FAQ

What degree most often meets the admission requirements?
The degree that most often meets the program admission requirements is the Bachelor of Health Sciences.

Who is best suited for this program?
You are best suited for this program if you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and are self-directed in a team environment, possess good hand-eye coordination, detail oriented, proficiency in technology, have strong analytical and perceptual skills and are able to work in a variety of challenging and stressful work situations.

Where can you do your clinical placement?
The clinical placements are located in a variety of settings, including large tertiary care hospitals, community hospitals, and independent health care facilities.

Will you be able to stay in Ottawa for clinical placement?
Many of our Clinical Partner sites are not within the Ottawa region. The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography site selection process is fair and transparent. Your placement may not be in the Ottawa region.

Will expenses for Clinical Placement be included in the tuition fees?
No. Travel and parking expenses to partnering clinical sites throughout the program, are the responsibility of the student. In addition, students are required to finance clinical experience related expenses, such as travel and housing accommodations for all activities in the program. The cost of relocation is the student’s responsibility.

Can you do dedicated cardiac and vascular sonography with this program?
No. This is a Cardiac program with minimal Generalist and Vascular to meet the Sonography Canada’s Cardiac competency requirements. Additional education and skills training is required to acquire Generalist and Vascular credentials.

If you are internationally educated in the medical profession will your education be assessed?
You are responsible to have your documentation assessed by International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS ) or World Education Services (WES) prior to applying to the program. This process can take several weeks.

Will you have to write an English language test?
Oral and written communication are an essential part of sonography. If English is not your first language you will require an English test or a level 8 in ESL.

Does it matter where you do your clinical placement?
Each of the clinical sites is carefully selected to provide a complete learning experience to meet the competency profile set by the professional association. This will allow you to work anywhere you want within the scope of practice of the Cardiac Sonographer.

Will you be able to select your own clinical site?
No. You are unable to select your own placement. Sites are selected by a lottery process. Many diagnostic facilities are affiliated with the program. Although most clinical placement sites are in Ontario, students may also be placed out of province depending on site availability. Clinical sites are limited and will be assigned to you by the Clinical Coordinator.

Will you be able to get a job after you graduate?
Yes. There are opportunities within the region. Typically you start as a casual or part-time employee and then move to a full-time job. You can be hired by hospitals and clinics anywhere. Your certification will also allow you to work in all of the provinces in Canada. Please note that if you would like to find employment in Quebec, a language proficiency test may be required.