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Course Description

Musculoskeletal (MSK) shoulder ultrasounds are one of the most requested and most backlogged scans in Canada. The healthcare industry needs qualified professionals who can do this in-demand work and alleviate patient care delays. Are you a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound technologist looking to acquire advanced skills in the Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound technique to perform shoulder exams?

Validated by Sonography Canada, this 20-hour self-directed online theory course provides the key information, concepts and techniques necessary for successful shoulder ultrasound scanning. The course covers the fundamentals of MSK scanning, including shoulder anatomy and physiology, normal and abnormal sonographic shoulder appearances, practical patient positioning and the sequence of a typical shoulder exam. You'll progress through interactive modular content and assessments and benefit from the knowledge of our expert instructors, who will be accessible throughout the course to ensure you maximize your learning.

The theory you learn will prepare you for our 62-hour, hands-on DMST-014 Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound – Shoulder (Lab) course where you’ll practice and refine the scanning technique with SAIT lab sessions, self-paced homework assignments, followed by a worksite practicum to gain exposure to pathology.

Note: Registration for this course closes seven days before the course start date. You’ll need to meet eligibility requirements and upload supporting documentation before you can register. See Student Eligibility and How to Register sections below for more information.

This course is ideal if you:

  • are a registered sonographer looking to gain advanced skills in MSK ultrasound to enhance your qualifications and scope of practice
  • are seeking to progress or specialize within the medical imaging field
  • are working in orthopedic or rehabilitation settings and are looking to refine your skills and improve diagnostic accuracy for shoulder injuries and conditions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • identify the muscular and skeletal anatomy of the shoulder, the structure’s functions and common causes of injury
  • understand the basics of MSK ultrasound scanning and ultrasound machine requirements and optimization 
  • identify the scanning protocol for evaluation and the normal and abnormal sonographic appearance of:
    • the biceps
    • the subscapularis tendon
    • the acromial-clavicular joint
    • the infraspinatus and teres minor tendons, their bellies and the posterior shoulder joint
    • the supraspinatus tendon
  • describe the recommended scanning protocol, sonographer ergonomics and patient positioning.

You’ll demonstrate your skill and knowledge acquisition through knowledge checks, quizzes and a final online exam. All coursework must be completed as per the course schedule and no later than the course end date.

To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.

Funding Opportunities

Learn more about how to pay for or reduce your education/training costs with available awards, bursaries, loan options and grants, including the Canada Alberta Job Grant.

To register for this course, you must provide documented proof that you hold a certificate or diploma from an accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, be a current credentialed member in good standing with Sonography Canada, and have at least two years of full-time work experience as a sonographer in a clinic or hospital setting.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Delivery formats: For your convenience, this course is delivered in the online asynchronous format. Learn more about our delivery formats.

Course completion: Upon successful completion of this non-credit course, you’ll receive an electronic copy of your official SAIT transcript. You’ll also be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.

Admission is based on a first-qualified, first-registered basis. Registration closes seven days before the course start date. Payment in full is required upon registration by Visa or Mastercard.

To self-serve register online:

  • Set up your Con Ed student account.
  • Click on the DMST-013 course section you want to take and follow the prompts in the online shopping cart process to upload your proof documentation. It'll take 24-48 hours to verify and approve your submission. Once approved, you'll be notified by email to complete your online registration for DMST-013.

Popular Related Programs or Courses

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Enrol Now - Select a section to enrol in
Section Title
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound - Shoulder
Type
Internet Paced - Online Asynchronous
Dates
Jan 06, 2025 to Apr 20, 2025
Contact Hours
20.0
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
Tuition non-credit $499.00 Click here to get more information
Potential Discount(s)
Reading List / Textbook
  • Optional: Purchase Jacobson, J. A. (2013). Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. Elsevier Saunders from your preferred vendor.
Section Notes

Required Software/Technology/Supplies
Included and access provided:

  • Student version of Microsoft 365 and Brightspace (D2L) online learning platform
  • All course curriculum (online)

You'll need to supply:

On Course Start Date

  • Follow instructions to log in to Microsoft 365 and check your MS Outlook inbox for any course-related emails from your instructor. Click on the Brightspace (D2L) icon/link to access online course content and further instructions to get started.

Reminder: To view your course enrolment details including Start Date, Schedule and Location, log in to your Continuing Education Student Account, click on My Enrolment History.

If you have any questions, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca

Section Title
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound - Shoulder
Type
Internet Paced - Online Asynchronous
Dates
Mar 03, 2025 to Jun 15, 2025
Contact Hours
20.0
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
Potential Discount(s)
Reading List / Textbook
  • Optional: Purchase Jacobson, J. A. (2013). Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. Elsevier Saunders from your preferred vendor.
Section Notes

Required Software/Technology/Supplies
Included and access provided:

  • Student version of Microsoft 365 and Brightspace (D2L) online learning platform
  • All course curriculum (online)

You'll need to supply:

On Course Start Date

  • Follow instructions to log in to Microsoft 365 and check your MS Outlook inbox for any course-related emails from your instructor. Click on the Brightspace (D2L) icon/link to access online course content and further instructions to get started.

Reminder: To view your course enrolment details including Start Date, Schedule and Location, log in to your Continuing Education Student Account, click on My Enrolment History.

If you have any questions, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca

Section Title
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound - Shoulder
Type
Internet Paced - Online Asynchronous
Dates
Jul 07, 2025 to Oct 19, 2025
Contact Hours
20.0
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
Tuition non-credit $499.00 Click here to get more information
Reading List / Textbook
  • Optional: Purchase Jacobson, J. A. (2013). Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. Elsevier Saunders from your preferred vendor.
Section Notes

Required Software/Technology/Supplies
Included and access provided:

  • Student version of Microsoft 365 and Brightspace (D2L) online learning platform
  • All course curriculum (online)

You'll need to supply:

On Course Start Date

  • Follow instructions to log in to Microsoft 365 and check your MS Outlook inbox for any course-related emails from your instructor. Click on the Brightspace (D2L) icon/link to access online course content and further instructions to get started.

Reminder: To view your course enrolment details including Start Date, Schedule and Location, log in to your Continuing Education Student Account, click on My Enrolment History.

If you have any questions, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca

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