License & Certification Needed for Ultrasound Technology

Professional certification is required to practice ultrasound technology.

Also known as diagnostic medical sonography, ultrasound technology refers to the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal bodily structures. Ultrasound technologists must maintain certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or ARDMS.

Significance

The ARDMS, an independent regulatory organization that provides and promotes quality assurance for the ultrasound technology profession, accomplishes this in part through the certification and registration of professional diagnostic medical sonographers.

Qualifications

To qualify for the certification examination administered by the ARDMS, applicants must complete an accredited training program. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits schools that provide training in ultrasound technology. As of 2010, the CAAHEP accredits 176 programs in 44 states.

Certification

The ARDMS requires two examinations before the certification necessary to seek employment as a professional ultrasound technologist. Applicants may take the tests in any order, but both must be completed within five years of passing the initial examination. All applicants take an examination in sonography principles and instrumentation. They also take a specialty examination covering at least one of the following areas: abdomen, breast, neurosonology, obstetrics and gynecology, adult echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, pediatric echocardiography or vascular technology.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Credentials and Examinations
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: Program Directory