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The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma, General Sonography option, gives you theory, labs and clinical training in general sonography (abdomen, superficial structures, pelvis, pregnant female pelvis, carotid arteries, and peripheral veins) as well as cardiac sonography (heart). You will specialize in general sonography starting in their second term. The sonographic specialties are supported by instruction in physical principles and instrumentation, patient care, communication, human behaviour, and research principles. Upon graduation, you will be ready to work in general ultrasound. 

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma (General Sonography Option)

British Columbia Institute of Technology

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Note: In alignment with public health orders, this program requires that students be vaccinated for a number of communicable diseases – including COVID-19.



Competitive Entry: Three-step process

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program has a competitive selection process. The program mandate is to select those applicants deemed to have the best opportunity for success. BCIT does not guarantee admission to applicants who meet the minimum program entry requirements.

Preference will be given to applicants with:

Math, biology, and physics requirements completed within the last five years
Post-secondary education
Consistently good grades in previous education
A demonstrated interest in the field
Related volunteer and/or work experience

Applicants with preferred  are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.

Step 1: Meet the following 

Only final grades (not midterm grades) will be accepted to meet these .

English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
English Studies 12 (73%) or
English First Peoples 12 (73%) or
Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (73%) from a recognized institution

Math: one of the following (or equivalent):
Pre-Calculus 12 (73%) or
Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
MATH 0001 – Technical Mathematics (73%) or
MATH 0120 – Math 12 Competency Test (73%) or
3.0 credits post-secondary math (linear algebra, pre-calculus or calculus) at 100 level or higher (73%) from a recognized institution
Biology: one of the following (or equivalent):
Anatomy and Physiology 12 (73%) or
Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
BHSC 0110 – Foundational Human Anatomy and Physiology (73%) or
BHSC 0100 – Human Biology (73%) or
BHSC 0012 – Biology 12 Challenge Exam (73%) or
3.0 credits of post-secondary human biology (73%) from a recognized institution
Physics: one of the following (or equivalent):
Physics 11 (73%) preferred or
PHYS 0309 – Pre-Entry Physics 1 (73%) or
PHYS 0110 – Physics 11 Challenge Exam (73%) or
Physics 12 (73%) or
3.0 credits of post-secondary physics (73%) from a recognized institution
Complete the following assessment:
Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics): Casper will send the results directly to the BCIT Diagnostic Medical Sonography department once you request that your score be distributed to the program.

Note: Please register to complete the Casper assessment as soon as possible. Registration numbers and dates are limited.
Complete the following forms for submission with your online application:
Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire: This form will be used with other  in the competitive selection for the program.
Casper Confirmation Form

If more than five years have elapsed since you completed the math, biology, or physics requirement, upgrading is preferred.

Step 2: Shortlisted applicants

The program area will review all complete applications after the application deadline. If you are shortlisted, the program area will contact you to book a virtual meeting and visual-spatial test.

Step 3: Conditionally accepted applicants

If you have been conditionally accepted to BCIT, you will be notified through myCommunication. The following will be required for full acceptance::

MRAD 0150 – Medical Terminology for Imaging (80%)
Access to this online course is provided once you are conditionally accepted or waitlisted.

Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - Level C
Criminal Record Check 
Immunization Review 
Submit to Student Health Services.
Immunization is a mandatory requirement for this program.

Once these and any other outstanding conditions have been met, you will receive notification of your full acceptance.

Academic Admission Requirement

Clinical requirements

Note: Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly-funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term-care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.

As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times through the flu season prior to being placed in your clinical studies.

Face Respirator Fit Testing

Respirator fit testing with a N95 respirator (1860, 1860s or 1870) is required and must be performed in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02. Fit testing must also include inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of protective equipment. Students will be given specific instructions on how to access fit testing by the program prior to the first clinical. Students are responsible for paying for the annual fit test while in the program and carrying their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.

Additional Academic Admission Requirement



Physical and mental stamina. Applicants with a history of arm, shoulder, neck, and/or back injury should carefully consider their suitability for this career choice. Examples include but are not limited to carpel tunnel syndrome, nerve entrapment, rotator cuff tears, thoracic outlet syndrome, and spinal injury.

Fine motor control / manual dexterity

Excellent communication skills

Ability to:
visualize objects in three dimensions
accurately differentiate shades of grey, colors and sounds
work independently and in team situation
manage stressful and busy work environments
move and transfer patients from wheelchairs to stretchers and to the washroom
assist patients with toilet needs
multitask accurately and efficiently
problem solve in a variety of situations

International applicants

Applicants to this program must be residents of British Columbia. This program does not accept applications from international students. 

Admission Advice

Applications accepted October to January.		
		
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.		

Note: Applicants to this program must be residents of British Columbia.
	
This program is not available to international students. 		

Application Deadline Advice

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diplomas

Sonography Advanced Diplomas

Sonography Micro-credentials

URL for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma (General Sonography Option) at BCIT

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma (General Sonography Option)

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