How do I become a sonographer in Canada to perform echo?

[cardio]

Hello,
I am currently a registered respiratory therapist in Ontario looking to expand my skills and become proficient in echocardiography. Wondering if this is a possibility and how to get started.

I would greatly appreciate any information you could provide
Gabriella

[cardio]

Hi Gabriella
It is a bit complicated in that at this time in Canada there are no formal criteria for Echo Sonographer education, although most Hospital labs require ARDCS certification or eligibility. I suggest you go to www.ardms.org and look under Exam Prerequisites. There it tells you the various ways in which you could be eligible to write the registration exams. Since you are an RT already, potentially you could qualify after having a years scanning experience. The difficulty comes in finding a qualified site that would be willing to offer this clinical training. The other option would be to register for a full time accredited course(the only one available in Ontario at the moment is that offered by Mohawk College in Hamilton). There are also University programs offered in Ultrasound in Alberta ,British Columbia and The Maritimes.
Hope this helps. Good luck in your endeavours
Linda Robinson RN RDCS