The College of New Caledonia’s (CNC’s) Prince George campus has become the second post-secondary institution in B.C. to offer a publically-funded sonography program.
CNC joins the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in offering a program, and the new Northern Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will have its first intake in January 2019, the college has announced.
Diagnostic medical sonographers provide key information leading to earlier diagnosis and supports ongoing patient management using ultrasound technology. Ultrasounds are using during pregnancy, but also to help physicians diagnose many acute and chronic conditions.
“The sonography program at CNC will help produce highly skilled health professionals that will improve the quality of life for patients in the North and throughout B.C.,” says Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “I’m pleased to be part of a government that is committed to funding health sciences education and training that offers the opportunity for Northern graduates to succeed and thrive in their communities.”
The new program at CNC’s Prince George campus has eight seats available in its first intake before growing to 16 seats in 2020. In addition, admission preference will be given to Northern B.C. candidates, to address regional demand by encouraging students who are from the North to study in and to continue to work in the North.
“Sonographers contribute to timely and appropriate care for people in the north, providing important diagnostic imaging services,” says Ken Winnig, Northern Health Regional Director of Diagnostic Services.
“Local and regional health care education opportunities are a key component of Northern Health’s recruitment strategy, and we look forward to welcoming graduates of the CNC sonography program to our workforce.”
The development of the Northern Diagnostic Medical Sonography curriculum at CNC was a collaborative effort supported by BCIT, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Northern Health and Sonography Canada, says a CNC news release.
Applications are now open for the January 2019 intake, with a deadline of Sept. 14, 2018. Information on the program, including the application process and prerequisites, can be found online at http://www.cnc.bc.ca/diagnostic-medical-sonography or by contacting CNC’s Office of the Registrar at 250-562-2131 or registrarsoffice@cnc.bc.ca.
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