Full NCP 5.0 Clean Apr232014

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NATIONAL COMPETENCY PROFILES

GENERALIST SONOGRAPHER
CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
VASCULAR SONOGRAPHER
Version 5.0
April 2014
Approved by the Board of Directors

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0
Copyright 2004-2014 Sonography Canada
Trademark of Sonography Canada / chographie Canada
Apr 4 2014
The Profession
Diagnostic medical sonographers are health care professionals who perform ultrasound examinations of the human body.
Sonographers acquire images in a variety of formats and provide a technical impression of findings to the reporting
physician, usually a radiologist but in some instances an obstetrician, cardiologist or vascular surgeon.
Sonographers are integral members of the health care team and interact extensively with other health care professionals
in order to provide information that is essential to diagnosis and patient care.
The Canadian standard of practice for sonographers was established by Sonography Canada (formerly the Canadian
society of diagnostic Medical Sonographers (CSDMS) & Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound
Professionals (CARDUP) in 2003. Sonography Canada certifies three categories of entry-level sonographer: the
Generalist Sonographer, the Cardiac Sonographer and the Vascular Sonographer.
Generalist Sonographers are qualified to perform ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal
system, breast, scrotum, thyroid, limited vascular scans and obstetrical ultrasound. Cardiac Sonographers are qualified to
perform anatomical and functional assessments of the heart and associated vessels .Vascular Sonographers are qualified
to perform sonographic examinations on all vascular structures in the human body to assess the anatomy and physiology.
Diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in various health care facilities. Hospitals employ all categories of
sonographer; Generalist Sonographers often work in general diagnostic imaging departments; Cardiac and Vascular
Sonographers may work in the cardiology or vascular units of tertiary care facilities. Clinics provide a variety of
employment opportunities based on their patient care focus. Sonographers may also become educators, application
specialists or sales representatives with medical equipment companies, or be involved in research.
Apr 4 2014
Purpose of the National Competency Profile

The National Competency Profile (NCP) lists the competencies that are expected at entry-to-practice of the three
certification categories. Its primary purpose is to set standards for education and certification.
The NCP has been accepted by Canadian Medical Association Conjoint Accreditation Services for use in the accreditation
of sonography education programs. As well as meeting other requirements, accredited programs must develop
curriculum and learning activities which ensure that their graduates possess all the competencies listed in the relevant
section of the NCP. The NCP establishes a minimum educational standard; programs are free to include additional
competencies to meet local and regional needs, at their discretion.
In order to provide sonographer certification, Sonography Canada assesses the competencies of applicants for
registration utilizing both clinical and knowledge-based assessment vehicles. The blueprints for these assessment
vehicles are derived from the NCP.
Since it provides information about the job tasks that sonographers may be expected to perform, the NCP will also be of
use to many other stakeholders in the profession: employers, physicians, practicing sonographers, students, government
agencies and the general public.

Apr 4 2014
Conceptual Framework and Definitions

Competence refers to the ability of a professional to function safely, effectively and ethically. The competence of
sonographers and the competence of other health care professionals - is crucial to patient well-being. However it is well
established that competence is developmental (it evolves over the span of a persons career), impermanent (knowledge
and skills that are not regularly utilized are lost) and context-specific (competence is not measurable in the absence of a
specific practice situation).
Competence is enabled by the possession of competencies. We define a competency as a job task that can be
performed with a specified level of proficiency.
At entry-to-practice, sonographers are expected to be able to perform a specific range of job tasks with entry-level
proficiency 1.
Entry-level proficiency recognizes that at entry-to-practice sonographers are beginners in the profession, whose
proficiency will, in general, increase over time. Nevertheless entry-level sonographers are expected to perform routinelyoccurring tasks safely, effectively and ethically.
We define entry-level proficiency as follows:
When presented with routine situations, the entry-level sonographer performs relevant competencies in a manner
consistent with generally accepted standards in the profession, independently, and within a reasonable timeframe.
The entry-level sonographer anticipates what outcomes to expect in a given situation, and responds appropriately,
selecting and performing competencies in an informed manner.
The entry-level sonographer recognizes unusual, difficult to resolve and complex situations which may be beyond
her / his capacity. The entry-level sonographer takes appropriate and ethical steps to address these situations,
which may include consulting with others, seeking supervision or mentorship, reviewing literature or
documentation, or referring the situation to a more experienced sonographer.
1
Following entry-to-practice, the range job tasks that a sonographer actually performs will vary with their practice setting.
Apr 4 2014
Structure of the NCP

The competencies within the NCP are integrated, and include a common core of competencies possessed by all three
sonographer categories. Category-specific competencies build upon the core:
Generalist Sonographer
Competencies
Cardiac Sonographer
Competencies
Vascular Sonographer
Competencies
Common Core of Competencies
The competencies are grouped into competency areas as follows:

Area 1 Communication
Area 2 Professional Responsibilities
Area 3 Patient Assessment and Care
Area 4 Operation of Equipment
Area 5 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Area 6 Workplace Health and Safety
Area 7 Imaging
Specific imaging techniques applicable to Area 7 are listed in a series of Appendices numbered 1.1 through 1.8
Within each Area, competencies are listed in a table and clustered together under headings for convenience and ease of
reference. However it must be emphasized that the listing of competencies should not be considered as a protocol. The
competencies are better viewed as an array of abilities that the entry-level sonographer brings to the workplace and
applies to the situation at hand utilizing professional judgement, and consistent with organizational direction.
To the right of each competency statement are columns identifying the competency as either core or applicable to a
specific sonographer category; indication is provided by reference to the designated Assessment Environment (see
below).
Apr 4 2014
Utilization of the NCP in Sonography Education Programs

Education programs are expected to develop curricula which ensure that prior to program completion students
demonstrate entry-level proficiency in the competencies included in the relevant component of the NCP.
The NCP designates an Assessment Environment 2 for each competency, which identifies the educational setting in which
students must be assessed for proficiency.
The following Assessment Environments are used:
Assessment
Environment
Definition
Criterion for Student Success
Academic, A
Academic education takes place in a classroom or

through guided study involving cognitive and / or
affective learning.
Academic assessment consistent with the

definition of entry-level proficiency.
Simulation, S
Simulation involves cognitive, affective and / or

psychomotor learning in a setting that simulates a
practice activity.
Simulated performance consistent with

the definition of entry-level proficiency.
Clinical, C
Clinical education involves cognitive, affective and / or

psychomotor learning where learners work directly with
human patients in a setting designed to provide patient
care. Learners are supervised throughout their clinical
education, in a manner that facilitates their development
of independent clinical abilities while ensuring safe,
effective and ethical patient care.
Reliable clinical performance consistent

with the definition of entry-level
proficiency.
The designated Assessment Environment applies to the final assessment of the students proficiency. Where simulation
is designated, a program should provide academic education and academic assessment prior to simulation. Where a
clinical setting is designated, a program should provide academic education, academic assessment and, where
appropriate, simulation education and assessment prior to clinical exposure.
2
Assessment Environments were referred to as Performance Environments in previous versions of the NCP.
Apr 4 2014
The Assessment Environment designated in the NCP is the minimum requirement. Programs may at their discretion
assess proficiency in a more complex environment 3.
To assess proficiency, programs are expected to utilize experienced educators and / or clinicians who have been oriented
to the NCP and provided with sufficient direction to ensure consistent, reliable decisions about student performance.
Student performance is to be judged in the context of the definition of entry-level proficiency provided above 4.
Development and validation of the NCP
The profiles were originally developed by expert committees of practitioners and educators, and validated through national
surveys of practicing sonographers and employers. Development and validation took place over a period of
approximately three years, with funding support from Human Resources Development Canada. The NCP was first
published in April 2003. Minor revisions based upon user feedback took place in 2004 and 2006.
A complete review and re-validation was undertaken over the period March - October 2007, involving a thorough
consultation with stakeholders. This resulted in the publication of version 4.0 in 2008.
The most recent review and stakeholder revalidation took place in 2012-13, led by a Consultant and a specificallyconstituted Revalidation Committee.
We consider the relative complexity of assessment environments to be academic < simulation < clinical.
In former versions of the NCP a quantitative definition of proficiency was utilized, involving an 80% performance rule; this has been
discontinued in recognition of the fact that competence is context-specific. For similar reasons, the concept of critical competencies (which must
be demonstrated 100% of the time) has been dropped.
4

Apr 4 2014
The process involved:

Preliminary consultation on strategic issues with the Sonography Canada Boards and committees, and CMA
Conjoint Accreditation Services
Development of an updated conceptual framework, definitions and proposed structural changes
Identification of proposed new competencies, wording changes for clarity, and assessment environment
adjustments based upon the knowledge and experience of Revalidation Committee members
Consultation with practitioners on the frequency of use of selected competencies
Consultation with employers on evolving service needs and the competency requirements for entry-level
sonographers
Consultation with sonography education programs on the conceptual framework, definitions, structural changes
and the feasibility of incorporating proposed new competencies and assessment environment adjustments
Preparation of an updated NCP (Version 5.0) in response to feedback received, and approval of the document by
the Board of Directors of Sonography Canada (formerly Canadian society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
(CSDMS) & Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP).
Consultation with Sonography Canada National Education Advisory Committee on the implementation schedule for
the updated profile
Acknowledgements
Revalidating and revising the NCPs for this Version 5.0 would not have been possible without the volunteer effort of a
number of dedicated sonographers. In particular, the Sonography Canada Board of Directors would like to thank the
members of the revalidation committee: Lori Arndt, Sheena Bhimji-Hewitt, Josh Fraser, Carol Gillis, Lori Koziol, Jennifer
Lisac, Verna Maschio, Rose Mary Squires and Joey Younie. We also appreciate the input of the educational programs,
Dr. Pham, and the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) for their thoughtful comments on earlier drafts. Above all,
this would not have been possible without the nearly 2000 Canadian Sonographers and employers who answered our
surveys and in doing so, have directly influenced the future direction of our profession.

Apr 4 2014
AREA 1: COMMUNICATION
Competencies
1.1 Oral communication
a Identify self to patient.
Adapt communication in response to patient and
b
situation.
Core
Communicate with patient throughout examination, in

manner appropriate to patients ability to understand.
f
g
h
i
Communicate departmental reporting procedures to

patient.
Respond to patient questions or concerns.
Communicate with patient's relatives and / or support
persons.
C
C
C
C
C
Communicate effectively with other health care

professionals.
Use medical terminology and standard abbreviations in

oral communication.
l Apply conflict resolution strategies.

1.2 Written communication
a Verify written, authorized directions for examination.
b Record accurate and relevant medical history.
c Record examination procedures and results.
Ensure that documentation is timely, accurate, concise
d
and complete.
e Write medical terminology and standard abbreviations.
1.3 Non-verbal communication
a Use appropriate body language.
b Respond appropriately to non-verbal behaviours.
Vascular
Adapt communication for patients with special needs.
Explain examination procedure to patient.

Question patient to obtain relevant information
regarding history and condition.
Cardiac
Generalist
A
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

Apr 4 2014
AREA 2: PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Competencies
2.1 Written directives
a Adhere to relevant legislation and regulations.
Adhere to professional scope of practice and code of
b
ethics.
c Adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
2.2 Professional judgement
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
Verify that requested procedure correlates with patients

clinical history and presentation, and address concerns as
appropriate.
Evaluate patient preparation for requested examination.
Practice within limits of personal knowledge and skills.
Ask for guidance where appropriate.
Evaluate for contraindications to procedure and address
as appropriate.
Record exceptions from established protocols and
procedures.
Core
Generalist
Cardiac
Vascular
A
A
C
C
C
A
C
C
C
Identify and respond to urgent sonographic findings.

Make decisions based on evidence, clinical information,
resource implications and other contextual factors.
Take responsibility for decisions and actions.

Apr 4 2014
10
AREA 2: PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Competencies
2.3 Professional conduct
a Maintain professional appearance and manner.
b Display respect toward others irrespective of diversity.
Recognize the roles of health care professionals
c
commonly encountered in the workplace.
Core
Share knowledge with patients, colleagues, students and

other members of health care team.
Maintain awareness of current and emerging technological

developments in the field of sonography.
2.4 Maintenance of competence

Critically appraise performance and set goals for self
a
improvement.
C
C
C
C
A
A
A
A
A
Review professional literature and assess relevance to

practice.
Demonstrate awareness of need for continuing

professional development.
2.5 Medico-legal responsibilities

a Maintain patient confidentiality.
b Ensure informed patient consent.
Vascular
Contribute productively to teamwork and collaborative

practice.
Provide and receive feedback in a professional manner.

Manage time and workload efficiently.
Demonstrate reliability, flexibility and adaptability.
Participate in patient education.
Recognize need for presence of a chaperone.
Recognize, respond to and disclose adverse events.
Demonstrate awareness of professional liability.
Maintain awareness of current and emerging issues in
m
health care relevant to the practice of sonography.
Cardiac
C
C
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
Generalist
C
C

Apr 4 2014
11
AREA 3: PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND CARE

Competencies
3.1 Patient safety and comfort
a Verify patient identification.
b Transport and / or move patient.
c Assess patients ability to tolerate examination.
Core
Employ sterile technique and infection control methods.
Assess and monitor patient's physical and mental

status prior to and during examination, and respond.
g
h
i
Create an environment that protects patient modesty.

Determine need for additional personnel to assist in
examination.
Perform examination in a timely manner.

Maintain awareness of patient's accessory equipment
and take action as required.
j Recognize and respond to emergency situations.

k Provide support in emergency situations.
l Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
3.2 Assistance with clinical procedures
a Assist in interventional procedures.
b Assist in contrast-enhanced procedures.
c Assist in transesophageal echocardiography.
Cardiac
Vascular
C
S
C
Generalist
A
A
S
S
A
A
A

Apr 4 2014
12
AREA 3: PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND CARE

Competencies
3.3 Related techniques and procedures
a Measure blood pressure.
b Perform palpation of pulses.
c Perform palpation of areas of interest.
d Perform provocative maneuvers.
e Perform stress echocardiography.
f Set up 3-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
g Assess for signs and symptoms of vascular disease.
h Perform photoplethysmography.
i Perform arterial pressure testing and calculate indices.
j Perform vascular exercise testing.
Perform continuous wave Doppler velocimetry in
k
peripheral vessels.
Core
Generalist
Cardiac
Vascular
S
S
C
C
A
C
C
C
C
A
C

Apr 4 2014
13
AREA 4: OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT

4.1 Equipment set-up
b
c
Select optimum system and transducer for examination

considering patients age and size, structures being
examined and specific indications for examination.
Determine and select correct pre-set values.
Record pertinent patient data using keyboard or other
input device.
4.2 Use of equipment

Perform sonographic examinations using real-time 2-D
a
scanning.
b
c
Perform sonographic examinations using M-mode.

Perform sonographic examinations using pulsed wave
Doppler.
C
C
C
C
Perform sonographic examinations using colour

Doppler.
Perform sonographic examinations using power

Doppler.
Perform sonographic examinations using continuous

wave Doppler.
Perform sonographic examinations using tissue

Doppler.
h
i
j
k
Orient and manipulate transducer.

Select optimal acoustic window.
Use and optimize harmonic imaging.
Perform sonographic examinations using 3-D imaging.
Monitor output display indices and adjust power output

in accordance with "as low as reasonably achievable"
(ALARA) principle.
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A

Apr 4 2014
14
AREA 4: OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT

m
Identify artifacts and adjust instrument controls to

optimize image.
n
o
p
r
q
Measure structures.
Measure M-mode tracings.
Measure Doppler waveforms.
Perform calculations manually.
Use software calculation packages.
Record patient position and plane of section on images.
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
t Process and record patient data.

u Archive and retrieve patient data.
4.3 Equipment maintenance
Perform instrument quality control using test objects /
a
phantoms.
C
C
Identify degraded instrument performance.

Perform basic trouble shooting prior to calling for
technical support.
b
c

Apr 4 2014
15
AREA 5: CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Competencies
5.1 Examination planning
Interpret history, signs & symptoms and other relevant
a
information.
Core
Assess medical history and health status.
Modify scope of examination based on clinical history.
Formulate sonographic scanning strategies.

Integrate knowledge of anatomy and disease
processes.
5.2 Integration of relevant, available diagnostic data

a Correlate results from laboratory tests.
b Correlate results from aspirations and biopsies.
c Correlate results from radiography.
d Correlate results from angiography.
e Correlate results from computerized tomography.
f Correlate results from nuclear medicine studies.
g Correlate results from magnetic resonance studies.
h Correlate results from amniocentesis.
i Correlate results from chorionic villus sampling.
j Correlate results from chromosome analysis.
k Correlate results from dilatation and curettage.
l Correlate results from non-stress testing.
m Correlate results from ECG studies.
n Correlate results from Holter monitoring.
o Correlate results from stress ECG studies.
p Correlate results from oximetry tests.
q Correlate results from auscultation.
Cardiac
Vascular
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Generalist
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

Apr 4 2014
16
AREA 5: CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Competencies
5.3 Image quality
a Adjust patient positioning to advantage.
b Use breathing techniques to advantage .
Evaluate images for orientation, identification, and
c
labeling.
d
e
Evaluate images for quality.

Modify scope of examination based on sonographic
findings.
f Evaluate completeness of examination.

g Recognize equipment limitations.
h Recognize technical limitations.
5.4 Technical analysis
Differentiate artifact from anatomic and pathologic
a
findings.
b
c
d
e
f
g
Differentiate normal variants from pathology.

Use spatial reasoning to interpret images.
Identify and prioritize differential findings.
Formulate impression based on findings.
Provide oral summary of impression to reporting
physician.
Provide written summary of impression to reporting
physician.
Core
Generalist
Cardiac
Vascular
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

Apr 4 2014
17
AREA 6: WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Competencies
6.1 Safety of the work environment
a Maintain clean and orderly work area.
Recognize hazardous conditions in the work area, and
b
respond.
c Maintain awareness of fire and disaster plans.
d Locate emergency equipment.
e Employ universal precautions for infection control.
6.2 Self protection
Employ proper body mechanics when transferring,
a
lifting, turning or transporting patient.
b
c
Practice musculoskeletal injury prevention techniques.

Follow Workplace Hazardous Materials Information
System (WHMIS) protocols.
Core
Generalist
Cardiac
Vascular
C
C
A
C
C
C
C
A

Apr 4 2014
18
AREA 7: IMAGING
Competencies
7.1 Generalist sonography - obstetrical
Perform sonographic examination of structures of
a
interest using techniques listed in Appendix 1.1
Core
Generalist
Recognize sonographic appearance of normal

structures.
Differentiate sonographic appearance of normal

structures from anomolous and pathologic conditions.
Produce diagnostic data documenting sonographic

findings.
See App
1.2

structures.


findings.
7.3 Generalist sonography - abdominal

a
Vascular
See App
1.1
7.2 Generalist sonography - gynecological

a
Cardiac
See App
1.3

structures.


findings.

Apr 4 2014
19
AREA 7: IMAGING
Competencies
7.4 Generalist sonography - superficial structures
a
Core
Generalist
Cardiac
Vascular
See App
1.4

structures.


findings.
7.5 Generalist sonography - musculoskeletal

a
Demonstrate knowledge of sonographic examination of

structures of interest using techniques listed in
Appendix 1.5

structures.

7.6 Generalist sonography - extracranial arteries and peripheral veins

a
See App
1.5
See App
1.6

structures.


findings.

Apr 4 2014
20
AREA 7: IMAGING
Competencies
7.7 Cardiac sonography
a
Core
Generalist
Cardiac
See App
1.7

structures.


findings.
7.8 Vascular sonography

a
Vascular
See App
1.8

structures.


findings.

Apr 4 2014
21
APPENDIX 1.1: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE GENERALIST SONOGRAPHEROBSTETRICS

The table below applies to Specific Competency 7.1.a, and
lists the techniques the practitioner should be able to utilize
when examining the structures and characteristics noted.
M-mode
C A
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
C
measure (Doppler)
Doppler assessment
transperineal
endovaginal
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
measure (2D)
STRUCTURE / CHARACTERISTIC
Maternal Pelvis
Cervix
Fallopian tubes
Gestational sac
Ligaments
Membranes
Ovaries
Relational anatomy
Uterine vessels
Uterus
Vagina
Yolk sac
real time assessment (transvesical)
TECHNIQUE

Apr 4 2014
22
M-mode
measure (Doppler)
C
C
C
A
C
C
C
Doppler assessment
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
transperineal
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
endovaginal
measure (2D)
Determination of fetal age
Abdominal circumference (AC)
Biparietal diameter (BPD)
Embryo: crown rump length
Estimated fetal weight (EFW)
Femur length (FL)
Gestational sac size
Head circumference (HC)
Humerus length (HL)
Fetal Head
Anterior ventricles (AV)
Cavum septum pellucidum
Cerebellum
Cerebral vessels
Choriod plexus
Cisterna magna (CM)
Falx cerebri
TECHNIQUE
A
C
C
A
C

Apr 4 2014
23
C
C
C
C
M-mode
measure (Doppler)
Doppler assessment
transperineal
endovaginal
measure (2D)
Posterior ventricles (PV)
Skull
Thalamus
Third ventricle
Spine
Cervical spine
Lumbo-sacral spine
Thoracic spine
Fetal Face
Facial profile
Mouth / lips
Nasal bones
Orbits
Fetal Neck
Nuchal fold
Nuchal translucency
TECHNIQUE
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
A
C
C
C
A

Apr 4 2014
24
M-mode
measure (Doppler)
Doppler assessment
transperineal
endovaginal
measure (2D)
Fetal Chest / Thorax
Diaphragm
Lungs
Thoracic shape
Fetal Heart
4 Chamber fetal heart
Aortic arch
Heart rate
Long axis
Outflow tracts
Short axis
Fetal Abdomen
Adrenals
Aorta
Bowel
Gallbladder
Kidneys
TECHNIQUE
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

Apr 4 2014
25
M-mode
measure (Doppler)
transperineal
endovaginal
Doppler assessment
C
C
C
C
C
measure (2D)
Liver
Renal pelvis
Spleen
Stomach
Umbilical cord
Fetal Pelvis
Bladder
Genitalia
Fetal Skin
Contour
Thickness
Fetal Musculoskeleton
Feet
Femurs
Fibula
Hands
Humerus
Radius
TECHNIQUE
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
A
A

Apr 4 2014
26
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
M-mode
measure (Doppler)
Doppler assessment
A
A
transperineal
C
C
C
endovaginal
measure (2D)
Ribs
Tibia
Ulna
Determination of:
Aminiotic fluid pocket depth
Amniotic fluid index (AFI)
Chorio-amnionicity
Cord insertion
Fetal lie
Fetal presentation
Number of fetuses
Placenta grading
Placental location
Placental thickness
Biophysical Profile
Amniotic fluid
Breathing
Fetal movement
Fetal tone
TECHNIQUE
A
A A
A

Apr 4 2014
27
APPENDIX 1.2: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE GENERALIST SONOGRAPHER GYNECOLOGY

The table below applies to Specific Competency 7.2.a, and lists the
techniques the practitioner should be able to utilize when examining the
structures and characteristics noted.
Adnexa
Cervix
Cul-de-sacs
Endometrium
Fallopian tubes
Muscles & ligaments of the female pelvis
Ovaries
Relational anatomy
Urinary bladder
Uterus
Vagina
Vasculature of the female pelvis
C
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
sonohysterography
Doppler assessment
endovaginal
measure (2D)
TECHNIQUE
A
A
C

Apr 4 2014
28
APPENDIX 1.3: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE GENERALIST SONOGRAPHER ABDOMEN

The table below applies to Specific Competency 7.3.a, and lists the techniques
the practitioner should be able to utilize when examining the structures and
characteristics noted.
transrectal
measure (Doppler)
Doppler assessment
C
C
A
C
C
A
C
A
A
C
C
C
C
measure (2D)
Abdominal aorta
Abdominal wall
Adrenal glands
Biliary System
Celiac trunk
Chest and thorax
Common iliac arteries
Common iliac veins
Gastrointestinal tract
Inferior vena cava
Kidneys, ureters
Liver - lobes, segments
Liver- capsule, parenchyma
real time assessment
TECHNIQUE
A
A
A

Apr 4 2014
29
APPENDIX 1.3: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE GENERALIST SONOGRAPHER ABDOMEN

Liver - vasculature
Pancreas
Peritoneal, retroperitoneal cavities / spaces
Renal arteries and veins
Spleen - capsule, parenchyma
Spleen - vasculature
Superior mesenteric artery
Urinary bladder
Male pelvis - prostate, seminal vesicles
C
C
C
S
C
S
C
C
C
S
A
C
A
A
C

Apr 4 2014
30
APPENDIX 1.4: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE GENERALIST SONOGRAPHERSUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES

The table below applies to Specific Competency 7.4.a, and lists the
techniques the practitioner should be able to utilize when examining
the structures and characteristics noted.
Doppler assessment
S
A
A
A
C
A
C
measure (2D)
Breast
Groin
Parathyroid / neck
Salivary glands
Scrotum
Superficial tissues
Thyroid
TECHNIQUE

Apr 4 2014
31
APPENDIX 1.5: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE GENERALIST SONOGRAPHER MUSCULOSKELETAL

The table below applies to Specific
Competency 7.5.a, and lists the techniques
the practitioner should be able to utilize
when examining the structures and
STRUCTURE /
CHARACTERISTIC
Elbow
Foot and ankle
Hand and wrist
Knee
Shoulder
TECHNIQUE
A
A
A
A
A

Apr 4 2014
32
APPENDIX 1.6: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE GENERALIST SONOGRAPHEREXTRACRANIAL ARTERIES AND PERIPHERAL VEINS
measure - pulse wave Doppler
colour Doppler assessment
C
C
C
C
S
C
C
C
C
S
C
C
C
C
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
A
A
A
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
measure (2D)
C
C
C
C
S
Extracranial arteries
Common carotid artery
Internal carotid artery
External carotid artery
Vertebral artery
Subclavian artery
Peripheral veins, upper extremity, for DVT
Jugular vein
Innominate vein
Subclavian vein
Axillary vein
Brachial vein
Basilic vein
Cephalic vein
Peripheral veins, lower extremity, for DVT
Common femoral vein
Femoral vein
Popliteal vein
pulsed wave Doppler assessmen
The table below applies to Specific Competency 7.6.a, and lists the techniques the
Generalist Sonographer should be able to utilize when examining the structures and
TECHNIQUES

Apr 4 2014
33
APPENDIX 1.7: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
C
C
C
C
A
C
measure - tissue Doppler
C
C
C
C
tissue Doppler assessment
C C
C C
C C
C C
measure - colour Doppler
measure - continuous wave Doppler
continuous wave Doppler assessment
measure - pulsed wave Doppler
C A
C A
C C
C C
M-mode assessment
pulsed wave Doppler assessment
C
C
C
C
measure - M-mode
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
measure (2D)
Aorta, arch & branches
Aorta, ascending
Aorta, descending
Aorta, root
Appendages
Atrium, left
Atrium, right
Cardiac position
Chest & thorax (adjacent, extra-cardiac)
Coronary vessels
Hepatic veins
Outflow tracts
2-D real time assessment
The table below applies to Specific Competency 7.7.a, and lists the techniques the
Cardiac Sonographer should be able to utilize when examining the structures and
TECHNIQUE
C
C
A
C
A
C
C

Apr 4 2014
34
APPENDIX 1.7: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
C
C C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
M-mode assessment
C
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
measure - tissue Doppler
C
C
C
C
tissue Doppler assessment
C
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
C
measure - colour Doppler
measure - continuous wave Doppler

C
C
C
A
C
C
C
continuous wave Doppler assessment

C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
pulsed wave Doppler assessment
C
A
measure - M-mode
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
C
C
A
measure (2D)
Pulmonary artery
Pulmonary artery, bifurcation
Pulmonary veins
Septum, inter-atrial
Septum, inter-ventricular
Normal situs
Valve, aortic
Valve, mitral
Valve, pulmonic
Valve, tricuspid
Valve, tricuspid (annulus)
Vena cava, inferior
Vena cava, superior
Ventricle, left
Ventricle, right
Wall layers (endo, myo, pericardium)
Wall segments
Wall segments (strain)
2-D real time assessment
TECHNIQUE
C
C
C
C
C
C
A
C

Apr 4 2014
35
APPENDIX 1.8: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE VASCULAR SONOGRAPHER
measure (2D)
pulsed wave Doppler assessme
Abdominal vascular
Aorta
Celiac trunk
Hepatic artery
Superior mesenteric artery
Inferior mesenteric artery
Renal artery
Hepatic veins
Portal veins
Inferior vena cava
Extracranial arteries
Common carotid artery
Internal carotid artery
External carotid artery
Vertebral artery
Intracranial arteries
The table below applies to Specific Competency 7.8.a, and lists the techniques
the Vascular Sonographer should be able to utilize when examining the
structures and characteristics noted.
TECHNIQUES
C
C
C
C
S
C
C
C
C
C
A
C
A
A
A
C
C
S
C
S
C
S
A
S
C
C
S
C
S
C
S
A
S
C
C
S
C
S
C
S
A
S
C
C
S
C
C
C
C
A
A
A
A
A
A
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
C
C
A
C
C
C
C
A

Apr 4 2014
36
measure (2D)
Peripheral arteries, upper extremity
Innominate artery
Subclavian artery
Axillary artery
Brachial artery
Forearm arteries
Peripheral arteries, lower extremity
Iliac arteries
Common femoral artery
Femoral artery
Popliteal artery
Calf arteries
Peripheral veins, upper extremity
Jugular vein
Innominate vein
Subclavian vein
Axillary vein
Brachial vein
Forearm veins
Basilic vein
Cephalic vein
TECHNIQUES
S
C
S
S
S
S
C
S
S
S
S
C
S
S
S
S
C
S
S
S
S
C
S
S
S
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
S
C
C
C
C
S
C
C
C
C
S
S
S
S
S
S
A
S
S
A
A
A
A
S
S
S
S
S
A
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
A
S
S

Apr 4 2014
37
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
C
C
C
C
S
C
C
C
C
C
S
C
Peripheral veins, lower extremity
Iliac veins
Common femoral vein
Femoral vein
Popliteal vein
Calf veins
Saphenous veins
Grafts and stents
Aortic bypass and endografts
Iliac grafts and stents
Lower extremity bypass grafts and stents
Hemodialysis grafts and fistulas
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS)
measure (2D)
TECHNIQUES
C
C
C
C
S
C
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

Apr 4 2014
38

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PO Box 1220, Kemptville ON K0G 1J0

NATIONAL COMPETENCY PROFILES

Approved by the Board of Directors

Purpose of the National Competency Profile

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0

Conceptual Framework and Definitions

Structure of the NCP

Common Core of Competencies

The competencies are grouped into competency areas as follows:

Utilization of the NCP in Sonography Education Programs

Criterion for Student Success

Academic education takes place in a classroom or

Academic assessment consistent with the

Simulation involves cognitive, affective and / or

Simulated performance consistent with

Clinical education involves cognitive, affective and / or

Reliable clinical performance consistent

Trademark of Sonography Canada / chographie Canada

The process involved:

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0

Communicate with patient throughout examination, in

Communicate departmental reporting procedures to

Communicate effectively with other health care

Use medical terminology and standard abbreviations in

l Apply conflict resolution strategies.

Adapt communication for patients with special needs.

Explain examination procedure to patient.

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0

AREA 2: PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Verify that requested procedure correlates with patients

Identify and respond to urgent sonographic findings.

Take responsibility for decisions and actions.

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0

AREA 2: PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Share knowledge with patients, colleagues, students and

Maintain awareness of current and emerging technological

2.4 Maintenance of competence

Review professional literature and assess relevance to

Demonstrate awareness of need for continuing

2.5 Medico-legal responsibilities

Contribute productively to teamwork and collaborative

Provide and receive feedback in a professional manner.

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0

AREA 3: PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND CARE

Employ sterile technique and infection control methods.

Assess and monitor patient's physical and mental

Create an environment that protects patient modesty.

Perform examination in a timely manner.

j Recognize and respond to emergency situations.

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0

AREA 3: PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND CARE

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0

AREA 4: OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT

Select optimum system and transducer for examination

4.2 Use of equipment

Perform sonographic examinations using M-mode.

Perform sonographic examinations using colour

Perform sonographic examinations using power

Perform sonographic examinations using continuous

Perform sonographic examinations using tissue

Orient and manipulate transducer.

Monitor output display indices and adjust power output

National Competency Profiles Version 5.0

AREA 4: OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT