Diagnostic Medical Sonography - General and Cardiac

Diploma

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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMS) are highly trained, in-demand professionals who use ultrasound to produce high-quality images of the body’s internal structures and organs. As a student in the DMS – General and Cardiac program, you will become proficient in both general and cardiac ultrasound and will learn how to examine and evaluate structures and organs in the body. Led by expert instructors, our comprehensive curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on training, covering anatomy, physiology, patient care, ultrasound physics, imaging techniques, pathology, and much more. Students gain practical experience through simulation labs, industry-standard equipment, and clinical placements under the guidance of experienced sonographers. Graduates are eligible to challenge the Sonography Canada Core, Generalist, and Cardiac certification exams to become registered diagnostic medical sonographers in both general and cardiac ultrasound.

Unlock your potential, gain specialized knowledge, and make a difference in patient care. Enroll today and take the first step towards an inspiring career in medical imaging.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Main 2.5 Years (Full-time) Closed Closed
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Work Experience Placements

Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Clinical Placement.

Clinical Placement

A Clinical Placement involves work experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional (e.g. preceptor) in any discipline that requires practice-based work experience for professional licensure or certification. Practica are generally unpaid and the work is done in a supervised setting.

Duration 48 Weeks
Compensation No
International Students Co-op Work Permit required
Placement Identified By Program Staff - Students are placed with employers by the program.
Student Interview Required No
Non-academic requirements

Immunization - General
Once accepted into the program, students must ensure their immunizations are current to the Alberta Health Services Immunization Standards. The program will contact you with specific instructions for completing the immunization requirements. If you do not meet the immunization requirements, your work-integrated learning experience (clinical training) may be refused by a clinical site, and there may be restrictions to campus lab and clinic experience, which may ultimately impede your progression in the program.

Police Check
Students are required to provide a current Police Information Check (also referred to as a Security Clearance or Criminal Record Check) which must include a Vulnerable Sector Search. Please do not proceed with the Police Information Check until an offer of acceptance and follow-up instructions have been issued by the program. The Police Information Check is only considered valid when reviewed by a NAIT official within 90 days of completion. If you do not meet the police information check requirements, your work-integrated learning experience (clinical training) may be refused by a clinical site, which may ultimately impede your progress in the program.

CPR (Basic Life Support - BLS)
Students must provide evidence of current BLS certification prior to commencing clinical training. BLS certification must remain current throughout clinical training, therefore, it is recommended that certification be obtained just prior to clinical training. The BLS certification course that meets this requirement must be designed for individuals who will be health care providers. The NAIT Continuing Education Course that meets this requirement is CPRS100 - Basic Life Support | NAIT.

IV Certification
Students will be required to provide proof of successful completion of an IV Certification course prior to enrolling in the clinical training. The NAIT PHAE504 - Introduction to Intravenous (IV) Insertions course meets this requirement. All cost associated with obtaining IV Certification is the responsibility of the student and are not included in the program tuition or fees. If you have previously obtained IV Certification within your profession (e.g. Nuclear Medicine), please provide a copy of your transcript to program staff at your earliest convenience.

N95 Testing
It is a program requirement to fit test students to an N95 respirator prior to their clinical placement to ensure proper PPE safety. For an effective N95 respirator seal, you must be clean-shaven during your fit testing session and clinical rotation. You will be required to be fit tested every two years or sooner depending on the policies of your work site. If there is a change in facial features due to weight gain/loss, pregnancy, dental work, etc. you will also need to be refitted to ensure an effective respirator seal.

Any prospective students with back, arm, shoulder, wrist or neck problems or significant health challenges should consider their options carefully before applying and are advised to consult with the program.

Benefits of a Clinical Placement
  • Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
  • Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
  • Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
  • Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
  • Gain confidence in your professional skills
  • Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
  • Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
  • Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
  • Possibility of employment after graduation
  • Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
What you can expect during your Clinical Placement

The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience is comprised of four consecutive clinical courses totalling 48 weeks. Students will rotate through various clinical environments in different urban and/or rural locations, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, to provide learners with a robust practical training experience. Students should expect to attend their placements an average of 8 hours per day, five days per week, and will be scheduled for a variety of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. Placement sites are located mostly throughout Alberta, with some potential rotations in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories; all costs associated with relocation for WIL placements are the student's responsibility.

Additionally, review and application of the theoretical material learnt during the didactic portion of the program is an expectation. This will be implemented using various theory assignments. These will accompany the 40-hour/week clinical rotations outlined above.

Contact

This program is a part of the School of Health and Life Sciences.

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