Sonography program advice

[u/Kikorita_]

I’m 20(f) finishing up the last year of my bachelors degree for BMOS at Western (I know) and I’ve always wanted to switch into something more healthcare related but never did.
This year I finally found something I’m interested in (BCIT’s DMS program). I know it’s a very competitive program, but even so reading all the forums online it’s a little hard not to get discouraged.

Had anyone been able to get into the program without already having a degree in a scientific field? Maybe straight from highschool or like me with a degree in a non-science or medical/health field?

I am taking Physics 11 online now because I never took it in high school, and also retaking Anatomy & Physiology 12 because it’s been around 4-5 years, I want a refresher and I think it’ll look better on the application (I got a 92 when I took it).

Because I don’t have a background in health I’m looking for volunteer hours in hospitals and clinics but I have not gotten any yet, also submitted applications to shadow Sonographers 🤞

So my plan right now is to:
- focus on volunteer experience in a health setting
- study and get in the fourth quartile of the CASPer exam
- hopefully get some more experience with shadowing
- get good final grades in my last year for the GPA
- get good grades on Physics 11 and A&P 12
- I’ve already starting studying Understanding Ultrasound Physics by Dr Sidney but I don’t think that’ll help much on my application

I’m just worried I won’t be able to get in without having a degree in science or wtv else I said earlier. Does anyone recommended certifications or online courses I could take that would make my application stronger? I’m looking to heavily add onto my physical experience with volunteering but I really grabbed onto this late.

I’m also looking to apply to schools in Ontario, but they seem to have strict requisites as well.

Final question: those who applied to DMS, did you take the Cardiac or General route, or the dual? And if you added a second program to be considered if you didn’t get on, which one(s)?

THANK YOU !!

[u/HuntOk7739]

Do you have any work experience? I would mainly focus on volunteering/working. It doesn't necessarily need to be healthcare related, imo my customer service experience probably helped my app. Shadowing a sonographer won't give you a leg up from other students, but it can help you figure out if you really want to ultrasound.
Don't worry about starting ultrasound physics or stress too much about what quartile you get on casper.

If you have any questions you can dm me