How to become a medical sonographer
Official title: Medical sonographers
Also called: Cardiac sonographer, Medical sonographer, Vascular sonographer, Sonographer - medical, Ultrasonographer - medical, Student medical sonographer, Student sonographer - medical, Diagnostic cardiac sonographer, Diagnostic medical sonographer, Medical sonographers supervisor, Chief diagnostic medical sonographer, Diagnostic medical sonography instructor
Medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of various parts of the body to aid physicians in monitoring pregnancies and in diagnosing cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular and other medical disorders. They are employed in clinics and hospitals. Medical sonographers who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Operate ultrasound imaging equipment that transmits high frequency sound pulses through the body to produce images of those parts of the body requiring examination
- Monitor examination by viewing images on video screen, to evaluate quality and consistency of diagnostic images, and make adjustments to equipment, as required
- Record, store and process scanned images by using camera unit connected to ultrasound equipment
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure patient safety and comfort
- Prepare examination reports for physicians to aid in the monitoring of pregnancies and the diagnosis of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
- Perform quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation and perform minor repairs and adjustments as required
- May supervise and train students and other medical sonographers
- Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynaecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology
How to become one
Completion of a three- to four-year program in diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology or completion of a two- to three-year program in a related allied health field and a one-year post-diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited institution are required. Registration with Sonography Canada and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers. Registration with l'Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec is required in Quebec. Registration with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO) is required in Ontario.
Ways in
- University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- University: Health & Public Health degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 42% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Allied health diagnostic, intervention and treatment professions; Medicine; Sports, kinesiology, and physical education/physical fitness.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $81,900 a year The middle half earn $74,100 to $91,650.
- About 9,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 12,400 are projected by 2033. (+29.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Medical laboratory technologists
- Medical radiation technologists
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Other medical technologists and technicians
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a medical sonographer?
Completion of a three- to four-year program in diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology or completion of a two- to three-year program in a related allied health field and a one-year post-diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited institution are required. Registration with Sonography Canada and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers. Registration with l'Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec is required in Quebec. Registration with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO) is required in Ontario.
How much does a medical sonographer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $81,900 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $74,100 to $91,650.
Is a medical sonographer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 29% by 2033, from about 9,600 to about 12,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a medical sonographer?
Not always. 56% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Health & Public Health degrees; College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03