Student Experience
What to Expect
Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program.
- Small class sizes
- Unique simulation experiences
- Dual credentials are in high demand with the aging population
- You gain experience on-site and in a clinical setting
Through theoretical courses, simulation, laboratory practice and extensive clinical experiences you acquire the ability to produce, evaluate and diagnose sonographic images of the heart. You apply principles of health and safety, as well as quality assurance for safe and proper use of ultrasound in the clinical setting and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to adapt theoretical knowledge to clinical practice. You work within an inter-professional healthcare team to deliver safe patient assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic skills consistent with best practice standards for diagnostic cardiac ultrasound.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Canada EQual, and graduates from accredited programs are eligible to write the national certification through Sonography Canada.
Success Stories and Testimonials
“I chose this program as I had taken cardiac physiology classes in the past and wanted to continue studying the heart. As an Ottawa resident, Algonquin College’s program was my best option.
The part of the program that stood out to me the most is how each instructor is currently or has been a licensed and practicing sonographer thereby allowing them to bring real-world experience and knowledge to the classroom. Other highlights for me from the program are the amount of hours given to students to practice scanning during labs and open-labs on the weekends. This greatly helped improve my skills and to gain confidence prior to venturing into my placements.
Clinical placement experiences during this program are absolutely vital! It has been the perfect place to apply all the fresh knowledge we acquired over the past year while networking with potential future employers/coworkers. I still have colleagues from past clinical placements that I am still networking with.”
-Greg, Graduate, 2023, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography
Work Integrated Learning
There is extensive clinical experience in level 3 and 4 of the program that takes place in a variety of settings, including large tertiary care hospitals, community hospitals, and independent health care facilities. The program includes two, 450 hour clinical placements where you enhance your technical, professional, interpersonal and patient management skills in a real world environment. These acquired skills help you to function as a member of a healthcare team.