About Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography in Algonquin College

Further your career in cardiac sonography, exploring theory and clinical practice.

The two-year Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Ontario College Graduate Certificate provides you with the essential theoretical knowledge and technical skills required to produce, evaluate and diagnose sonographic images of the heart.

Ultrasound is an important, non-invasive diagnostic tool used to identify the anatomical and physiological state of internal organs. Working independently and in collaboration with healthcare team members, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers capture, analyze and identify a variety of complex ultrasound images. These images assist cardiologists in the diagnosis and management of different heart diseases in children and adults.

Through theory, simulation, lab practice and extensive clinical experiences, you learn to manipulate sound waves to create images of the human heart. You consider health and safety in your work and apply quality assurance for the safe and proper use of ultrasound in the clinical setting.

This program offers you the hands-on skills you need for success. You have two, 450-hour field placements where you enhance your technical, professional, interpersonal and patient management skills. These acquired skills help you to function as a member of a healthcare team.

As a graduate you are eligible to write the national certification exams. Algonquin College`s Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program is seeking accreditation status from Accreditation Canada EQUAL™.

Upon successful completion of the program, to become credentialed as a Cardiac Sonographer a student must write the Sonography Canada and/or ARDMS (American Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonography) certification examination. Graduates must also register with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO) to be eligible to work in Ontario.

You may find employment as a:

• cardiac sonographer
• sonography educator
• medical technical salesperson
• application specialist
• medical researcher
• manager or supervisor in related fields

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well suited for students who:

• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Are self-directed in a team environment.
• Demonstrate proficiency with technology.
• Possess good hand-eye coordination and are detail-oriented.
• Hold strong analytical and perceptual skills.
• Desire to work in a variety of challenging employment settings.
• Are able to work effectively under stressful situations.
• Are detail-oriented and conscientious.
• Possess the ability to think critically and to self-reflect.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as cardiac sonographers, sonography educators, medical technical salespeople, application specialists and medical researchers, as well as managers or supervisors in related fields. Upon successful completion of the program, to become credentialed, a student must write the Sonography Canada certification examination. Graduates must also register with the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO) to be eligible to work in Ontario.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Act in accordance with applicable regulations and professional guidelines to meet the standards of practice.
2. Perform examination procedures, obtain images, correlate results, and analyze data using critical thinking and problem solving to meet diagnostic expectations of the health care team.
3. Provide care that recognizes and respects the dignity, culture and individuality of patients and clients to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
4. Perform as an effective practitioner within cardiac sonography to be a valuable member of the multi-disciplinary health care team, assuming a leadership role as required.
5. Communicate effectively and professionally as a member of a multi-disciplinary healthcare team using relevant terminology, behaviour and language appropriate to the recipient to ensure understanding and informed care.
6. Operate ultrasound equipment safely and effectively to ensure patient/workplace safety.
7. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or Degree in Medical or Health related field with a minimum of 2 courses (or equivalent) in Human Anatomy and Physiology / Gross Anatomy, plus 3 additional human health related courses.
• Examples of degrees included but not limited to: BSc Kinesiology, BA Kinesiology, BSc Nursing, Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences, Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences, MSc OT, MSc PT.
• Examples of Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas include, but not limited to: Medical Radiation Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Registered Practical Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology, Registered Massage Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physiotherapy Assistant.
• All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle. For further information on the HPAT and how to book your assessment, please visit Algonquin`s Test Centre.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.
• Standard First Aid - you must have a valid Standard First Aid certificate which is valid for a three (3) year period and a Health Care Provider (HCP) CPR C and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) Certification in order to attend any clinical practice which must remain current for each academic year of your program until graduation. Please note that CPR certification course is specifically designed for Health Care Professionals, course provides training on skills required for Adult, Child, and Infant Resuscitation; One and Two Rescuer, First Aid for Choking, proper use of barrier devices in resuscitation, AED and Bag Valve Mask. Please note that online CPR courses do not meet the re-certification standards required for your program.
• Accepted applicants must submit a Health Assessment form and provide an Immunization Certificate prior to entry to the program. Applicants must have complete immunization including Hepatitis B, and T.B. test (a Chest X-ray is required if the T.B. test is possibility) and are required to have annual immunization for influenza by some clinical affiliates.
• Students in the program must be fit-tested for N-95 masks as required by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Guidelines.

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