RED DEER POLYTECHNIC
RDP's new Sonography Lab adds innovative training space for Alberta's future sonographers

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) celebrated the grand opening of a new Sonography Lab on its main campus earlier today. This new lab provides hands-on training space for students enrolled in the post-secondary institution's new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) leaders, along with faculty, staff and students from RDP's new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting the opening of RDP's new Sonography Lab on September 10, 2025. Depicted in photo (left-right): Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience; Guy Pelletier, Chair, Board of Governors; Stuart Cullum, President; Heather Dirks, Dean, School of Health and Wellness; Cadence Girard, Student, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma

RDP's Sonography program is one of only three offered at public post-secondary institutions in Alberta. With a cohort of 24 students each year, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma is one of the innovative ways in which RDP is expanding education, training and applied research to meet the diverse needs of patients, communities and growing demand for trained professionals within Alberta's healthcare sector.

"RDP has a long-standing commitment to health education. As one of our four areas of focus, we are working closely with industry to deliver a broad spectrum of healthcare and health technology programs and applied research that align with the needs of Alberta's healthcare system," comments Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. "Our new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma is a proud addition to a growing slate of healthcare programs at RDP."

Students participate in a diverse set of courses and lab work to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skillset to achieve success as a medical sonographer. Students take courses such as General Sonography, Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography, and Vascular Sonography, while receiving training in ethical and other non-technical concepts that are relevant to the practice of Sonography. The new Sonography Lab provides students with a safe learning environment that includes experiences such as patient simulations, prior to their clinical practicum placements.

"We are very excited to welcome our first cohort of 24 students into our new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma," shared Heather Dirks, Dean, RDP's School of Health and Wellness, at the celebration. "We have seen incredible industry and student demand for this program. We received over 300 applications for our fall 2025 intake. Through discussions with health leaders, 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."

The first cohort of students in the Sonography Diploma began their studies earlier this month, eager to learn and be part of a high-demand career in Alberta's growing healthcare sector.

"I am excited to learn about, and start a career in sonography, for so many reasons," comments Cadence Girard, first-year student enrolled in RDP's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma. "I like to help people, and I look forward to working as part of a healthcare team. There are so many possibilities in Alberta for different types of settings in which I can work as a sonographer. It's also incredible to be able to learn in this brand-new lab at RDP with state-of-the-art equipment."

To learn more about RDP's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma program, visit: rdpolytech.ca/DMS