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Medical Sonographer, Sonographer, Ultrasound Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Diagnostic medical sonographers work as part of a health-care team. The team may include doctors, nurses, and other medical technologists. Ultrasound is used to:
In general, sonographers:
Diagnostic medical sonographers may do shift work (mornings and evenings). Services required after regular working hours, on weekends, or on holidays are covered on an on-call (standby) basis shared by staff technologists.
Sonographers may need to travel on occasion for deployment throughout different provinces and territories.
Sonographers often work with patients who are anxious. They help patients get on and off examining tables. They may experience unpleasant sights and odours, and medically stressful situations. Working in awkward positions can cause repetitive strain injuries.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in operating ultrasound imaging equipment and in recording, storing and processing scanned images by using camera unit connected to ultrasound equipment; and in performing quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation and in performing minor repairs and adjustments
Interest in speaking with patients while observing and caring for them throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort
Interest in compiling information to aid in the monitoring of pregnancies and the diagnoses of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Diagnostic medical sonographers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 31 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 31, 2021 and Nov 12, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Monitor examination to evaluate quality and consistency of diagnostic images, and make adjustments to equipment, as required | 26 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Check ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation | 26 |
| Tasks: Operate ultrasound imaging equipment to produce and record images | 25 |
| Tasks: Observe and care for patients throughout examinations | 25 |
| Tasks: Prepare examination reports for physicians | 24 |
| Work Setting: Hospital/medical facility or clinic | 23 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 20 |
The minimum educational requirement is a 3-year diploma in diagnostic medical sonography.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
In 2016 the Health Professions Act [pdf] was amended to include sonographers under the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT). Regulations are being developed for sonography to become a regulated profession in the future.
Upon becoming regulated, all sonographers will need to be approved by ACMDTT to work in the profession and to use the diagnostic medical sonographer (DMS) designation. Sonographers who wish to use the CRGS®, CRCS®, or CRVS® credentials must be members in good standing of Sonography Canada.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Ultrasound does not expose patients to known hazards (such as ionizing radiation). As a result, its use in medicine is growing rapidly and positions are becoming available. Ultrasound is used in:
Most diagnostic medical sonographers work in hospitals or private clinics.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Medical sonographers
2016 NOC: 3216
95.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $35.34 | $40.69 | $38.93 | $39.27 |
| Overall | $45.77 | $52.52 | $46.83 | $45.77 |
| Top | $50.64 | $53.62 | $51.22 | $50.64 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $85,828 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $85,828 |
Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website: acmdtt.com
Alberta Diagnostic Sonographers Association (ADSA) website: www.ultrasound.ca
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) website: www.ardms.org
Sonography Canada website: www.sonographycanada.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
