Become an Ultrasound Technician in Canada in 6 Steps

Searching for how to become an Ultrasound Technician in Canada? We’ve got you covered! If you’re new to Canada, have worked in the healthcare field in your home country, or have a desire to pursue a hard and demanding career that helps save lives, then becoming an Ultrasound Technician can be a good choice for you.

Diagnostic ultrasound is changing the way doctors diagnose and treat patients. This medical technology is boosting the demand for trained Ultrasound Technicians, as it not only helps people identify health issues faster but also supports physicians in surgery and beyond.

Some of the exciting parts of being an ultrasound technician, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer or sonographer, include showing a mother-to-be the image of her growing baby or assisting doctors in determining the reason for disturbing symptoms other patients are having.

In this guide, we’re going to discuss the steps to becoming an Ultrasound Technician, tasks and responsibilities, Salaries and certifications, and many more important things relevant to this field.

Who is an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician assists doctors and other healthcare professionals in determining the cause of a patient’s illness. They employ specialized equipment to record images of interior organs using high-frequency sound waves.

Similarly, Ultrasound technologists interact with patients and clinicians on a daily basis. Obstetric and gynecologic, abdominal, breast, vascular, and cardiac sonography are some of the specialties available.

Ultrasound Technician Duties & Responsibilities

An ultrasound technician or sonographer must be able to perform duties or tasks that include the following:

• They prepare the exam room and ultrasound equipment, to conduct examinations.
• Assist radiologists with ultrasound-guided biopsies and vascular ultrasound treatments as needed by radiologists.
• Using sonographic equipment, identify and document the appropriate anatomy and pathologies.
• Sonography equipment is cared for correctly by the Technician, and any failures should are reported.
• They prepare reports depending on the findings of the scan and the time it took to complete it.
• Any irregularities that require immediate treatment are reported to the appropriate medical personnel.
• Use the ability to solve problems and decision-making skills.
• Work as part of a team or individually with minimal supervision.
• In a fast-paced work environment, manage many objectives and tasks while demonstrating flexibility.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic as well as a courteous and upbeat demeanour.
• Maintain the highest levels of secrecy possible.
• Finally, they pursue professional growth to ensure that patient care is always improving.

Why an Ultrasound Technician Job is a good Career in Canada?

Ultrasound technicians are in high demand in a few Canadian provinces. They are in high demand in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, with a decent demand in Manitoba.

Unfortunately, medical sonographers or ultrasound technicians are in short supply in other provinces and territories across the country. This means we don’t know if there’s a demand for people who can do this work in these regions.

Therefore, becoming an ultrasound technician might be a good fit for you, if you live in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba. In comparison to some of the other provinces, you will have an easier time finding a job and working in the field.

In addition, if you stay elsewhere in Canada, or if you live in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, but aren’t sure if being an ultrasound technician is appropriate for you, there are a variety of different options. The medical sector is vast, and there may be a career path that is a better fit for you, which Workstudyvisa may assist you with.

Ultrasound Technician Salary in Canada

The job market for Ultrasound Technicians or diagnostic medical sonographers in Canada was strong as of March 2022. More Ultrasound Technicians will be required, at least in the near future, as the population ages and technology advances.

Generally, Ultrasound Technicians earned an average yearly pay of CAD $20 to $30 per hour in Ontario and Quebec. And CAD $36.82 to $45.27 per hour in the rest of Canada.

Factors that determine an ultrasound technician’s pay

As an ultrasound technician, the following things can affect your pay:

1. Geographical location

The pay for ultrasound technicians varies depending on where they work. Certain provinces have a larger demand for these specialists’ services and compensate them better.

Alberta is the highest-paying province for ultrasound technicians, with salaries in Calgary averaging $67,457 per year, 18% higher than the national average.

Ultrasound technologists in Toronto, on the other hand, make an average of $53,859 per year, which is 5% less than the national average.

2. Employer

As an ultrasound technician, your pay is determined by your employer. Due to the demand of their customer base, employers in specific industries are more willing to pay more for sonography services.

Ultrasound technologists who work in outpatient care or research, for example, earn more than those who work in hospitals or physician’s offices. Furthermore, larger establishments typically serve a broader clientele and may pay greater wages.

3. Specialization

The amount of money you make as an ultrasound technician is also determined by your specialization.

In some cases, Ultrasound technologists who specialize in pediatric cardiac sonography, for example, can make far more than the national average. Likewise, vascular ultrasound technologists earn more than general ultrasound technicians on average.

4. Job Experience

Ultrasound technicians’ work is heavily influenced by their previous experiences. As an ultrasound technologist, your salary normally rises as you get more expertise. Ultrasound technicians with more experience can command salaries that are twice or three times those of entry-level technicians.

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Steps to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Canada

To become an ultrasound technician, take these steps:

1. Decide your Area of Specialization

To start a career as an ultrasound technician, you must first choose a specialty. You can work as a general sonographer or specialize in one of the several specializations available in this field. Furthermore, when choosing a speciality, think about the compensation, educational requirements, and job availability. The following are the primary options:

• General sonography
• Vascular sonography
• Cardiac sonography
• Gynecological sonography
• Breast sonography
• Musculoskeletal sonography
• Diagnostic medical sonographer

2. Obtain your education

The next step is to obtain a university degree in the field of your choice. Most provinces demand that you complete a sonography university program from a Canadian Medical Association-accredited institution (CMA).

Generally, most schools offer graduate certificate programs in general sonography, with a few specializing in vascular or cardiac sonography.

To apply for graduate certificate programs, you must normally complete a three-year program or a bachelor’s degree in sonography and have employment experience in the field.

In Quebec, you’ll require a three-year or four-year diagnostic sonography degree, a two-year or three-year diploma in a related health field, plus a twelve-month graduate diagnostic sonography diploma from an accredited university. In addition, many institutions in Quebec province offer sonography as part of their medical imaging programs.

You’ll, however, need high school graduation and experience in math, science, history, English, and/or French to be admitted into a sonography program. Sometimes, if you don’t meet any of the prerequisites, your institution may offer courses to make up for it.

3. Complete all necessary registrations

You can proceed with your registration after you have completed the required schooling. But, the requirements for registration differ per province.

One of the key accreditation agencies for sonography in most provinces is the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP). You must also pass both the CARDUP written exam and the Clinical Skills Assessment test.

Ultrasound Technicians who work in gynaecology must pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Exam (SPI) (ARMDS). They must also pass the Obstetrics and Gynecology examination.

4. Pursue professional certifications

Obtaining professional certification shows companies and patients that you have a thorough understanding of the fundamental abilities of an ultrasound technician. For registration, most provinces have minimum certification criteria.

Also, additional qualifications can help you gain access to leadership positions and higher pay. For sonographers, Sonography Canada offers a number of notable certificates, including:

Canadian Registered Generalist Sonographer (CRGS):

This certification involves training in examining the core, male and female pelvis, and obstetrics. You’ll also learn about superficial structures like the scrotum and the thyroid.

Canadian Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CRCS):

This certification teaches the anatomy and function of the heart. It also includes sections on heart pathology and adult congenital evaluation.

Canadian Registered Vascular Sonographer (CRVS):

This certification teaches you how to image arteries, veins, and abdominal vessels using ultrasound. It also includes physiologic arterial assessment training.

Canadian Registered Sonographer (CRS):

This certification is for an ultrasound technician with limited credentials in the CRGS component. In addition, it provides education in abdominal, obstetrics, and gynaecological sonography.

5. Join professional organizations

Professional groups generally provide chances for networking and career improvement. Members of many professional groups can take advantage of training programs and resources.

Moreover, Ultrasound technologists at all levels might benefit from organizations like the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

6. Submit a job application

Hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, medical and diagnostic laboratories, physician’s offices, universities, and professional schools are all places where ultrasound technologists work.

Depending on your career aspirations, you can apply to work in any of these industries. Prepare an up-to-date résumé and cover letter for each employer to which you apply, as well as a mock interview.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an ultrasound technician in Canada?

Basically, it takes three- to four-year to complete a program in diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology from an accredited school.

Is there a demand for ultrasound technicians in Canada?

Absolutely yes! Ultrasound technologists are in high demand in a few Canadian provinces. For instance, Ultrasound technologists are in high demand in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, with a decent demand in Manitoba.

Is sonography a good career in Canada?

Certainly, Medical sonographers have excellent job prospects in Canada. According to the government, an ageing population combined with the introduction of new medical technologies and techniques will necessitate the hiring of additional medical sonographers in the near future.

How much do ultrasound techs make in Canada?

The average salary for an ultrasound technician is $80,516 per year or $41.29 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level employment start at $77,561, with most experienced individuals earning up to $97,305 per year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there has never been a better moment to start a career in healthcare. And if a challenge inspires you, or if you’re passionate about becoming an Ultrasound technician in Canada and making a difference… then contact us and we’ll help you get started!