Overview
- 13.5 month Advanced Diploma
- August entry date
- Clinical work experience
- Notre Dame Campus
- Due to high demand, this funded program is open to Manitoba residents only. Applications received from non-Manitoba residents for this program, will be cancelled and the application fee will not be refunded.
- If you have a criminal record, you may not be able to complete this program. If you are listed on a Child Abuse Registry or Adult Abuse Registry you will not be able to complete this program. See Admission Requirements for more info.
Description
Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, also known as Echocardiography, is a technology involving the application of high-frequency sound waves on patients to aid in cardiac diagnoses. As part of the patient care team, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers assess patients and provide information to Cardiologists for diagnoses and monitoring patients' health statuses.
The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program prepares students, through theoretical and clinical training, to conduct Echocardiography examinations, focusing on the heart. This content is cross-referenced to the national competency profile set up by Sonography Canada.
This is a specialized profession requiring a high degree of technical skills and hand eye coordination, and exceptional interpersonal skills.
As part of training, students will perform scans on each other therefore all students must be agreeable to participate in scanning procedures.
Sonography Canada administers the Canadian credentials. To be eligible for the Canadian credential, graduates must successfully complete both the Sonography Canada's Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA) and the Sonography Canada written exams, including
The Core Sonographic Examination
The Cardiac Sonographer Examination
All the costs for the Canadian credentials are the responsibility of the graduate (approximately $925 CDN).
Admission Requirements
Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit
My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Upload Through Your Future Student Account
- Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
- Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
- Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.
If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.
Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.
Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.
We will begin accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year on November 1
Admission Requirements
- Post-Secondary Education
- Submit proof of graduation from an accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program
and - Submit proof of registration with Sonography Canada
or
- Submit proof of Graduation from an accredited Diagnostic Imaging/Radiation Therapy* program
and - Submit proof of registration with applicable professional body such as Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT)
*Programs include but are not limited to: - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
- Medical Radiation Technologist
- Medical Radiologic Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Radiation Therapist
or
- Submit proof of graduation from another accredited Health Profession program with 6 credit hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent. Click here for a list of approved Health Profession programs
- and
- Complete and submit a verification of work experience form detailing significant work experience in the area of profession in the last 5 years
and
2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
- Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
- If YES, you meet English language requirements. Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
or - If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option. If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
or - If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review.
- * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.
and
3. First Aid Course
- Submit proof of current certification in the appropriate First Aid course. To confirm which 16-hour course you need to complete for this program, click here
*Emergency First Aid is not acceptable for this program
and
4. Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
Program Progression Requirements
Program progression requirements are not due within 15 days of applying and should be submitted after you start classes.
- Criminal Record and Adult and Child Abuse Checks
- This program requires students to submit current original/official versions of one or more of the following checks:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Provincial Child Abuse Registry Check (CAR)
- Adult Abuse Registry Check (AAR)
- If you have a criminal record you may not be able to complete the program
- If you are listed on an Abuse Registry you will not be able to complete the program
- For details on this program's requirements, when to obtain and submit the documents, review the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
- These documents have expiration dates and should not be obtained prior to timeline indicated on the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents form
- For general information on why RRC requires these checks and for links to check providers such as the Winnipeg Police, visit our Criminal Record Checks webpage
- Submit your check documents to the RRC program contact listed on the Contact Information section of your program
and
- Immunizations and Testing
English Language Assessments
The College reserves the right to modify this information without notice or prejudice.
ASSESSMENT RESULTS MUST BE DATED NO MORE THAN TWO YEARS PRIOR TO YOUR APPLICATION DATE!
| English Language Assessment | Minimum Required Levels |
|---|
| L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - Writing | L | S | R | W |
|---|
| CAEL and CAEL Online
(Canadian Academic English Language)
| 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Communication for Health Professions
(RRC Pathway)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available. | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Communication for Internationally Educ Health Prof
(RRC Pathway)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available. | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Duolingo
(Duolingo English Test)
* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.
There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.
Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted. | 0* | 0* | 0* | 0* |
| IELTS - Academic
(International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| PTE - Academic Online Assessment
(Pearson Test of English)
| 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Password Skills
(An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room.
Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor.
If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
| 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Password Skills Plus
(Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
| 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| TOEFL-iBT
(Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas. | 24 | 23 | 24 | 27 |
Who Should Enrol?
You may be interested in a career in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography if you:
- Desire to work in a medical environment
- Are compassionate and motivated to help the sick and injured
- Have a strong academic background, especially in science
- Have an aptitude for effective communication
- Are able to cope with constant changes in technology and in your work environment
- Have an eye for detail, excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, and good spatial reasoning
- Have excellent hand eye coordination
- Have excellent people skills
- Understand the responsibility of your role within the diagnostic medical team
- Have good computer skills
When working in the health care profession, there are many physical and emotional demands. As a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, you must:
- Be in good physical and mental health, and be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time without resting
- Have the ability to lift 50 pounds
- Be able to push and pull, and bend and stoop routinely
- Have full use of both hands, wrists, arms and shoulders
- Have the ability to operate the scanner controls and the transducer simultaneously and effectively
- Be able to distinguish audible sounds
- Have the ability to identify colour distinctions in order to adequately view sonograms
- Demonstrate the use of safe and effective body mechanics while working with patients
- Be able to safely lift, transfer, and position patients, some of whom may be in a state of unconsciousness or who may be large and heavy and have limited or no weight bearing capabilities
- Be able to interact compassionately and effectively with the sick and injured
- Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
- Have the ability to organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence
Additionally, you may:
- Experience repetitive strain injuries
- Be exposed to extreme patient injuries
- Be required to work extended hours
- Be exposed to infectious diseases, blood and bodily fluids, toxic materials, noise, allergens, and physical and emotional stress
- Encounter aggressive and agitated patients, visitors, and staff
- Experience physical and compassion fatigue
Locations, Dates and Fees
Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)
| Location |
Start Date |
Apply Link |
| Notre Dame Campus |
Aug 25, 2025 |
Apply Now |
Costs (estimates only; subject to change)
1Includes three clinical terms
2Books $825 and Uniforms $300 approximately
3Sonography Canada Certification Exam Fee $1025
Program Outline
- Program consists of nine (9) courses taken over two (2) academic terms.
- Beginning in Term 3 and ending in Term 5, students will complete three (3) Work- integrated learning - clinical placement courses.
- Full-time students will receive an advanced diploma in thirteen and a half (13.5) months if all program requirements are met in consecutive terms.
- This program meets the standards of Sonography Canada and The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
- Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to write the national credentialing examinations for the Core Sonographic Examination as well as the Cardiac Sonographer Examination.
- This program is in compliance with the requirements as set out by Accreditation Canada EQual™.
Courses and Descriptions
(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution,
other RPL processes are available for
RPL courses.
Click here for more information.
For courses with no
RPL, please check
www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
More InformationEveryone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry.
MEDL-1048Foundations in Healthcare 1
More InformationAllied Health Professionals are an integral part of the healthcare system, providing a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services. In this course, students will be introduced to critical topics, and skills in which all allied-health professionals must demonstrate competency. Students will explore legal, technical and theoretical topics related to the provision of healthcare. In addition, application type activities will enable students to develop skills such as Infection control techniques, proper use of body mechanics and assessing vital signs.
MEDL-2048Foundations in Healthcare 2
More InformationIn this course, students will continue to explore important topics relevant to Allied Health professionals. In addition, students will develop interdisciplinary partnerships and team-building skills through collaboration, consultation and discussions.
Prerequisites:
PRAC-3021Cardiac Sonography Practicum 1
More InformationThe focus in Term 3 is to build on the theoretical knowledge learned in the didactic phase of the program and application in a clinical setting. This term should reinforce the practical skills introduced in Cardiac Laboratory Techniques 1 and 2. The main focus of Term 3 Cardiac Practicum 1 will be the introduction and participation in an Echocardiography departmental setting, while under the supervision of qualified professionals; the student should demonstrate increasing independence and progress from a novice performance level to entry level of competency in the profession of Cardiac Sonography (Term 5). During Term 3 the students will be introduced to scanning of actual patients, while applying and strengthening: theoretical knowledge, recognition of theoretical pathology, patient care skills, patient history taking, the completion of a cardiac technical impression, case presentation to a Cardiologist as required, all while participating in all aspects of an Echocardiography Department.
Prerequisites:
PRAC-4021Cardiac Sonography Practicum 2
More InformationWhile participating in Echocardiogram examinations performed in the clinical sites Echocardiography Department (under direct clinical supervision) students will build upon the theoretical knowledge gained from the didactic phase of the program. Skills learned in the first practicum are expanded upon, and an increasing level of independence from novice to entry to practice should be demonstrated. Throughout this course, students will continue to scan patients - gaining hands-on experience, while applying and strengthening: theoretical knowledge, recognition of theoretical pathology, patient care skills, patient history taking, the completion of a cardiac technical impression, case presentation to a Cardiologist as required, all while participating in all aspects of an Echocardiography Department.
Prerequisites:
PRAC-5021Cardiac Sonography Practicum 3
More InformationIn Term 5 (last 8 week duration) of the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program, students continue in their clinical practicum with an emphasis on successfully completing their Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA). Term 5 Cardiac focuses on building upon practical skills introduced in terms 3 and 4. Under the supervision of qualified professionals; the student will demonstrate increasing independent practice in echocardiography skills and progression into an entry to practice level of competency.
Prerequisites:
ULTR-1006Cardiac Sonography Theory 1
More InformationThis course introduces cardiac sonography and cardiac scan techniques. It is designed to enable the student to recognize and understand normal anatomy, physiology, and the sonographic appearance of the heart. Cardiac Sonography 1 integrates anatomy and physiology with sonographic principles in the imaging of the heart. The focus of this course is on the assessment and interpretation of patterns in the normal heart as seen with Two Dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler (color, CW, and pulsed wave) imaging. The focus of the course then shifts to the etiology, hemodynamics, signs and symptoms, and sonographic patterns as relevant to the interpretation and quantification of cardiac disease including mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary, segmental wall anatomy, coronary artery, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, hypertension (systemic and pulmonary), cardiac masses, pericardial disease, cardiac masses, prosthetic heart valves, diseases of the aorta, and Diastolic Function (provocative maneuvers). The course will integrate theory and laboratory practices.
Prerequisites:
ULTR-1007Cardiac Sonography Laboratory Techniques 1
More InformationCardiac Laboratory Techniques 1, Laboratory Modules, and Practicum Introduction to Health Care Practices introduces students to sonographic imaging of the heart. The course will emphasize the operation of sonographic equipment in the creation and interpretation of 2 Dimensional, M-mode and Cardiac Doppler imaging.
The focus of observations in allied health and cardiac clinic areas is to expose the student to a dynamic, fast paced clinical environment. Students will build on professional behaviors such as patient care, communication, safety practices, increased understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various health care professionals and enhance knowledge of cardiac diagnostic and associated therapeutics.
These topics will be reinforced in Cardiac Laboratory Techniques 2, as well as the clinical practicum.
Prerequisites:
ULTR-1010Diagnostic Medical Sonography Physics 1
More InformationIn this course, students will be introduced to the theoretical concepts and principles of the physics and instrumentation relevant to the safe and effective practice of diagnostic medical sonography.
ULTR-2006Cardiac Sonography Theory 2
More InformationCardiac Sonography 2 is a continuation of Cardiac Sonography 1. The focus of this course has shifted to the etiology, hemodynamics, signs and symptoms and sonographic patterns as relevant to the interpretation and quantification of cardiac disease processes, including, Diastolic Function, Cardiac Embryology and Fetal Circulation, and Congenital Heart Disease. Sonographic techniques and modalities such as Transesophageal Echocardiography, Stress Echocardiography, Contrast Echocardiography and Provocative Maneuvers, and 3D/RT3D (4D) Echocardiography will also be covered in this term. Students will be challenged throughout this course to fully appreciate the many variables and factors in the accurate assessment and documentation of cardiac pathology.
Prerequisites:
ULTR-2007Cardiac Sonography Laboratory Techniques 2
More InformationIn this course, using appropriate safety techniques, students will complete final preparations for clinical practicum by transitioning to complete independent cardiac sonography examinations (routine/protocol).
The focus of observations in allied health, echocardiography, and cardiac clinic areas is to expose the student to a dynamic, fast paced clinical environment. Students will build on professional behaviors such as patient care, communication, safety practices, increased understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various health care professionals and enhance knowledge of cardiac diagnostic and associated therapeutics.
Prerequisites:
ULTR-2010Diagnostic Medical Sonography Physics 2
More InformationThis course builds upon the concepts that were previously introduced in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Physics 1. Students will further examine the physics and instrumentation, relevant to the safe and effective practice of diagnostic medical sonography.
Prerequisites:
CO-OP/Practicum Information
The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program arranges clinical practicum placements for each student. Clinical practicum placements are located in a variety of accredited facilities throughout Manitoba. Students are responsible for travel, accommodation arrangements and costs to, during and from their clinical experience. Students continue with their didactic studies thru on-line learning while on their clinical placement and reliable internet access is required.
Note: For clinical site assignment, students work with the program for clinical placements and rotations, however; there is no guarantee that a student will receive a clinical assignment from their preferred sites. Students must be prepared to attend their assigned placement at any of the clinical sites in the province.
The following facilities are potential sites for the clinical education.
- Children’s Heart Centre
- Health Sciences Centre
- St. Boniface General Hospital
- Brandon Regional Health Centre
Computer/Laptop Requirements
Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:
1. Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam
2. A high speed internet connection
• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.
Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.
Recent Changes
Red River College Polytechnic’s programs are routinely monitored for educational quality and improvements. Allied Health programs are also accredited by EQual™, Accreditation Canada and provincial regulatory bodies to ensure educational standard for health programs are achieved. The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program has undergone recent changes to provide students with an enriched educational experience that exceeds required standards.
Details of these changes include:
- Program redesign to support course-based registration
- Revisions to courses
- Enhanced curriculum changes
- Increased interprofessional education experiences
- Increased emphasis on research
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.
Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of all courses within Terms 1 – 5Employment Potential
Echocardiography is practiced in major urban hospitals in Manitoba. In other provinces, there are also private clinics.
Some graduates are working in related teaching, management, and research positions. Others are employed as application specialists, technical advisors, or representatives for diagnostic imaging equipment and supply manufacturers.
In 2017, an entry level technologist in Manitoba could expect to make approximately $35.72 per hour as a starting wage.
Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
