Top 11 Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for diagnostic medical sonographers, as they demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Having certifications shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to carry out the duties of the position. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher salaries, more job opportunities and increased recognition in the industry. Finally, certifications can also provide continuing education credits, which are necessary for professional development and growth.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and explain how they can help advance a sonographer's career.

What are Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certifications?

Diagnostic medical sonographer certification is a certification process that provides recognition to those who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. This certification is offered through organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and The Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement (APCA).

The goal of these certifications is to ensure that all diagnostic medical sonographers are highly qualified and proficient in their profession. By obtaining certification, a diagnostic medical sonographer demonstrates to employers and patients that they possess the necessary skills and competencies to provide quality care. Furthermore, it serves as evidence of continuing education, which helps maintain current knowledge in the field.

In addition, by becoming certified, a diagnostic medical sonographer may be eligible for higher pay and better job opportunities. Employers often consider certified professionals more desirable than non-certified professionals when hiring or promoting staff members. Becoming certified also allows individuals to become more marketable in the job market, as employers may prefer candidates with this credential over those without it. Finally, certification can help improve patient outcomes by providing assurance that the patient is receiving high-quality care from an experienced professional.

Pro Tip: When considering certification for a diagnostic medical sonographer, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications in detail. Different states and organizations may have different certifications and qualifications, so it is important to be aware of the requirements in your area before applying for certification.

Related: What does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer do?

Top 11 Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Diagnostic Medical Sonographers today.

1. Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)

Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. It is administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The RDMS credential is awarded to individuals who have met the ARDMS’s educational, clinical and examination requirements.

To become an RDMS, individuals must complete an accredited educational program in diagnostic medical sonography and pass the ARDMS examinations. Most programs require a minimum of two years of study and can take up to four years to complete. Upon successful completion of the program, students must then pass both the Physics and Instrumentation Examination as well as one or more specialty examinations.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on which specialty exams are taken, but generally ranges from $200-$400 per exam. Additionally, there is an annual fee associated with maintaining your RDMS certification which currently stands at $125 per year.

Overall, becoming an RDMS can take anywhere from 2-4 years depending on your educational program and how quickly you are able to prepare for and pass the required examinations.

2. Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)

A Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) is a professional who specializes in using ultrasound technology to diagnose and treat heart conditions. The RCS credential is issued by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). To become an RCS, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge and skills in cardiac sonography.

The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, physics, instrumentation, image acquisition, patient care and safety. The practical portion involves performing simulated cardiac sonography procedures on a mannequin.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the RCS exam. During this time, individuals should review relevant course material and practice with ultrasound equipment to become familiar with the techniques used in cardiac sonography.

To take the RCS exam, applicants must submit an application to ARDMS along with the required fee. The current fee for the RCS examination is $450 USD. Once approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam through Pearson VUE testing centers.

Once an applicant passes both portions of the exam they will be granted the RCS credential from ARDMS and can begin practicing as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer.

3. Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)

A Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in performing non-invasive vascular diagnostic testing. This includes ultrasound, Doppler studies, and other tests used to diagnose problems with the circulatory system. The RVT must have specialized training and experience in order to be certified.

To become an RVT, one must complete an accredited program in vascular technology, which typically takes two years to complete. After completing the program, the individual must pass a certification exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Once certified, the individual can use the title “Registered Vascular Technologist” or “RVT”.

The cost of becoming an RVT varies depending on where you take your courses and how long it takes you to complete them. Generally speaking, tuition costs for a two-year program range from $10,000 - $20,000. Additionally, there is usually a fee associated with taking the certification exam. This fee is typically around $300-$400.

Overall, becoming an RVT requires dedication and hard work but can provide great rewards in terms of job satisfaction and career advancement opportunities.

4. Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (CDMS)

A Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (CDMS) is a health professional trained in the use of ultrasound technology to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the organs, tissues, and vessels inside the body. It is used to diagnose and monitor many conditions, including pregnancy, heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

To become a CDMS, individuals must complete an accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs typically take two years to complete and require both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing their program, individuals must pass an exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This exam tests knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics, instrumentation, patient care procedures, safety protocols and more.

The cost of becoming a CDMS varies depending on the individual's educational institution and coursework requirements. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited program ranges from $20-$40K depending on the length of study required. Additionally, there are costs associated with taking the ARDMS certification exam which can range from $200-$400 depending on which exams are taken.

5. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides certification and registration services to the medical imaging and sonography community. The ARDMS offers a range of certifications in the field of diagnostic medical sonography, including Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), and Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSK).

To obtain an ARDMS certification, applicants must meet certain educational and clinical experience requirements. After meeting these requirements, applicants can register for the ARDMS examination. The exam consists of a written portion and a practical portion. Once both portions are completed successfully, applicants will receive their certification from the ARDMS.

The process typically takes about 4-6 months from start to finish. To get started, applicants should visit the ARDMS website to review the eligibility requirements for their desired certification. They should then contact their local education provider or hospital to inquire about obtaining the necessary clinical experience hours and completing any required courses or workshops. Once all of these steps are complete, applicants can register for the exam through the ARDMS website.

The cost of obtaining an ARDMS certification varies depending on which type of certification you are applying for and whether or not you need to take additional courses or workshops in order to qualify for it. Generally speaking, however, it costs around $300-$400 USD to register for an exam plus any additional fees associated with taking preparatory courses or workshops if needed.

6. American College of Radiology (ACR)

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is a professional medical society representing more than 40,000 diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and medical physicists. The ACR's mission is to serve patients and society by advancing the practice, science and professions of radiological care.

It typically takes two years to become an ACR-accredited facility. To become accredited, facilities must demonstrate that they meet or exceed the ACR's standards for quality patient care and safety. Facilities must also undergo an on-site inspection by an ACR surveyor. The cost of becoming accredited varies depending on the type of facility and services offered. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $2,500 to $15,000 or more.

7. American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is a professional medical society dedicated to the advancement of echocardiography and its application in patient care. It is the largest echocardiography organization in the world, with over 15,000 members from more than 70 countries. ASE provides education and resources to help clinicians improve their knowledge and skills in echocardiography.

It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to become an ASE member. To become a member you must complete an online application form and pay the membership fee. The membership fee varies depending on your type of membership, but typically ranges from $100-$500 per year.

ASE offers various levels of certification for those interested in becoming certified in echocardiography. To become certified you must pass an exam administered by ASE that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, physics, ultrasound imaging techniques and interpretation of images. The cost of the exam varies depending on your level of certification, but typically ranges from $200-$1000.

8. National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is an independent, non-profit organization that was established in 1987 to help ensure the health, welfare and safety of the public through the accreditation of certification programs that assess professional competency. The NCCA accredits certification programs based on standards developed by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). These standards are designed to ensure that certification programs meet rigorous quality criteria and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement.

It typically takes 6-9 months for a program to receive NCCA accreditation. To get started, organizations must submit an application package and fee to the NCCA. This package includes a detailed description of the program’s purpose, structure, content, assessment instruments, policies and procedures. Once this has been reviewed by the NCCA staff, an onsite review may be conducted. After all requirements have been met and any necessary changes have been implemented, the organization can then apply for accreditation.

The cost of obtaining NCCA accreditation varies depending on the size and complexity of the program being evaluated. A standard application fee is $2,000 with additional fees charged for onsite reviews or other services as needed.

9. Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC)

The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) is a nonprofit organization that accredits medical imaging and interventional laboratories in the United States. It was founded in 1993 and is based in Fairfax, Virginia. IAC accreditation is recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as meeting the standards of quality care set forth in the Medicare Conditions of Participation.

IAC accreditation typically takes between 6-9 months to complete, depending on the complexity of the facility being accredited and its ability to meet all requirements. The process begins with an application submission, followed by a site visit from an IAC surveyor. During this visit, surveyors review all aspects of the facility including equipment, personnel qualifications, safety protocols, and record keeping systems. Afterward they submit their findings to IAC for review and final accreditation decision.

In order to receive IAC accreditation, facilities must demonstrate that they meet or exceed certain standards for quality patient care and safety as outlined by CMS regulations. Facilities must also pay an application fee as well as any additional fees associated with the surveyor’s travel expenses. The total cost of IAC accreditation varies depending on a number of factors such as size and complexity of the facility being accredited.

10. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is a credentialing organization that provides certification for cardiovascular professionals. CCI offers certifications in seven different specialty areas: Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technology, Perfusion, Cardiac Sonography, Vascular Sonography, Electrophysiology Technology, and Cardiac/Vascular Interventional Technology.

In order to become certified by CCI, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen specialty area. This includes having an associate degree or higher in a related field of study and at least two years of full-time experience in the field. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by CCI.

The process of obtaining certification from CCI typically takes between four to six months. During this time, applicants must submit all necessary documentation and complete the exam.

The cost of obtaining certification from CCI varies depending on the specialty area chosen. The fee for each individual specialty ranges from $250-$450 USD.

11. International Society of Clinical Densitometry Certification Program (ISCD).

The International Society of Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) Certification Program is a comprehensive program that certifies individuals in the field of bone densitometry. It is designed to ensure that practitioners have the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately interpret bone density studies and provide appropriate patient care.

The ISCD certification program consists of three levels: Certified Bone Densitometrist (CBD), Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD), and Certified Technologist in Bone Densitometry (CTBD). The certification process for each level includes an application, successful completion of a written exam, and a practical exam.

The application process typically takes about two months to complete. Applicants must submit proof of education, training, experience, and licensure as required by the ISCD. Once the application is approved, applicants will be sent an authorization letter with instructions on how to register for the written exam.

The written exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, clinical indications for densitometry, instrumentation principles and operation, data analysis techniques, quality assurance/control procedures, and patient management protocols. The exam typically takes four hours to complete. Upon passing the written exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants are eligible to take the practical exam.

The practical exam is administered at an approved testing center and consists of 100 questions related to patient positioning for densitometry exams; instrument setup; phantom scans; data acquisition; image interpretation; patient management protocols; quality assurance/control procedures; technical report writing; radiation safety; medical ethics; legal issues; and professional responsibilities. This portion of the examination typically takes six hours to complete.

Once both examinations have been successfully completed with a passing score of 70% or higher on each portion, applicants will receive their certification from ISCD within four weeks after completing all requirements.

The cost for taking the ISCD certification program varies depending on which level you are applying for but generally ranges from $500-$800 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering for the exams.

Do You Really Need a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate?

The short answer is yes. A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate is a requirement for anyone who wants to become a medical sonographer. This certificate serves as proof that the individual has completed the necessary education and training to perform the job safely and effectively.

Having this certificate shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about the profession, understand its concepts, and apply them in practice. It also demonstrates your commitment to the profession, as well as your dedication to providing quality care for patients.

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate is also necessary for anyone who wants to work in areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, echocardiography, vascular imaging, or other specialty fields related to medical sonography. By having this certification, you can be sure that you are able to perform all of the duties required of a medical sonographer.

Finally, a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate can be beneficial when it comes to obtaining higher-level positions within the field of medical sonography. Having a certificate may make you more attractive to employers who are looking for individuals with specialized skillsets.

In conclusion, having a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate is an important part of becoming a successful medical sonographer and should not be overlooked by anyone considering entering this field of work.

Related: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Resume Examples

FAQs About Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certifications

1. How do I become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

Answer: To become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, you must complete an accredited educational program and obtain certification from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

2. What types of certifications are available for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?

Answer: ARDMS offers six different credentials: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS), Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSKS), Registered Fetal Echocardiography (RFE) and Registered Neurosonology (RN) credentials.

3. How long does it take to get certified in Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

Answer: Depending on the type of credential you’re pursuing, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to become certified in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The time frame also depends on your prior experience and education level.

4. What is the cost associated with obtaining a certification in Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

Answer: The cost for certification varies depending on the type of credential being pursued and ranges from $150-$400 USD. Additional costs may be associated with application fees, exam fees, and continuing education credits required for recertification every two years.

5. Is there any way to renew my Diagnostic Medical Sonography certification?

Answer: Yes, all ARDMS credentials require recertification every two years by earning 45 CEUs or completing other approved activities listed in their Continuing Professional Development Program Guidebook.