Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

• 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

During the practicum component of the program, the student must  successfully complete Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA) evaluations created by Sonography Canada.

*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.