Pictured left to right: Lindsay Engel, vice-president of academic and student experience; Guy Pelletier, chair of the board of governors; Stuart Cullum, president; Heather Dirks, dean of the School of Health and Wellness; and Cadence Girard, student in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma program. Photo submitted/Red Deer Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic has officially opened a new sonography lab on its main campus.
The lab will provide hands-on training for students in RDP’s new Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma program, one of only three offered at public post-secondary institutions in Alberta. The program accepts 24 students each year.
“RDP has a long-standing commitment to health education,” said president Stuart Cullum. “Our new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma is a proud addition to a growing slate of healthcare programs at RDP.”
Students in the two-year program study general, obstetric, gynecologic and vascular sonography, along with ethical and professional concepts relevant to the field. The new lab allows them to practise patient simulations before clinical placements.
Heather Dirks, dean of RDP’s School of Health and Wellness, said the fall intake drew more than 300 applications. “We have no doubt that our grads will find meaningful employment upon graduation, and we will be working to grow this program in future years,” she said.
First-year student Cadence Girard said she is excited to train in the new facility. “I like to help people, and I look forward to working as part of a healthcare team,” she said.
The first cohort of 24 students began classes earlier this month.
** With information and photos from Red Deer Polytechnic.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.