Covid-19
Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level BLS
*Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) practicum placements are limited. Students may be sent to any site that is partnered with the Anderson DMS program for the practicum placement which includes approved clinical sites in Ontario or in other provinces. The greater Toronto area (GTA) practicum sites are extremely limited and the majority of DMS students will need to consider relocation outside of the GTA and Ontario to complete their practicum portion.
WHAT SETS US APART
Beyond our industry-expert instructors, easy-to-use training materials and a hands-on learning environment for you to experience what it feels like to work in a healthcare facility ? what sets us apart, is a community of support, sharing your interests and goals for creating a life-changing career path, one that will become like a family as you navigate your way to success.
FROM CLASSROOM TO LIFE
Gain real-time knowledge and best-practices onsite from our industry-expert instructors and offsite through practicum with healthcare employers
Work with state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in ultrasound technology
Learn with your fellow classmates, through materials and practice, how to provide exceptional patient support and be part of a professional team
WE?RE IN IT WITH YOU
Contact us to talk with one of our Admissions experts. We?ll walk you through the details of what you?ll need and how to apply, the details of the program curriculum and the next steps to get you on your way to your first, or next, successful career.
Scroll down to see who your industry-expert instructors will be, and the experience they have to share with you.
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