Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (Fast Track)

Overview

Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers (DCS) utilize high-frequency sound waves to assist physicians in making heart health diagnoses. 

They perform sonographic procedures on the heart and determine which images to submit for review to the primary care physician. This Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (Fast Track) graduate certificate program from St. Clair College would be of interest to graduates of applied health science programs such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Technology, Nursing and Human Kinetics.

Program Highlights

• This hybrid program is offered as online lectures and in-person labs in the late afternoon/ evenings/weekends

• Students who have previously graduated from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or Cardiovascular Technology program may be eligible for transfer credits.

• This is a fast-track program to be completed in 16 months of continuous study. The program includes 2 semesters of online lectures and in-person labs, followed by 2 semesters of clinical placements.
• The program will allow students to participate in two 12-week semesters of clinical training and meet the competencies outlined in the Sonography Canada National Competency Profile (NCP).

Career Opportunities

Diagnostic cardiac sonographers operate ultrasound equipment and use non-invasive cardiovascular technology equipment to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart and blood vessel conditions. 

They perform echocardiograms, or ultrasound imaging, to evaluate different aspects of the heart such as chamber size, valve function, and blood flow and to produce and record images of the cardiac system. 

While diagnostic cardiac sonographers do not diagnose patients, they work with physicians in doing so, and may assist in other diagnostic procedures.