DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM PREPARATION & INVESTIGATION FORM APPLICANT NAME: BCIT STUDENT NUMBER (if known): Answer the following questions in the spaces provided in your own handwriting. Do not write outside of the boxes. Return this report to the admissions department along with your application and all other supporting documentation. 1. List the top 2 activities you have undertaken which you believe will prepare you for this program and for a career in Sonography. Examples of these activities may include but are not limited to work experience in health care, volunteer experience, or customer service experience. Include the dates, location of the activity and tasks performed for each activity.
2. List any post secondary coursework you have taken which you believe will prepare you for this program and for a career in Sonography. Include dates, locations, courses taken and any credentials earned. 3. What activities have you undertaken to specifically investigate this program and the sonography profession? 4. List the imaging and related duties performed by sonographers on a daily basis. Page 2 of 8
5. What activities do you participate in where spatial awareness / hand eye coordination is important (i.e. sports, musical instruments, video games) 6. List the personal attributes you possess that you believe will make you successful in this program and career. 7. Identify the challenges or drawbacks to a career in this field. Page 3 of 8
8. Explain why you have chosen to pursue a career in Sonography instead of another health area. Page 4 of 8
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS The Sonography program uses clinical facilities around the province for practicum placements. These include sites in all health authorities (Northern Health, Interior Health, Vancouver Island Health, Vancouver Coastal, Fraser Health, and Provincial Health Services). All students must acknowledge they are aware they may be assigned to attend one or more placements away from their home at their own expense and agree to attend if so assigned. REQUIREMENTS Sonography is a physically and mentally demanding profession. It requires stamina and good physical and mental health. Student and graduate sonographers must be able to: Exhibit fine motor control Apply pressure in holding a transducer (probe) against the patient Operate scanner controls with one hand while operating the transducer with the other Transfer patients to and from wheelchairs and stretchers Assist patients in moving on and off the toilet or bedpan Assist patients in changing positions throughout the scan Differentiate colors and distinguish subtle sound variations Work in environments that contain latex and other chemicals that may provoke sensitivity reactions Function in busy and often stressful environments Multitask accurately and efficiently Work effectively and compassionately with patients who are afraid, uncooperative or hold different religious or ethical beliefs Work effectively both independently and in team situations Completion of an immunization form is a requirement for a clinical placement in this program. The health authorities request that all students be vaccinated. CRIMINAL RECORD CLEARANCE All students must submit to a criminal record check and be cleared by their local police authority. Page 5 of 8
SCAN LAB PARTICIPATION Students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are required to perform ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, pelvis, vascular tree and heart on other students and to allow other students to perform these same examinations on them during laboratory sessions. Abnormal findings are occasionally discovered. Students will be informed of any abnormal findings and advised to contact their physician for any necessary follow up examinations. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) safety statement for training and research (March 1997) states: Although no hazard has been identified that would preclude the prudent and conservative use of diagnostic ultrasound in education and research, experience from normal diagnostic practice may or may not be relevant to extended exposure times and altered exposure conditions. It is therefore considered appropriate to make the following recommendation: In those special situations in which examinations are to be carried out for purposed other than direct medical benefit to the individual being examined, the subject should be informed of the anticipated exposure conditions and of how these compare with normal diagnostic practice. I understand that the program and BCIT is not responsible for any unforeseen events that may occur. Page 6 of 8
REFERENCE CONSENT I agree that the following individuals may be contacted as references on behalf of my admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography. We recommend using references who can speak to your work, volunteer or school experiences. All references must be from non-related professionals (i.e. teachers, managers, volunteer supervisors). NAME ORGANIZATION JOB TITLE PHONE / E-MAIL NAME ORGANIZATION JOB TITLE PHONE / E-MAIL Page 7 of 8
I am aware of these conditions regarding clinical placements, physical & mental requirements, immunizations, criminal record clearance, scan lab participation and reference checks and am able to meet all program requirements. I verify that this report has been completed solely by me [insert name] and that all information as presented is accurate. NAME SIGNATURE DATE Page 8 of 8