Diagnostic medical sonography’s societies and organizations are vital in advancing and recognizing medical imaging in modern healthcare.
These groups not only promote the profession but also serve as invaluable resources for aspiring students, experienced professionals, and everyone in between. Many offer membership benefits that can far outweigh the cost of dues, including educational tools, networking opportunities, and career resources.
Whether you’re a student beginning your journey in medical imaging, a seasoned professional looking to stay ahead of industry trends, or exploring leadership opportunities, joining a local or national DMS organization can provide lasting value.
Benefits of Joining a DMS Organization
- Opportunities to give back to the community and contribute to the field.
- Networking with professionals and peers to build meaningful connections.
- Staying informed about advancements in imaging technology and techniques.
- Access to high-quality education, training programs, and certifications.
- Tracking and fulfilling CME requirements through streamlined tools and resources.
- Gaining a competitive edge in the job market with exclusive career development opportunities.
- Building leadership skills and advancing into specialized or managerial roles.
- Access to professional journals, newsletters, and member-only content that keep you informed about the latest industry developments.
Sonography Organizations
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
Founded in 1975, the ARDMS is a non-profit organization that is the primary accrediting agency of ultrasound technicians. The mission of the ARDMS is to “empower sonographers to provide exceptional patient care through rigorous assessments and continual learning”. They offer certification in 6 different specialties, and you must pass their exams to earn their credentials.
ARDMS members can use their tracking tool to monitor CME requirements and renewals, thus avoiding lapses and saving time and money.
Contact:
1401 Rockville Pike Ste 600
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 738-8401
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
The SDMS is a membership organization founded in 1970 that serves to promote, advance and educate its members. The SDMS also offers continuing Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses that are accepted by the major accrediting agencies.
Members benefits include exclusive access to salary data, professional liability insurance, and a nation-wide career center, with standard dues at $160.00 per year.
Contact:
2745 Dallas Pkwy Ste 350
Plano, TX 75093
(800) 229-9506
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
This is the largest accrediting agency in health sciences. They review and accredit educational programs in 30 health science occupations. When reviewing the accreditation of a program you’re considering attending, theirs is the generally the best one to look for.
They offer a search function on their website that enable you to quickly find accredited programs in your area. Completion of a CAAHEP accredited program is one of the prerequisite options for sitting for the ARDMS exam.
Contact:
25400 US Highway 19 North Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 210-2350
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
Formed in 1968, the CCI is a non-profit organization offering credentials within cardiovascular specialties, including advanced cardiac sonography. Not all states require licensing or certification, but of those that do, the credentials of the CCI are typically used. There is also a tool on their website to verify the credentials of an individual practitioner.
Contact:
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
(800) 326-0268
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
The ARRT is the world’s largest credentialing organization for those in medical imaging and radiation therapy. They help to set standards, ethics, and continuing education requirements. Their stated mission is to “promote high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy”. The ARRT was founded in 1920 and offers 9 different credentials, including 3 in Sonography.
Contact:
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
(651) 687-0048
American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
The ASE is a membership organization comprised of professionals within the field of cardiography. They offer contributions to the guidelines, ethics and standards within cardiography, as well as continuing medical education (CME).
Membership benefits include discounts on courses, online CME classes, and CME/MOC/CEU reporting, with rates starting at $75.00 per year.
Contact:
2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite 450
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 861-5574
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
The AIUM’s membership consists of more than 9,900 sonographers, physicians, scientists, engineers, other health care providers, manufacturers of ultrasound equipment, and students. They continue to provide education to our multidisciplinary membership, and are most recently working to provide resources for medical schools to help facilitate the incorporation of ultrasound into medical school curricula.
Contact:
14750 Sweitzer Lane, Suite 100
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 498-4100
American College of Radiology (ACR)
Another membership organization for radiologists and those in related careers. Dedicated to advancing the science of radiology by advocating for patient care, conducting research, and providing CME.
Contact:
1891 Preston White Dr.
Reston, VA 20191
703-648-8900
Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE offers testing for a variety of disciplines through a secure network of testing centers. They administer the exams for both the ARDMS and the CCI. Testing locations can be found on their website.
Contact:
(877) 258-9220