Getting Certified in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
A certification is a license or credential that you earn to show that you have specific knowledge or skills. In ultrasound, the primary agency that awards certification is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Most employers will require you to have your RDMS credential. If you receive your degree from a CAAHEP accredited institution, you will most likely sit for the RDMS exam during your final semester.
ARDMS Certifications
The ARDMS offers ultrasound certification in the following areas within general sonography:
- Abdomen
- Breast
- Fetal Echocardiography
- Neurosonology Registrant
- Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn)
- Pediatric Sonography
In addition, the RDMS provides registration exams for cardiac sonographers, vascular technologists, muskuloskeletal sonogaphers, and midwives.
Ultrasound Certifications
The ARDMS is not the only organization that offers certification. Diagnostic medical sonographers can also apply for certification through the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Completing an ultrasound program from an accredited school (recognized by the CHEA or USDE) within the last five years makes you eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam.
Determining which certification is best for you can depend on factors such as your school’s accreditation status, your specialty within the field, and your career goals.
“I would recommend taking your certification boards soon after graduation. The information is fresh in your mind, and you will become more marketable for jobs if you have those under your belt.
Get yourself out there in the job field. Even if you don’t get the perfect job to start, keep an open mind and be receptive to any opportunities that arise.” – Jessica Carlino, RDMS, RVT
To acquire and maintain your ultrasound credential, candidates must also abide by the ARRT’s Rules of Ethics, which strives to promote and maintain patient welfare. Examples of other organizations that administer ultrasound licenses include:
- Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers certifications in cardiac, vascular and phlebology ultrasound.
- The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) offers ophthalmic ultrasound certifications (sonography related to the eyes).
Learn more about getting and maintaining your ultrasound credential.
- Learn more about the ARDMS and the credentials and exams that they offer.
- Prepare for the exam. The tests are rigorous, so come prepared!
- Tips on passing the sonography principles and instrumentation (SPI) exam. This is the initial test offered by the RDMS and must be passed before taking the specialty exam.
- Continued Medical Education (CME) credits must be taken on a regular basis in order to maintain your certification.
Certification Requirements by State
Most states don’t require that sonographers carry licensure or a credential. Visit your state below to learn the specific requirements in your area.
CAAHEP – Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
The CAAHEP’s certification is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This is key because to be eligible to sit for the ARDMS or other ultrasound certifications, part of the typical criteria is completion of an educational program recognized by the CHEA (or the USDOE or CMA).
Additionally, you’re automatically qualified to take the ARDMS exam if you graduate from a school accredited by the CAAHEP. The CAAHEP is responsible for the accreditation of over 2,100 postsecondary education programs across North America, 23 of which focus on health or health science.
CAAHEP vs. Non-Accredited Sonography Programs
Author Samantha Callis, MHA, ACS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
“If you attend a CAAHEP-accredited program, you may be able to take your physics exam (SPI Exam) prior to graduation. In a non-CAAHEP-accredited program, you may have to obtain one year of full time, paid working experience as a sonographer before you fulfill the prerequisite for specialty examinations.
This doesn’t mean you can’t get your credential, but if you finish school and want to gain your professional experience in an area that requires an ARDMS credential to be hired, you can see how this becomes a bit tricky. Ask programs you are interested in how and when prerequisite requirements are met for enrolled students”.
Member organizations
The CAAHEP consists of member organizations that are knowledgeable in each health science field and are able to provide valuable input related to accredited educational programs. Among the member organizations are several related to the field of ultrasound. These include:
- The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
- The American Society of Echocardiography (ASECHO)
- The Committee on Accreditation for Advanced Cardiovascular Sonography
- The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS)
- The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
- The Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
In short, when selecting an ultrasound degree or certificate program, ensure it is recognized by the CHEA, USDOE or CMA. If it is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), you will be meeting this particular prerequisite for the ultrasound license process.
At Ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com, our goal is to provide a reliable and accurate resource for students and sonography professionals alike. Information is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis by our editorial staff. Please contact us to submit feedback and suggestions.
