Detection is vital.
Sonography 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. And like medical detectives, sonographers use their specialized training to examine the evidence and find clues to anomalies in the human body.
Sonographers provide detailed ultrasound images for Radiologists to interpret and report vital information regarding the patient for diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasound has grown to include applications in abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular and superficial structures.
With the continuously expanding applications of ultrasound in today’s technologically advanced society, this makes for an exciting and challenging career. This exact, fascinating health science field has a high demand for graduates of this three-year diploma. 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 on the applications, and in post-secondary education.
As a frontline detective a typical workday will never be dull, as no two cases are the same. Upon completing the national exam you will have portable skills highly sought throughout the country. And with the soaring global growth of this field, it could easily lead to work overseas.
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
- The program is registered by Accreditation Canada
- Prepares you to challenge the Sonography Canada certification exam
- Sonography Canada provides portability within Canada
Did you know?
- Ultrasound is sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing.
- Sonographers are medical detectives; they find clues to get the result. The Radiologist only sees what the Sonographer finds!
- There are no risks involved in performing or receiving an ultrasound procedure.
- The global diagnostic ultrasound market is experiencing a boom now until 2028.
- The average Canadian salary is CAD 80,000 per year, with the median annual salary of CAD 64,000 per year. ca.talent.com
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 28-month program that includes a combination of training at CNA and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) across the province. 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.
PROGRAM TRANSFERABILITY
Graduates may elect to further their studies and obtain a Bachelor of Technology degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland or a Bachelor of Sciences (Post Diploma, Human Science) from Athabasca University.
ACCREDITATION
This program is currently “Registered” for accreditation with Accreditation Canada/EQual.
“Registered” status serves as an important demonstration of our commitment to providing quality education in alignment with accreditation and regulatory requirements. “Registered” status is not an accreditation status, nor does it guarantee any eventual accreditation. If you require additional information regarding our “Registered” accreditation status and endeavors and/or any potential implications this may have on your future abilities to practice as a healthcare professional, we encourage you to reach out to the Dean’s office.
CERTIFICATIONS
Students must possess valid Standard First Aid with Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to be eligible for graduation from the College.
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. 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.
ENTRANCE 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 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science:
Biology: 2201 and 3201
Physics: 3204
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.
Note: CNA will not apply newly revised requirements to the disadvantage of an applicant whose high school courses were established by earlier requirements.
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%):
CM1060,
CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%):
MA1040,
MA1041
iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology:
BL1025,
BL1026
b. Physics:
PH1055,
PH1056
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. Science from the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
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: ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in
Policy No. AC-102-PR.
Additional Entrance 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 Caper* Admissions Exam (Casper 2 – CSP10211)
as part of their application for the 2023/2024 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper (acuityinsights.app).
*
Casper. The Casper test comprises 14 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 90-110 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at TakeCasper.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 14-section 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 2024-2025 Application Cycle
- October 3, 2024
- October 10, 2024
- November 7, 2024
- December 5, 2024
- January 9, 2025
- January 21, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 4, 2025
For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.
Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance
- Valid** Certificate of Conduct, including Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students will require a clear and current Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) prior to clinical practicum. Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) may be denied access to clinical placement and may be unable to complete their program.
- Immunization Record providing evidence that the applicant has received the required vaccinations/screening tests. Completing the immunization record will require physician's visits, blood tests, and a TB screening test; detailed instructions are included on the School of Health Sciences Student Information and Program Awareness Form. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are fulfilled, and the immunization record complete before submission. Certain vaccinations require a series of immunizations over a period; therefore, it is essential to start the process as early as possible. The applicant is also responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, physician fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).
(See the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants (
Definitions and Regulations) section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.)
**Acceptance of the Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) is at the discretion of the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) site where the clinical practicum is being sought.
COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2025
Program Start Date September 2025
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program
| Deadline for receipt of application |
February 26, 2025 |
| Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation* |
March 7, 2025 |
| Initial round of acceptances |
April 15, 2025 |
*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.