Ultrasound Technician Certification

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. The ARDMS ® (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) is one of the most recognized sonography license organizations across the United States and the world. The ARDMS offers ultrasound certificates in Abdomen, Breast, Echocardiography, Neurosonology, OB/GYN, Vascular Technology, and soon in Musculoskeletal Sonography.

How do I earn my ARDMS Certification?

ARDMS certification is achieved by passing the Sonography, Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Exam, and is something that most graduates will pursue once they earn their ultrasound technician degree. Learn more about the SPI exam and its components below.

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Is ARMDS Certification Required?

Most states don’t require diagnostic medical sonographers to hold particular credentials, with the exception of New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota and Oregon.

More recently, legislation to mandate the credentialing of ultrasound techs are being pursued by some states, while others are considering it. Additionally, many employers prefer or require serious job candidates to have an ultrasound certification.

There are additional ultrasound certification processes you can pursue to demonstrate the full range of your expertise and specialization that will allow you stand out from other job applicants.

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Ultrasound Certifications

Is the ARDMS the only organization that offers certification?

In addition to being certified through the ARDMS, diagnostic medical sonographers can apply for Sonography Certification through the ARRT (American Registry for Radiologic Technologists). 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.

To acquire and maintain this ultrasound license, candidates must also abide by the ARRT’s Rules of Ethics, which strives to promote and maintain patient welfare. Additionally, an ultrasound practice (i.e. a medical center or hospital) can become accredited through the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

Various ultrasound certification programs are available for diagnostic medical sonographers who wish to earn a credential in a specific area. 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 (the field of sonography related to the eyes).
• The Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) grants ultrasound certifications to technicians and their practices that perform ultrasounds on beef cattle.

Main Exam	Specialty Exam	Credential Earned
Sonography, Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Exam	Abdomen (AB) Breast (BR) Fetal Echocardiography (FE) Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Pediatric Sonography (PS)	RDMS
Sonography, Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Exam	Adult Echocardiography (AE) Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) Fetal Echocardiography (FE)	RDCS
Sonography, Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Exam	Vascular Technology Exam (VT)	RVT
Sonography, Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Exam	Musculoskeletal Sonographer Examination (MSKS)	RMSKS
Midwife Sonographer Examination	No special examination needed	Midwife Sonographer Certificate

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Sonography certification and training program information by state. Select your state.

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Ultrasound training and program information by degree level.

Certificate

Associates Degree

Bachelors Degree

Masters Degree

CAAHEP – Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is responsible for the accreditation of over 2,100 postsecondary education programs across North America, 23 of which focus on health or health science.

The CAAHEP’s certification is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This is key because to be eligible for the CAAHEP or other ultrasound certifications such as the ARDMS, part of the typical criteria is completion of an educational program recognized by the CHEA (or the USDOE or CMA).

Member organizations

The CAAHEP consists of member organizations that are knowledgeable in each health science field and thus are able to provide valuable input when it comes to accrediting an educational program.

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.

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