Hello! My name is Sarah and this is a quick introduction to my blog.
I am a level 1 student in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at BCIT and very excited to be able to share my experiences with the world. This is my first blog post and I plan on sharing what I know and love about this program!
So, you may be asking, what is Sonography?
Sonography or ultrasound is a tool that hospitals and clinics use to visualize the body. Ultrasound uses a high frequency sound waves to penetrate the body. The sound that returns are recorded and displayed as an image to the Sonographer. These images are real-time and has little to no known harmful effect on the patient. Ultrasounds can be used to image blood vessels, the heart, liver, kidneys, etc.
Most of us are familiar with this image:
But before I started in the program, this is what I could see:
Ultrasound images made me think about Rorschach inkblot test, hopefully my interpretation of them doesn’t say anything negative about my emotional and intellectual functioning. I am not by all means an expert but I have found that very quickly, thanks to the patience of our teachers, things are starting to come together. I don’t see a kidney as a tree any more so I think I am on the right track. It is only week 3 into the program but I am already feeling that I have improved significantly since I started.
Is Sonography right for you?
- Do you like a challenge?
- Do you enjoy working with different types of people/patients?
- Do you want to help people?
- Do you want a job that has a high rate of job placements?
- Do you want to make great connections and friends?
If you have said yes to all of these, stick around, I will have much more to share.
Note: Ultrasound pictures are from Ultrasoundpaedia and the picture of Sid from Ice Age is from: Sid-iceage-wikia
I look forward to reading more of your blogs. Your writing is very engaging to the reader. Looking forward to your next contribution.
Thank you very much Diana 🙂
Hello! I am going to be applying to ultrasound. I have a radiologic technology diploma that was done in Winnipeg Manitoba. Have a 3.7 gpa. Do you think I will be accepted? How much do volunteer hours matter (looking into this now).
Hi Brian,
It is preferred to have post secondary education, so it is great that you did the radiologic technology diploma. Do you currently work as a X-ray tech? Patient interaction and care is very important when applying. I myself volunteered and I know a bunch of my classmates did as well. You need to have relative work or/and volunteer experience, if you already have work experience with patients, I think that it wouldn’t hurt to volunteer, but that is up to you. Make sure that you meet all the other requirements as well. Your biology 12, math 12 and physics 11 (or equivalences) have to be done within 5 years. If you aren’t sure you meet all the requirements I would recommend contacting the program advisor. Here is the link to the application process: https://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/5640diplt#entry
Good Luck!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Your writing style is quite interesting, and I can’t wait to read more about your success in the program.
I’m going to apply next year, and I know it’s very competitive. I have a BS in Nutritional science (finished 9 years ago) and I’m upgrading my high school lessons at the moment. I’m working in animal hospital as a vet assistant and I’m volunteering with coastal health in one of the communities (Parents & Infant Drop in). Do I have the chance to be accepted? Is it necessary to have a volunteer job in a medical imaging center?
Best wishes,
Sanaz
Hi Sanaz,
Thank you very much!
As long as you meet the requirements that they ask for and have some experience with patients you have a chance. I did not have a volunteer job in a medical imaging center, so I don’t think you have to.
Good Luck!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I currently work as an LPN at the hospital in Vancouver and was interested in transitioning to become a sonographer. I have worked as an LPN for 7 years in both nursing home and acute setting combined. A coworker of mine said that getting into this program is very competitive. Is that true? Did you have a hard time getting into the program? I haven’t been in school since I graduated so I’m a bit worried. Will your acceptance into the program be based on your grades from the prerequisites? How heavy are the courses for level 1? Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Yes, I think the program is competitive to get into. I think I remember someone saying they recieve 300 applicants and they only take 32. I did work hard to try to get in. I think schooling and experience are really important in getting into the program. Being an LPN, the experience you have will definitely help you.
I was out of school for 6 years before coming into this program. I was pretty nervous too. It is hard work but if you put in the time you can do it!
I had to take challenge exams because I had been out of school for too long. Make sure you have done and the prereqs.
Best of luck,
Sarah
Hi..i already have my ARDMS Certificate but I want to get some hands on trainning.. is there anyway I can get some?
Hi Iram,
You would have to be in the DMS program to scan to get hands on training. If you want more information you could contact the program about that.
Sarah
Hello
I have Medical Office Assistance certificate, do you think that is a good transition to going into the DMS program. Where do you recommend I do volunteering at. I work for a private clinic right now.Also should I upgrade my GPA, before applying for the program.
Hi,
I think Medical Office Assistant would look great on your application. Working with patients definitely is a must. Transitioning to DMS program is different for everyone, so I cannot say for sure. I am not sure what they exactly look for, so I can only say what I did to get in.
I volunteered at Saint John Ambulance, I loved it. I worked with general public doing first aid, I think it was good experience.
As for GPA, be sure to look at what the minimum is and it never hurt to bring it up.
Good Luck.
Sarah