Limited Ultrasound Training

According to Section II C of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) guideline for the performance of obstetric ultrasound examinations, limited obstetric ultrasounds are performed when a specific medical question requires investigation. Training is offered as a continuing medical education (CME) course for nurses, midwives, physician assistants and other health care professionals with limited training in diagnostic ultrasound training.

Types

Limited ultrasound training is available in online and face-to-face formats. The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) provides online training in limited ultrasound. The course is authorized by the California Board of Nursing. The six-module course included legal basics of limited obstetrical ultrasound, introduction to ultrasound and ultrasound measurement performance. The Jefferson Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (JUREI) at Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers a two-day, CME training program. Presentations include basic fetal anatomy, transabdominal scanning techniques and pelvic ultrasound scanning.

Fees

As of November 2010, the JUREI program costs $950 for the didactic session and an additional $300 for the hands-on practicum. Training through the NIFLA course costs $775 for physicians and nurses who are not associated with NIFLA and $725 who are affiliated with the organization.

Identification

Training in limited obstetrical ultrasound is recognized by the AIUM, the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

References

• Physicians' and Nurses' Online Course in Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound
• Jefferson Ultrasound Research and Education Institute: Limited Obstetric Ultrasound

Resources

• AIUM Guideline for the Performance of Obstetric Ultrasound Examinations