How to Get Registered to Be a Sonogram Technician

Sonogram technicians must have formal education and training.

Sonogram technicians are medical professionals that operate ultrasound equipment. Typically, sonogram technicians conduct diagnostic imaging and analyze images with a doctor to make diagnoses. Often, they also handle clerical and administrative tasks. Sonogram technicians normally have a specialty in a certain area, such as obstetric and gynecologic sonography. In the United States, the primary credentialing agency that registers sonogram technicians is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Instructions

1. Earn a minimum of an associate's degree in an accredited post-secondary allied-health program, such diagnostic medical sonography, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy or nursing. Otherwise, earn a bachelor's or master's degree in a health-related field from a four-year college or university.

2. Complete 12 months of full-time clinical training in ultrasound/vascular technology. This training must occur outside of your education degree program. Ideally, this training should cover your intended area of specialty.

3. Register for the general exam, the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam. Register online at the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography's website (ardms.org). Provide official academic transcripts, a copy of your degree or program certificate, an original letter from the supervising physician or program director that supervised your 12-month training and an original and a photocopy of a government-issued identification with photo.

4. Register for a specialty exam, upon passage of the general exam. Register for a credential in one of the following specialities: Abdomen, Breast, Fetal Echocardiography, Neurosonology or Obstetrics and Gynecology. Upon successful passage of the specialty exam, you will be registered with the necessary credentials to apply for license in the state in which you intend to practice.

References

• Education-Portal: Sonogram Technician: Profile of a Career in Sonography
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Inc.: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Inc.: Pre-requisite Chart