The application for 2018 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is open!!! The program has changed, now there are 3 options:
This is my experience on applying to the program, but don’t worry if your experience is slightly different. Of my classmates, you will find that there are students that just graduated university, some who did one to two of years of post-secondary education and there are some wanting a career change. Our classmates are from all walks of life.
Requirements:
• Post-secondary education
• Strong GPA
• Demonstrated interest in the field
• Related volunteer and/or work experience
Post-secondary education
In April 2016, I was thinking about going back to school and looked into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. The first requirements that I needed to meet was Math 12, Biology 12 and Physics 11, all taken within the last 5 years. Since the courses I took were too long ago (I graduated high school in 2006 and University in 2011), I wrote all three of the BCIT challenge exams before the application deadline. I then uploaded my transcripts from high school and Simon Fraser University to my application. By the way, you do not need to have a degree to get into the program. It would have been beneficial to have taken an anatomy and physiology course before starting the program but not crucial. I didn’t take one but other classmates said they found it useful.
Demonstrating interest and related volunteer/work experience
Working at BC Cancer as a lab technologist, I was worried that I wouldn’t have the right experience since I had no patient interaction. To make up for this lack of experience, I decided to look into volunteering. This is the site I used to find places that were health-related: govolunteer.ca.
The first place I volunteered at was at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community. I worked with patients that had moderate to severe dementia and the people there were so sweet. I had the opportunity to learn about different therapies and skills in communication. Another place I joined was Saint John Ambulance. They trained me to be an Advanced Medical First Responder and in CPR-HCP. I was able to attend local events, Canucks Games and Concerts as a first aid attendant. I had the opportunity to help out with the Opioid crisis, ready to preform first aid if someone was experiencing an overdose. If you are interested you can check out their website: SJA Volunteer
It wasn’t too difficult balancing home life, studying, working and volunteering. I even had time to go to Spain, Morocco and Portugal in between. The last thing I had to do was fill out my questionnaire, submit it and wished for the best. When filling out the questionnaire, make sure to do your research and ask yourself: what would make you a great Sonographer? They are looking for students who will be most successful in this program.
GOOD LUCK!
Hi! I don’t know if this is allowed, but is it possible for you to give any information on the MMI, like what to expect or what kind of questions? I’m the worst when it comes to interviews so I just wanted some pointers. Thank you in advance! I’ve read your other posts and I’m glad you’re enjoying this program!
Hi Christa,
I am currently writing a post about interviews. I am not allowed to talk about specifics about the MMI, but this will have some pointers that I did for preparing for them. Hope it helps, it should be out this week sometime. Good Luck!
Sarah
Hey! I’m still in high school but I’m looking into this as a long-term profession! I’m just a little fuzzy on what it means for post-secondary education. Am I required to take a general study before I take this course? Additionally, all of my high school courses will still be applicable so that wouldn’t be posing another problem! Thanks so much!!
Hi Lexi,
Yes, I think a year of general study at any university would be your post-secondary education (I would probably do something health care related/science related). You could contact the program to make sure.
Good luck
Sarah
Hi,
I have recently graduated with master degree in Biomedical engineering from the university of Texas at Arlington in United States and decided to pursue my studies in diagnostic medical sonography. I will come to Canada next month by visitor visa. Is there any chance to enroll in this program? or is it just for resident?
Hi,
I could be wrong but I think you have to be a BC resident. It might have changed. I would contact the school.
There is more than 1 school in BC now,
You could also try contacting them aswell.
Good luck
Sarah
Hey thanks so much for the pointers! I have an MMI coming up and don’t quite understand the works of it all. I know there are different stations, do they give you prompts and a given time to talk about subjects?
Google is a great resource for MMI. I know a lot of my friends practiced ones online, it was very helpful. Good luck!
Hello BCIT, Is this program opened to international students?
You will have to ask admissions. Sorry not sure. I think for permanent residence of bc and bc residences. But def ask.
Good luck.
Hello, could someone tell me what post secondary courses to take after highschool that would help to get into the program? And what volunteer work would be best? Thank you!
Hi,
I can only really share my experience. I am not sure exactly what they look for. Since the requirements to get in the program require Biology, Physics and Math, I would probably take those in Post Secondary. As for volunteering, I would focus on patient care volunteer work. I volunteered at senior center as well as Saint John Ambulance doing first aid. Best of luck!
Sarah