Performing the duties of any healthcare professional usually requires constant, close physical contact with patients and clients.  Healthcare professionals use special hygiene practices and protective gear to protect themselves from the transmission of communicable diseases (like COVID-19).  Risks associated with performing physical duties in a caring profession cannot be entirely eliminated by any amount of caution or protection.  All applicants should carefully consider what their personal risk tolerance, physical capabilities, and any other limiting factors that might prevent them from achieving success as a healthcare professional.

Working as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is physically demanding. It requires a high level of manual dexterity, precision, physical strength, controlled sensitivity to disturbing medical scenarios and the ability to work in a busy and sometimes stressful environment. 

Sonography professionals must be able to:

• exert fine motor control;
• perform exacting physical tasks repetitively, with precision;
• safely lift and move incapacitated patients or move heavy imaging equipment;
• stand and sit for long periods of time;
• demonstrate good visual depth perception and discernment of color scale;
• work in an environment containing chemicals that may provoke sensitivity reactions;

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program includes classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences that impart necessary knowledge and skills for practice in the field. Training includes non-invasive exercises such as participation in clinical simulations as well as invasive training such as participation in scanning labs.

These exercises will: 

• be explained or demonstrated by an instructor, staff member, or other assigned qualified personnel;
• involve students (EACH OTHER), staff members, clinical personnel, or consenting volunteers as subjects;
• include scanning yourself and your classmates on a regular basis;
• involve being exposed to an ultrasound energy source and its inherent bio effects;
• potentially involve incidental findings of pathology that may require medical follow-up;
• be conducted in an environment appropriate for learning;
• be supervised;
• require that students be prepared and employ due care, safety, and attention in their completion.

Students participate at clinical practicums at accredited clinical sites in a variety of Hospital and community imaging locations throughout British Columbia.  Students are responsible to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements for their practicum experience.  Students are required to comply with all workplace policies at each practicum site as well as all policies governing students at the Camosun College. 

Students must also:

• Complete and pass a Criminal Record Check
• Provide evidence that they do not have TB
• Maintain (and be able to provide) records of current immunizations or immunity
• Adhere to any additional workplace requirements for clinical placement such as:  CPR Certification & Mask Fit Testing

DECLARATION:

I am aware of the physical requirements for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program as described above.  I confirm that I possess the physical capabilities and attributes to perform these functions. 

I hereby also acknowledge I am aware of the program requirements for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program as described and agree to participate in classroom, laboratory and clinical activities that impart necessary knowledge and skills for practice in the field.

I understand that if I am offered a seat in the program, I will be informed about how to obtain the required Criminal Record Check. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General will determine my risk in relation to working with children and vulnerable adults.  I acknowledge that I must obtain a clearance letter from the Ministry before I can participate in any clinical activities involving patients or clients.  I understand that if I cannot obtain a "clear" criminal record check, I will be unable to progress or complete this program.  I know that I must also complete an immunization form at a later time. The British Columbia Health Authorities require students to be fully immunized in order to go out to their clinical practicum based on the Practice Education Guidelines in British Columbia.

I understand that if I discover at some later time that I am not suited for the caregiving professions, which results in my being incapable of performing the duties of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer; that I may be unable to complete all of the requirements for this program.