A year of many milestones for CNC’s sonography program

The past year is one marked by many achievements for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at the College of New Caledonia (CNC).  

The program, which hosted its first cohort in January 2019, received its accreditation in fall 2021 through EQual Canada. This step recognizes the quality of the program and streamlines the process for CNC graduates towards becoming fully licensed medical sonographers. 

The students have also excelled in their studies with the first cohort not only completing the program in fall 2021 but also performing higher than the national average on credentialing exams. 

“The work that goes into launching a new program is massive,” said Wendy Male, CNC Associate Dean Diagnostics and Allied Health. “So many pieces had to come together to make this work. The accomplishments we’re seeing this past year are the direct result of all that hard work from faculty, staff, and students. We’re proud of the graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program who are now making a difference in their communities.” 

CNC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is one of only three sonography programs in British Columbia and the only one in the northern half of the province.   

The program has played an important part filling the need for sonographers in northern B.C.  with most graduates not only finding employment but deciding to stay in the north. 

Marissa Cordeiro always knew her path would lead to the medical field. Growing up in Kitimat, she knew an ultrasound technologist and spent a couple days job shadowing with him. 

At the time, there was no program in the north, so she moved to Prince George and pursued a biomedical degree. She was ecstatic when the program at CNC opened up. She applied and was accepted into the fall 2020 cohort.  

“It’s been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had,” she said. “When I started the sonography program, there was no doubt in my mind that I was right where I was supposed to be.” 

Hannah Hirvasoja, another member of the fall 2020 cohort, also knew she wanted to work in healthcare. She was particularly drawn to the job stability of sonography. There is a great need for medical sonographers, especially in the north, with 400 job opening expected over the next decade according to the 2021 Labour Market Outlook. 

Now, as she prepares to finish the program this fall, Hirvasoja is excited to decide where she’d like to start her career as a medical sonographer.  

“We have a special part in a person’s healthcare journey,” she said. “It’s not usually a long one but it’s important to ensuring they get the proper diagnosis that progresses their treatment.”  

CNC Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Coordinator Sheldon Bailey said it was a humbling experience to watch the program grow from initial development to first intake, to students performing higher than the national average on the board exam all the way to graduates now making a difference in the community. 

“Being able to participate in this aspect of CNC’s work in its community has been a truly rewarding experience,” he said. “While being mindful of the work that has been done, and celebrating our successes to this point, the faculty and staff of the program remains committed. We will continue to direct our energies towards to the development of competent sonographers who will serve our medical fraternity well for years to come.”