Diagnostic Ultrasonography

Program Details

Diagnostic Ultrasonography
Program Code: 4A2
Credential: Diploma
Duration: Three Years
School of Health Sciences
Area: Health Sciences
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Deadlines: (1) for receipt of application – February 24, 2027; (2) for receipt of ALL supporting documentation - March 2, 2027.

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Program Overview

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Location/Delivery Modes & Dates

C
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus - September 2027

Detection is vital.

Diagnostic Ultrasonography is critical in today's advancing medical field. This investigative method uses high-frequency sound waves to view and record diagnostic images of internal anatomy in real time. Like medical detectives, sonographers use their specialized training to examine the organs, tissues and blood flow to find clues to anomalies in the human body.

Sonographers provide detailed ultrasound generated images so that Radiologists may interpret and report vital information for patient diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasound has grown to include applications in abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular and superficial structures such as muscles, tendons and glands.
With the expanding applications of ultrasound in today’s technologically advanced world, this program makes for an exciting and challenging career. This fascinating field has a high demand for graduates of this three-year diploma program. There are diverse opportunities for you in this specialized profession, including work in hospital and clinic settings, treatment centres and health care facilities, with equipment manufacturers training others, and in post-secondary education.

As a sonographer, a typical workday will never be dull, as no two cases are the same. The growth of this field is seeing soaring job opportunities. Upon completing the national exam you will have skills highly sought after throughout the country.

If the distinctive features of this program catch your eye, contact us to investigate your opportunities!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Intense training to become an integral part of the healthcare team
Accredited with Accreditation Canada Prepares you to challenge Sonography Canada’s Generalist certification examination
Registration with Sonography Canada provides opportunity to work across Canada

DID YOU KNOW?

Ultrasound sound waves have frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing.
Sonographers are medical detectives; they find clues to get the information required for a Radiologist to make a diagnosis.
The global diagnostic ultrasound market is experiencing a boom now until 2028.
The average Canadian salary is C $80,000 per year, with the median annual salary of C $64,000 per year. Sonographer Salary in Canada — Average Salary

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this program graduates will be able to:

Utilize academic knowledge as outlined in the Sonography Canada Competency Profile and apply learned knowledge in clinical practice.
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills that promote competence in the performance of ultrasound procedures.
Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other members of the health care team to serve patients and employers with the highest degree of competence.
Maintain a high level of professional conduct in the performance of all duties.

CURRICULUM

This is a three-year program that includes a combination of training at CNA and in health facilities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Graduates of the program are eligible to write the certification examinations set by Sonography Canada and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). To obtain sufficient practice and confidence, students enrolled in this program must be willing to scan classmates and be willing to be scanned.

Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for the Sonography Canada Generalist certification examination. This examination will include general sonography knowledge, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, professional practice and sonographic examinations, including abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological and superficial structures.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit Sonography Canada’s Entry-to-Practice Exams page.

CERTIFICATIONS

Students will complete the following during the program:

Standard/Intermediate First Aid
Basic Life Support
Trauma Informed Care (Sonography Canada)
Mask fit testing

Note: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation requires the use of an approved respirator when there is potential for exposure to airborne hazards. This program requires respirator use and you must be fit tested on the respirator approved for your program. A fit test ensures the respirator is suitable to you, sized appropriately, and provides a tight seal. It will also educate you on respirator use and care. Facial hair impacts the fit of respirators, therefore, students with facial hair will be required to be clean shaven at the time of fit testing and every time you wear a respirator. Your instructor will arrange fit testing. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to wear a respirator, you must be assessed by a health care provider before being fit tested. Your provider will need to confirm that it is safe for you to use a respirator. If you are unable to pass a fit test, alternative respirator options may be available; however, these options are more expensive, and students are responsible for any associated costs.

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS

Clinical placements are a required element of this program, and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites throughout the province. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.

Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.

For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.

CNA has a service agreement with a third-party provider Verified to prepare School of Health Sciences students for clinical placements in health care environments. The cost associated with Verified is available on the program cost forms. More information about this service will be provided upon the start of classes.

ACCREDITATION

This program is currently awarded Accredited with Condition status by Accreditation Canada/Equal until February 29, 2028. This is the highest accreditation outcome for a new program.

This program is “Accredited with condition” with Accreditation Canada/Equal. This program demonstrates partial compliance with accreditation standards. It must implement specific changes within two years of receiving conditional status to maintain its accreditation. However, students should be aware of the risk that the program may not be able to make the necessary changes, potentially resulting in a loss of accreditation. If the required changes have been made, the program is then accredited and graduating students may be eligible for further credentialing/certification/registration as required by their professional and/or regulatory authorities.

Accreditation status may be found at: https://accreditation.ca/assessment-programs/health-education-accreditation/programs/

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sonography is a physically demanding field, requiring sustained arm and shoulder positioning, and application of pressure with the ultrasound probe. Students will learn ergonomic strategies to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal strain, which is essential for long-term career wellness and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal injury. Applicants with existing arm or shoulder injuries should be aware that the physical requirements of scanning may pose a risk of symptom exacerbation and are encouraged to consider their individual needs when deciding if this program is the right fit.

Admission Requirements

At the time of application to the Diagnostic Ultrasonography program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:

1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 (minimum 60%)
ii. Mathematics chosen from:

Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)

iii. Biology: 2201 and 3201 (50% minimum in each course)
iv. Physics: 3204 (50% minimum)
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 and BL3201.
2. College Transition
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
iii. Biology: BL1025, BL1026 (50% minimum in each course)
iv. Physics: PH1055, PH1056 (50% minimum in each course)
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C (50% minimum in all courses)
iv. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C (50% minimum in all courses)
Note: Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.

Note: The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). English as a Second Language (ESL) students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.

Additional Admission Requirements

Completion of the Casper Admissions Exam.
- The Casper Admissions Exam official score will be used as part of the points-based system to determine ranking in the competitive entry process
- All applicants are required to complete Casper* Admissions Exam (Casper 2 – CSP10211)
  as part of their application for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper (acuityinsights.app).

*Casper. The Casper test comprises 2 sections of 11 scenarios – 4 video, 7 written. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time constraint. The test typically takes between 65-85 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at About Casper - Take Casper, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.

Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.
Casper Test Dates 2026-2027 Application Cycle

October 3, 2026
October 6, 2026
October 8, 2026
October 14, 2026
November 5, 2026
November 29, 2026
December 1, 2026
January 7, 2027
January 21, 2027
February 18, 2027
March 4, 2027

For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:

Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form

Notes:

Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare visits, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2027
Program Start Date: September 2027
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program

Deadline for receipt of application	February 24, 2027
Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation*	March 2, 2027
Initial round of acceptances	April 12, 2027

*Documentation received after the deadline WILL NOT be considered
**Candidates not accepted for the intake to which they applied must re-apply for admission to future offerings. Applications WILL NOT be kept on file.

Courses

COURSES

CODE	TITLE	Hrs/wk
Semester 1		Cr	Le	La
BL1605	Human Biology	4	3	2
CM1250	Communications in Healthcare	3	3	0
PS1420	Healthcare Organization & Structure	3	3	0
HG2051	Professional Practice & Ethics	3	3	0
PH1110	Foundational Physics	5	4	2
TM1130	Medical Terminology	3	3	0

Semester 2		Cr	Le	La
UL4110	Ultrasound Physics	4	4	0
UL1200	Fundamentals of Sonography	5	4	2
UL1205	Scanning I	4	0	12
UL1210	Abdomen	6	6	0

Semester 3		Cr	Le	La
UL1301	Scanning II	3	0	6
		+ 2hrs wk/6 weeks Clinical
UL1305	Abdomen & Superficial Structures	5	5	0

Semester 4		Cr	Le	La
UL4230	Gynecology	2	2	0
UL2100	Scanning III	4	0	12
UL2105	Vascular	4	4	0
UL2111	Simulation I	3	0	8
UL2115	Cross Sectional Anatomy	2	2	0

Semester 5		Cr	Le	La
UL4210	Obstetrics	7	7	0
UL2200	Scanning IV	1	0	4
UL2206	Simulation II	3	0	10
CS2311	Research Methods and Statistics	2	2	0

Semester 6		Cr	Le	La
UL4610	Clinical I	7	0	7 wks

Semester 7		Cr	Le	La
UL4611	Clinical II	15	0	15 wks

Semester 8		Cr	Le	La
UL4605	Clinical III	15	0	15 wks

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students

Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Note: The following fee is non-refundable and must be paid within two (2) weeks of receiving your Letter of Acceptance for each program at the College.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

School	Regular Term (15 weeks)	Intersession (up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences	$1,301.00 (per semester)	$625.00 (per semester)

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Program Type	Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs	$320.00 (per course)

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
Students with outstanding balances are:
- Ineligible for future term registration
- Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
- Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes

If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
Students auditing a course must pay:
- 50% of tuition
- 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Mandatory Fees

Full-Time Student Fees

School	Regular Term (15 weeks)	Intersession (up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences	$4,685.00 (per semester)	$2,344.00 (per semester)

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Program Type	Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs	$1,046.00 (per course)

Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
Offers better than bank exchange rates.
Fast, secure, and cost-effective.

Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
Students with outstanding balances are:
- Ineligible for future term registration
- Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
- Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes

If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
Students auditing a course must pay:
- 50% of tuition
- 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.