FAQ

How/where can I get information about the Diagnostic Imaging Program?

You can access more information by visiting the Diagnostic Imaging Program page on the Dawson College website (www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca) under Programs – Science, Medical Studies & Engineering. You can also attend the Open House held in October, where you will have the opportunity to speak to faculty and students as well as tour our facilities to learn more about the Program.

Additional information about the Diagnostic Imaging profession can be found by visiting the following websites:

What are the admission requirements?

Diploma of Secondary Studies
*Mathematics 564-406 or 565-406 (new regime) or Mathematics 436 (old regime)
*Physical Science 558-404 or 558-402 (new regime) or Physical Science 436 (old regime)
**Must be eligible to take College English 603-101
**Must be eligible to take Basic French 602-100
Letter of Intent must be included with the application
Interview (Only applicants who meet the admission requirements will be interviewed)

*Higher levels of Mathematics and Physics are strongly recommended to improve chances of success.

**Some applicants may be required to take an English and/or French placement test as part of the admission process. Applicants who place below the preparatory level on the placement tests will not be admitted.

I have done the prerequisites more than 5 years ago. How will this affect my application?

If you have completed the Program pre-requisites more than 5 years ago, you will be required to demonstrate your competency in these areas by either passing pre-admission tests with a satisfactory grade or by taking refresher courses. To help you assess whether you possess the required knowledge in Physical Science and Mathematics, you can access the practice exams found on the Dawson website under Programs – Alphabetical Listings:

“Chemistry” – Previous Final Exams – Physical Science (982-021-06).
“Mathematics” – Previous Final Exams – Remedial Activities for Secondary IV Mathematics (201-013-50).

I am missing a prerequisite; can I take it during the summer prior to admission?

You may be able to register for a pre-requisite course during the summer. However, priority for Program admission is given to applicants who have already completed the required pre-requisites.

I lack the language and/or science skills that are required for this Program. What should I do?

You can improve your language skills and/or complete the necessary pre-requisite science/math courses by registering in the appropriate courses through the Continuing Education department at any CEGEP or through an Adult Education centre. Keep in mind that you must meet both the English and French language eligibility criteria before applying to the Program.

You may also want to consider completing a transitional year at the College in a program such as Developmental Sciences or Preparatory Sciences and reapply next year. You should contact an academic advisor for details.

How can I find out if the courses that I have taken are equivalent to the admission pre-requisite courses?

If you are unsure whether you have the Program pre-requisites, you can contact an academic advisor to determine whether you should complete additional courses before applying. For more information on how to contact academic advising, go to the home page of the Dawson website – under Choose Dawson.

I already have professional training in Diagnostic Imaging from another country. How can I get certified in Canada/Quebec?

Technologists from other countries can request a professional assessment of their file through either the national association (CAMRT) or provincial order (OTIMROEPMQ). For more information, please contact the association/order directly.

How can I best prepare for the interview?

Become informed about the profession before your interview. Be prepared to demonstrate that you possess the skills/abilities and personal attributes to succeed in the Program and as a technologist in the profession. Even if you have a strong academic background, you must prove to the interview team that you are the best. Unfortunately, many qualified applicants will be refused because of the limited number of seats available in the Program.

How many applicants are admitted to the Program?

We admit approximately 40 students into the Program each fall. The Program is very competitive and there are generally many more applicants than there are spaces. Admission numbers are limited due primarily to restraints governing our physical facilities, namely, equipment and clinical placement.

Are there any physical aptitude requirements for entry into the Program?

There are some health related conditions which may have an impact on or may possibly prevent future employment in this profession. It is important that you discuss this with your physician before applying to the Program. A medical certificate must be completed by your physician certifing that you have the physical/mental capacity for this profession. Immunizations, which are recommended by the Department of Public Health for health care professionals and students, must also be completed before entering the clinical environment.

I already have a D.E.C. or University degree. Can I finish in less than 3 years?

No, you cannot finish in less than three years, but having a D.E.C. will enable you to have a lighter course load. You will be given credit for the general education courses and complementary courses you have already completed, but you must follow the specific course sequence for the Program in each semester.

Can I take the Program on a part-time basis and/or in the evening?

No, the Program is only offered during regular daytime hours. You must take all the courses in each semester as per the Program grid.

Can I be admitted in January?

No, students are admitted to the Program only in the fall.

If I am only interested in a career in Ultrasound, do I need to take all the Diagnostic Imaging courses?

Yes. Quebec is the only province whereby Ultrasound is included in the Diagnostic Imaging Program. If you graduate from the DI Program and want to work in Ultrasound in another province, you must complete a separate Ultrasound Program.

What are the chances of finding full-time employment once I have graduated?

There has been a decline in the number of full-time permanent positions available in the hospital environment; however, most graduates find the equivalence of full-time employment upon graduation. Employment opportunities also exist in the private sector (clinics) and in product sales and development.

What are the requirements for getting a working permit in Quebec?

You must complete a D.E.C. in DI, pass the OTIMROEPMQ certification exam and pass the French proficiency test from l’Office québécois de la langue française. Some candidates may obtain an exemption from the French proficiency test if they meet the criteria requirements.

Can I continue my studies at University and obtain a Bachelor’s degree?

There are several Bachelor Programs offered in other provinces, but at this moment, Quebec does not have a Bachelor Program in Diagnostic Imaging. Specialty courses and continuing education courses are offered through the provincial order and national association.

Are there any intensive courses in the Program?

Yes, there are several intensive courses throughout the three years:

Introduction to Radiology – starts the 2nd week of August and ends the 3rd week of August, prior to the start of the fall semester.
Clinical 2 – 3 weeks following the second semester (June-July).
Clinical 3 – The first week of this clinical course is done prior to the start of the fourth semester.

What clinical sites are affiliated with the Program?

There are six clinical sites: McGill University Health Center (MCH, MGH & RVH), Jewish General, St-Mary’s and Lakeshore (CSSS-ODI) Hospitals.

How many hours per week should I be reserving for home studies?

At least as many hours as you spend at the College. Between school and home studies, most students in the Program claim that they need between 40 and 60 hours/week, including class and lab time.

What is the cost of the Program?Non-residents should consult the Dawson College website for tuition fee information.

There is no tuition fee for Quebec residents, although all full-time students must pay student fees of approximately $140/ semester. Students accepted into the DI Program must also purchase a uniform and hospital shoes (approximately $150) and register on the student registry with the professional order (OTIMROEPMQ) before July 1^st of the first semester (approximately $140). Textbooks and course manuals may cost approximately $2000 for the entire three years.

Non-residents should consult the Dawson website for tuition fee information.

What type of financial/academic support is available at the College?

Student Services provide a great deal of support to students. Check the Dawson College website to find out about the many services at the College, including the Academic Skills Centre, the Mentor Program, the Peer and Faculty Tutoring Programs, Academic Advising, Counselling and Financial Assistance. The Program itself offers regular revision seminars to assist students in many courses.