2 Ways Students Can Become Certified Ultrasound Technicians

In most of the medical fields, it is necessary to have certification, but sometimes it is optional. However, in a field that requires high levels of skills, some tests are in place to prove the expertise of the professional. It may not be an official requirement to pass such tests, but doing so can certainly prove to be a beneficial proposition for employability.

Ultrasound diagnostic imaging is one such medical field where even though certification is not required officially, but most of the employers do give preference to a certified ultrasound technician. When you become a certified sonographer from a professional and recognized body, it would help you to find a well-paid job. At this point you would want to know how to become a certified sonographer. Here is how you can become a certified sonographer.

ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) Certification

The ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) is the leading body in the profession and offers valued certification to ultrasound technicians. Found in 1975, the ARDMS is a non-profit organization that conducts certifications exams on the national level for ultrasound technicians. The organization offers 4 certification exams.

RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer certification) is the most basic certification that proves that ascertains that the certified ultrasound technician has a basic competence level. The other certifications are the RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer), the RPVI (Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation) and the RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist).

In addition to ARDMS, there are a few more organizations that provide certifications to ultrasound technicians. However, ARDMS is the most popular and widely accepted certification body in the country.

Education Required for Certification

Before you want to become a certified sonographer, you need to complete your education. An ultrasound technician needs to have a minimum of a certificate before he can start working with an organization. However, a certificate is not enough to get certified by the ARDMS, as the minimum requisite is an associate's degree.

You can undergo an associate's degree or bachelor's degree program form different types of educational facilities such as 4-year colleges, universities, junior colleges, community colleges, technical schools, or vocational schools. If you want to appear in the ARDMS certification exam, it is necessary that you complete either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree program. The certification procedure will also require you to submit a clinical experience certificate. This means that after completing the program you would also be required to undergo some years in clinical experience.