Preparing for Regulation

The Government of Alberta has taken the following steps to regulate Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMS).

  • On December 17, 2025, amendments to the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation were approved, authorizing DMS to perform specific restricted activities.
  • On March 2, 2026, the Minister of Primary and Preventive Health Services approved amendments to the Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation to include DMS as a regulated profession under the Health Professions Act.
  • These amendments will come into force on July 6, 2026.

As part of implementing the regulation, the College is establishing a DMS profession register with three specialties:

  • DMS – Ultrasound Technologist (Generalist)
  • DMS – Echocardiographer (Cardiac)
  • DMS – Vascular Technologist (Vascular)

Effective July 6, 2026, all individuals practicing as a DMS in any specialty in Alberta must be registered with the College and hold a valid practice permit.

If you are currently practicing or have current practice hours as a DMS in Alberta, the following information is available on the DMS regulation pages:

  • Information on how to get ready for regulation.
  • Close to 50 FAQ’s on both pre- and post regulation
  • The Pre-Regulatory Record (PRR) and how to apply

The Pre- Regulatory Record

What is the Pre-Regulatory Record (PRR)?

  • The PRR is for DMS who are currently practicing or have current practice hours in Alberta.
  • It allows the College to review your information and confirm that you meet the requirements to be registered when the regulation takes effect on July 6, 2026.
  • If you apply to the PRR and your application is approved, you will be added to the appropriate register when the regulation comes into force.
  • The PRR helps ensure that sonographers who are currently practicing can continue practicing without interruption once regulation begins.
All applications for the PRR must be submitted by June 7, 2026, at 11:59 pm MDT to be considered for registration on the General Register effective July 6, 2026.

Criteria for PRR

Are you currently employed as a DMS and practicing* in Alberta?

If you are not currently employed and practicing* as a DMS, have you completed 800 practice hours in your primary specialty and, if applicable, 160 practice hours in each of your secondary/tertiary specialties in Alberta within the last 5 years?

*Practicing means: performing medical diagnostic ultrasound examinations or services. Practice includes not only direct patient care but also other professional roles, such as education, research, management, and supervision, that support and advance the profession.

More than one specialty? Apply early.

  • You must have your primary specialty approved before submitting a PRR application for any secondary/tertiary specialty.
  • This means you need to plan ahead. If you intend to apply in more than one specialty, submit your primary application early to allow time for review and approval.

Questions?

Email us at dmsregulation@acmdtt.com.

Please note: If the information you are looking for is not available on this page, additional details can be found on our other DMS pages, accessible through the Important Links sidebar.

Timeline

  • March 16, 2026 – Pre-Regulatory Record Opens
  • June 8, 2026 -at 12:00 am MDT, Pre Regulatory Record Closes
  • July 6, 2026 – Regulation in force and registration and annual renewal requirements apply.

🔗Important Links