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FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS DICAF-PG Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography - Echocardiography

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Overview

  • 16 month Post-Graduate Diploma
  • September 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.
  • Applicants with Refugee status may apply to Manitoba only resident programs if they are residents of Manitoba and have obtained a Study Permit. For further information, please contact international@rrc.ca
  • 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 Cardiac Exam. 

All the costs for the Canadian credentials are the responsibility of the graduate (approximately $1,200 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.
Click Here for the Admissions Course Equivalence page. This page provides details on the high school courses and credentials needed for admission for applicants from outside of Manitoba. If you have High School education in Canada, use this guide to check your qualifications.
Please check the Program Overview page, to see if this program is for Manitoba residents only.

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.

Before applying:

  • Carefully review the admission requirements 
  • 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.
  • Successfully complete admission requirements 1 through 4 to ensure you can submit proof of completion.
  • Your application will be cancelled without a refund of the non-refundable/non-transferable application fee if you cannot submit proof within 15 days of applying.
  • We require verification of your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institutions you have attended.
  • Only official post-secondary transcripts are acceptable for admissions. They must be issued within 6 months prior to your application date and submitted directly from the post-secondary institution.
  • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See Regular Admission Requirement 2 for more information.
Admission Requirements

  1. 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


    Approved English Language Assessments

    English Language Assessment Minimum Scores for Nursing Minimum Scores for Allied Health Programs
    CAEL Online or In-Person Overall band score of 70 and Writing of 60 Overall band score of 70 and Writing of 60
    IELTS Academic Level Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5 Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5
    Password Skills Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5 Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5
    Password Skills Plus Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5 Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5
    LINC Certificate Successful completion of Communication for Health Care Professions: 8L, 8S, 8R, 7W Successful completion of Communication for Health Care Professions: 8L, 8S, 8R, 7W
    Duolingo Language Test N/A N/A
    New English for Academic and Professional Purposes N/A N/A
    PTE N/A 71-81L, 76-83S, 69-77R, 69-78W
    TOEFL-ibt Academic Level 98
    (24L, 23S, 24R, 27W)    		 98
    (24L, 23S, 24R, 27W)
    TOEFL MYBest Score 5 out of 6
    (5L, 4.5S, 5R, 5.5W)    		 5 out of 6
    (5L, 4.5S, 5R, 5.5W)
    Academic English Program for University and College Entrance Program (AEPUCE) N/A 8L, 8S, 8R, 8W
    CELBAN 8L, 8S, 8R, 7W 8L, 8S, 8R, 7W
    OET Occupational English Test N/A C+ (equivalent to IELTS score of 6.5 in all 4 bands)
    CELPIP-G Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General N/A 8L, 8S, 8R, 7W
    MELA Michener English Language Assessment N/A 8L, 8S, 8R, 7W

    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 Sep 01, 2027 Apply Now

    Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

    Program/Student Fees
    Year 1
    $6,995.001
    Year 2
    $2,667.002
    Books and Supplies
    Year 1
    $1,000.003
    Other Fees
    Year 2
    $1,200.004
    1Includes one clinical term
    2Includes one clinical term
    3Books $700 and Uniforms $300 approximately
    4Sonography Canada Certification Exam Fee

    Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

    Program Outline

    • Program consists of seven (7) courses taken over two (2) academic terms.
    • Beginning in Term 3 and ending in Term 4, students will complete two (2) work- integrated learning - clinical placement courses and one theory course.
    • Full-time students will receive a post-graduate diploma in sixteen (16) 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 with Sonography Canada and The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
    • 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)
    Year 1
    Term 1Credit Hours
    3
    3
    6
    Term 2Credit Hours
    2
    3
    3
    6
    Term 3Credit Hours
    10
    Year 2
    Term 4Credit Hours
    3
    10
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
    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.
    CLIN-2019Introduction to Clinical Practice for Cardiac Sonography
    More Information

    This reinforcing clinical course will provide students with the opportunity to connect their theoretical knowledge to clinical practice through participation in a simulated clinical environment and at a cardiac sonography department within an RRC-affiliated healthcare facility. Under appropriate supervision, students will begin to apply and integrate concepts of diagnostic cardiac sonography to clinical practice in scenario-based simulations and by observing registered sonographers perform exams on actual patients. Students will also gain valuable exposure to other operational aspects of a diagnostic imaging facility.

    Prerequisites:
    Top
    MEDL-3048Seminars in Healthcare
    More Information

    In this course, students will explore healthcare content and concepts through participating in various interactive workshops and attending seminars with guest speakers on topics of interest. Students will be offered a wide variety of interdisciplinary healthcare topics in addition to program-specific topics related to their chosen field of either Medical Radiologic Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Cardiac and General) or Primary Care Paramedicine. Throughout this course, students will reflect upon and document their learning journey and present evidence of achieving the learning outcomes.

    Prerequisites:
    Take both MEDL-2048 and COMM-1173 or take MRIS-1008
    Top
    PRAC-3019Cardiac Sonography Practicum 1
    More Information

    In this course, students will begin to apply concepts of diagnostic cardiac sonography to clinical practice at an RRC-affiliated diagnostic imaging department within a healthcare facility. Under appropriate supervision, students will perform general scanning procedures with increasing independence and responsibility while expanding their ability to identify common pathologies and critique images. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a broad range of situations. This course will also reinforce and strengthen students’ patient care skills, history taking, ability to write technical impressions, communication with radiologists, and overall patient management.

    Prerequisites:
    Top
    PRAC-4019Cardiac Sonography Practicum 2
    More Information

    In this course, students will continue to apply concepts of diagnostic cardiac sonography to clinical practice at an RRC-affiliated diagnostic imaging department within a healthcare facility. Under appropriate supervision, students will be given the opportunity to take primary responsibility for basic cardiac sonography procedures, integrating all the necessary skills and knowledge to progress toward scanning as an entry-level sonographer. Students will be able to observe and, where appropriate, participate in specialized procedures. Emphasis will be on completing cases effectively and in a timely manner, while achieving all the Sonography Canada National Competency Profiles through Canadian Clinical Skills Assessments.

    Prerequisites:
    Top
    ULTR-1010Diagnostic Medical Sonography Physics 1
    More Information

    In this introductory course, students will learn theoretical concepts relevant to the safe and effective practice of diagnostic medical sonography. Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of physics and instrumentation, sonographic terminology, and how ultrasound interacts with body tissue. The characteristics of high frequency sound waves, sound beams, and different types of ultrasound transducers will be discussed – including wavelength, frequency, acoustic impedance, amplitude, power, intensity, attenuation, and focusing. Factors that govern the production of real-time diagnostic ultrasound images will be emphasized. 

    Top
    ULTR-1016Cardiac Sonography Theory 1
    More Information

    This course will introduce students to the theoretical principles of cardiac sonography, cardiac scanning techniques, and cardiac pathologies. They will learn to recognize normal anatomy and physiology of the heart and great vessels throughout the cardiac cycle and correlate these concepts with their sonographic appearance during imaging. Emphasis will be placed on the hemodynamics of both healthy and diseased cardiac processes, and the methods of interpretation and quantification of these states using 2-D, M-Mode, and Doppler sonography. Students will be introduced to common cardiac pathologies and their etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options.

    Prerequisites:
    Top
    ULTR-1017Cardiac Sonography Laboratory Techniques 1
    More Information

    In this practical application course, students will have the opportunity to apply basic sonographic techniques through hands-on scanning of the heart with guided instruction. Emphasis will be placed on the proper set-up and optimal operation of sonographic equipment, aligned with Sonography Canada National Competency Profiles. Students will learn to plan an echocardiogram through interpretation of relevant clinical information and apply critical thinking skills to assess the appropriate cardiac structures with 2-D, M-Mode, and Doppler sonography. Students will develop professional behaviour and communication skills necessary for interaction in a simulated healthcare environment.

    Top
    ULTR-2010Diagnostic Medical Sonography Physics 2
    More Information

    This course builds upon the concepts that were previously introduced in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Physics 1. Students will further examine the theoretical concepts of physics and instrumentation relevant to the safe and effective practice of diagnostic medical sonography. The basic components of ultrasound systems will be discussed – including the pulser, beamformer, receiver, memory, display, and recording devices. The processing of echo signals into a quality diagnostic image will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to emerging technologies, the different types of Doppler ultrasound, sonographic artifacts, quality assurance, and potential bioeffects related to the field of diagnostic medical sonography. 

    Prerequisites:
    Top
    ULTR-2016Cardiac Sonography Theory 2
    More Information

    This course will build upon the concepts that were previously introduced in Cardiac Sonography Theory 1. Students will further examine the theoretical principles of cardiac sonography and cardiac scanning techniques, and will continue to focus on the etiology, clinical history, treatment options, and sonographic appearance of cardiac pathologies and disease processes. Methods of accurate assessment, interpretation, and documentation using 2-D, M-Mode, and Doppler sonography will be covered. Students will be introduced to advanced cardiac assessment techniques and emerging technologies in the field of cardiac sonography.

    Prerequisites:
    Top
    ULTR-2017Cardiac Sonography Laboratory Techniques 2
    More Information

    This practical application course will build on the concepts that were previously introduced in Cardiac Sonography Laboratory Techniques 1. Students will have the opportunity to further refine sonographic techniques through hands-on scanning of the heart with guided instruction. Emphasis will be placed on routine cardiac protocols, pathology assessment, and the achievement of diagnostic quality imaging for optimal interpretation. Students will plan and perform complete echocardiograms and technical impressions, aligned with Sonography Canada National Competency Profiles. They will continue to reinforce professional behaviour and communication skills necessary for interaction in a simulated healthcare environment.

    Prerequisites:
    Top

    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
    • Selkirk Regional Health Centre
    • Grace Hospital

    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 standards 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

    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 – 4

    Employment 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.

    As of April 1, 2026, an entry level technologist in Manitoba can expect to make approximately $49.88 per hour as a starting wage.
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    Page produced on 2026-07-12 16:25:15
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