I believe a big part of getting a job is experience. When I went to SFU, they stressed Co-op a lot as a way to network and build experience. Many of my classmates were given jobs because they proved themselves worthy during the Co-op terms. I never did Co-op because I always planned on entering the Sonography program…thus it would just stretch out my degree.
Our baby phantom
I can see some differences between clinical at BCIT and Co-op at SFU. First of all, one of the main differences is that gaining experience is part of the Sonography program while Co-op was just an option at SFU. Another thing, at SFU there was a lengthy process. There were workshops, interviews to get into the program, applications, and other paperwork that needed to be completed. At SFU you could gain a certificate for completing the Co-op program while at BCIT, there is no physical recognition of our efforts but then again it’s just a piece of paper J Also….unfortunately at BCIT my clinical is NOT PAID while Co-op is paid. Yeah I know it sucks majorly…but that’s the price I have to pay to gain such great experience. The positions offered in Co-op were kinda related to the degree. I remember Kinesiology positions included being a coach, kinesiologist, shoe salesperson, orthopaedic bracefitter (what I used to be), office clerk, etc. I don’t know how much experience you can gain being an office clerk. Also, the Co-op positions are based on interviews which mean some people may be left without a position during a Co-op term. Well…the Sonography program has a dedicated Clinical Co-ordinator which means we are guaranteed positions for our clinical terms. There is no application or any worries. We are told of our placements ahead of time and are expected to make arrangements. The positions are what we will be expected to do in the REAL WORLD.
Abdominal scanning
One big thing I like about clinical is how closely BCIT works with our clinical placements. I feel safer knowing that I’m not just thrust into the hands of just anybody! Our clinical liaisons have been trained. There are goals set out for each clinical for us to reach. Our instructors visit us during our clinical during site visits to ensure that we are reaching our targets. We also have a Clinical Manual to read before we start our placements. Right now, I am taking a Nursing class and a Clinical Orientation class. I feel that they are really preparing us for our placement. Our labs have really been prepping us this semester too! We have started to put our images together to form a routine.
Gynaecological scanning
So now back to me….I’m am super de duperly excited about clinical. Ever since I finished my first semester, I can’t stop thinking about it. Being in school is kind of a drag because every day I have homework to do and my weekends are quite limited. I can’t wait to actually have some ME time! Of course the best part of clinical is using what I learned in school. I hated going to SFU and taking lame courses that I knew I would never use…ahem ORGANIC CHEMISTRY! <BARF> I’m also really excited about seeing pathology in real life. In school, all we do is scan young healthy 20yr olds. Recently, I found out that I am being sent out to Cranbrook from April-June.
Taken from Clinical Placement Policies document:
“Each term is 11 – 12 weeks long. Many of the terms are divided into 2 separate rotations. Two (2) of these will be 5-6 week cardiac rotations. The remainder will be arranged to provide experience in abdominal, obstetrical, gynaecological, vascular and superficial imaging.”
Sooo exciting! I have never lived away from home or been on a plane! For the first time in my life, I have to find a place to rent, cook for myself, take care of myself….yikes! We were told that at least one of our clinical rotations has to be outside of the lower mainland (…further than Chiliwack). Hopefully this will be my only one! Honestly, I really wanted to be closer to home. The placements are all located within BC and Cranbrook happens to be one of the further ones. It doesn’t shunt my enthusiasm though! I talked to another Sonography student who was sent there and she loved it. I’m also super excited about scanning obstetrical, gynaecological, and superficial structures. For obstetrics, we have just been learning about scanning through our theory class. Gynaecological scanning was learned through our theory class plus we had a few lab hours scanning a phantom. We have learned about superficial vessels such as the carotids and the leg veins which were so tricky. I’m excited to refine those skills. So much to learn!
Echocardiography
EV phantom
Carotid scanning
Leg vein scanning
