Ultrasound Tech Certification Guide - ARDMS, ARRT, CCI
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For some, the mention of ultrasound technology may bring to mind the roundness of an expectant mother’s belly and the black-and-white glossy image of a soon-to-be-born child. For others, ultrasound may have been used to follow up on another type of imaging, such as MRI or mammography, for the purpose of screening or diagnosis.
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) cites ultrasound as the most frequently used form of imaging for diagnostic purposes after X-rays. Though the first instance may be perhaps the most joyous use of this form of sonography, ultrasound technology is used in many ways—an exploratory tool for a variety of health purposes, concerns, and conditions.
Ultrasound was first used in diagnosis over 70 years ago. It began as a “science of investigation” in the form of SONAR used for sea navigation in WWII. Scientists began using it to image the human body in the 1940s. Now used with the integration of computer software to produce crisp visual images of the body through the use of sound waves, the insights gained from sonography encompass many areas of the medical landscape, including:
- Gynecology (pelvic wellness and infertility)
- Pregnancy (high-risk, ectopic, delivery predictions)
- Fetal imaging (exams, position, sex, gestational age)
- Breast cancer (screening, detection of masses/cysts, biopsy)
- Heart disease (stroke, hypertension, damage, congenital defects, hereditary abnormalities, plaque and coronary artery disease)
- Prostate cancer (screening, biopsy)
- Musculoskeletal issues (soft-tissue and superficial injuries of the nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles)
The outlook for employment in medical sonography is bright. Growing at a rate much faster than the average for all occupations, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that jobs in this field will swell 15 percent around the country between 2023 and 2033. With an average salary of $92,550 (BLS May 2024), this is a viable career option for compassionate individuals interested in working with people in a variety of healthcare settings.
Depending on the area of specialization chosen, ultrasound technologists might work in diagnostic labs, doctor’s offices, hospitals, outpatient centers, or other healthcare facilities.
How to Become a Certified Professional Ultrasound Tech?
Becoming certified as an ultrasound technologist or medical sonographer involves the completion of a general education degree, a specialized program in sonography, and passing a certification exam.
The main benefit of registering and earning certification in sonography is that with such a credential, technologists can demonstrate their competence to employers. Certification with an authorized entity provides assurance that professionals have met a set of recognized standards indicative of the expertise required for practice in the field. It is advantageous for medical sonographers to become certified in each of the areas in which they practice.
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Certifications
Four credentials are offered for sonographers through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS):
- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
- Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
- Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSKS)
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
The RDMS certification demonstrates competence in diagnostic medical sonography. Prerequisites for certification include one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree plus one year of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience
- Bachelor’s degree in sonography or vascular technology
- MD or DO degree with formal training (residency or fellowship), with didactic and clinical ultrasound/vascular experience, and completion of a physics class, course, or seminar (general, medical, or sonographic)
Once prerequisites have been met, candidates have five years to pass the corresponding exams. Two exams are required for this certification: a physics exam (sonography principles and instrumentation) and a series of specialty exams (abdomen, breast, fetal echocardiography, obstetrics & gynecology, and pediatric sonography).
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
The RDCS certification is designed for professionals in the field of cardiac sonography. Prerequisites for this certification include one of the following:
- Completion of a two-year allied health patient-care-related education program and one year of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience
- Completion of an accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography, cardiac sonography, or vascular technology (CAAHEP/CMA/HSO)
- Bachelor’s degree in any major and one year of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience
- Bachelor’s degree in sonography or vascular technology
- MD or DO degree with formal training (residency or fellowship) with didactic and clinical ultrasound/vascular experience
- MD or DO degree and one year of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience
- Credential from the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and completion of a physics class, course, or seminar (general, medical, or sonographic)
- Credential from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologies (ARRT) and completion of a physics class, course, or seminar (general, medical, or sonographic)
- Credential from the Australasian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) and completion of a physics class, course, or seminar (general, medical, or sonographic)
RDCS exams include the physics exam (SPI) and specialty exams in adult, fetal, and pediatric echocardiography (AE, FE, PE).
Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
Candidates seeking certification as Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs) are those specializing in the field of vascular ultrasound. Exams include the SPI and vascular technology specialty exams. Please check the ARDMS site for the most up-to-date eligibility information.
Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSKS)
Similarly, professionals seeking a credential in musculoskeletal sonography (RMSKS) are required to take the SPI and the specialty exam in musculoskeletal sonography. Please check the ARDMS site for the most up-to-date eligibility information. Also, physicians and advanced care providers can find information on becoming registered in musculoskeletal sonography through the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA).
Physicians in pursuit of the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) credential have a specialized process and exam for their level of professional role in ultrasound interpretation.
The ARDMS also awards a certificate in sonography for midwives. The exam assesses knowledge of the female reproductive system and the fetus during all three trimesters through both computer-based and practical examinations.
The renewal process for ARDMS certifications has four components. To maintain certification involves:
- Knowledge Confirmation: Identify potential areas for learning and improvement with SKILLS (currently in development)
- 3-year CME Period: Maintain your ARDMS credentials by earning the minimum required number of ARDMS-accepted CMEs within your three-year CME period.
- Annual Attestation: Each year when certification holders pay their annual renewal fee, they are attesting, or certifying, that they are compliant with all ARDMS rules and compliance policies and are in good standing with the ARDMS
- Annual Renewal Fee: Invest in ongoing resource development and support the mission of ARDMS
American Registry of Radiologic Technologies (ARRT) Certifications
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologies (ARRT) supports 15 credentials, available in a range of disciplines and through different eligibility pathways. Although all pathways share the same ethics and examination requirements, they have different education requirements. Certifications related to ultrasound are available in:
- Sonography (S) – certification and registration in Sonography is to recognize individuals who are qualified to perform the role of a sonographer.
- Breast Sonography (BS) – certification and registration in Breast Sonography is to recognize individuals who are qualified to perform the role of a breast sonographer.
- Vascular Sonography (VS) – certification and registration in Vascular Sonography is to recognize individuals who are qualified to perform the role of Vascular Sonographer.
In order to earn ARRT certification and registration, candidates need to meet three requirements (education, ethics, and examination). Before getting started, they’ll need to identify the eligibility pathway they’ll use and the discipline in which they’d like to earn a credential.
Primary Eligibility Pathway
The primary pathway is how the majority of people earn their first ARRT credential. It includes completing an ARRT-approved educational program. The Sonography (S) and Vascular Sonography (VS) credentials can be earned using this pathway.
Education: In order to meet the education requirement for the primary pathway, candidates must have earned an associate’s degree or higher and completed an ARRT-approved educational program in the same discipline as the credential they are pursuing.
Ethics: To become a candidate for certification and registration, candidates must demonstrate good moral character.
Examination: After meeting the education and ethics requirements, the final step to become certified and registered with ARRT is to take an examination in the chosen discipline. ARRT exams measure knowledge of the daily tasks that an entry-level technologist performs.
Post-Primary Eligibility Pathway
The post-primary eligibility pathway is for those who are currently certified and registered with ARRT and would like to pursue an additional credential. This pathway may also be used by those who hold a credential from ARDMS or NMTCB. The Breast Sonography (BS) and Vascular Sonography (VS) credentials can be earned using this pathway.
Education: The education requirement for earning a credential using the post-primary eligibility pathway includes:
- Being ARRT certified and registered in an appropriate supporting category. In some cases, certification by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) can count as the supporting category
- Meeting the structured education requirement
- Meeting the clinical experience requirement
Ethics: To become a candidate for certification and registration, candidates must demonstrate good moral character.
Examination: After meeting the education and ethics requirements, the final step to become certified and registered with ARRT is to take an examination in the chosen discipline. ARRT exams measure knowledge of the daily tasks that an entry-level technologist performs.
Exam details
The sonography exam contains 400 items (360 scored items and 40 pilot items). Total test time, including a 30-minute break between segments, is 440 minutes (7 hours, 20 minutes).
| Sonography Content Category | Number of Scored Questions |
|---|---|
| Patient Care | 26 |
| Image Production | 118 |
| Procedures | 216 |
| Total | 360 |
The breast sonography exam contains 225 items (185 scored items and 40 pilot items). Total test time is 245 minutes (4 hours, 5 minutes) in length.
| Breast Sonography Content Category | Number of Scored Questions |
|---|---|
| Patient Care | 18 |
| Image Production | 102 |
| Procedures | 65 |
| Total | 185 |
The vascular sonography exam contains 225 items (175 scored items and 50 pilot items). Total test time is 245 minutes (4 hours, 5 minutes) in length.
| Vascular Sonography Content Category | Number of Scored Questions |
|---|---|
| Patient Care | 20 |
| Image Production | 70 |
| Procedures | 85 |
| Total | 175 |
Renewal
Renewal of ARRT certification is annual and entails a quick and easy online process and payment of a fee. Registered Technologists (RTs) will have continuing education (CE) requirements to complete every two years as part of renewal. CE credits can be earned through participation in approved online classes, self-study, professional society meetings, and classroom study.
In addition, RTs with credentials earned after January 1, 2011, will be required to complete continuing qualifications requirements (CQR) every ten years.
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) Certifications
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers certification in several areas of sonography:
- Advanced Cardiac Sonography (ACS)
- Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS)
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)
- Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS)
Advanced Cardiac Sonography (ACS) relates to professionals aspiring toward a career in the echocardiography laboratory. To qualify for the exam all applicants are required to have a high school diploma or general education diploma at the time of application. Additionally, applicants must either:
- Be a graduate of an accredited advanced cardiac sonography education program
- Be a graduate of an accredited program in cardiac ultrasound/echocardiography, hold an active echocardiography registry credential, and have seven years of cardiac ultrasound clinical experience as a registered echocardiography sonographer
- Be a graduate of a diploma, associate, or baccalaureate program in health science, hold an active echocardiography registry credential, and have seven years of cardiac ultrasound experience as a registered echocardiography sonographer
- Hold an active echocardiography registry credential and ten years of cardiac ultrasound clinical experience as a registered echocardiography sonographer
The ACS exam is computer-based and administered at Pearson Professional Centers. The application fee for the exam is $450, which includes a $100 non-refundable filing fee.
Requirements, exam information, and fees for the other credentials offered through CCI can be found at the following links:
- Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS): Pediatric Congenital and Adult Congenital Cardiac Ultrasound Certification Examination
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS): Cardiac Ultrasound Certification Examination
- Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS): Venous/Phlebology Ultrasound Certification Examination
Professional sonographers credentialed through CCI may apply for renewal by submitting a renewal fee, attesting to CCI’s code of ethics, and completing continuing education units every three years.
Ultrasound Tech (Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Programs
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) hosts a database of accredited programs in medical sonography according to specialty area as well as degree type. A few accredited programs in general diagnostic medical sonography have been highlighted below:
- Community Medical Centers – Fresno, CA
- UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital – Aurora, CO
- Delaware Technical and Community College – Wilmington, DE
- Hillsborough Community College – Tampa, FL
- Morehead State University – Morehead, KY
- Baton Rouge Community College – Baton Rouge, LA
- Center for Allied Health Education – Brooklyn, NY
- Cape Fear Community College – Wilmington, NC
- Southeast Technical College – Sioux Falls, SD
- El Centro College – Dallas, TX
- Spokane Community College – Spokane, WA
