Top 11 Ultrasound Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for ultrasound technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for. Certifications can also help ultrasound technicians stand out to potential employers and give them an edge over other applicants. Certified ultrasound technicians have the necessary skills and qualifications to be successful in their field, making them more attractive to employers. Additionally, certifications can give ultrasound technicians access to specialized training, which can help them stay up-to-date on the latest technology and best practices in their field.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Ultrasound Technicians and explain how they can help enhance an ultrasound technician's career.

What are Ultrasound Technician Certifications?

Ultrasound technician certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a level of knowledge and competency in the field of ultrasound technology. It is awarded by organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have met certain academic, clinical and ethical standards, as well as those who have demonstrated their proficiency in the field.

Having an ultrasound technician certification can help you get hired and advance in your career. It shows employers that you possess an advanced understanding of the technology and its applications. Certification also helps to increase your earning potential, since it demonstrates a commitment to excellence and professionalism in your chosen field. Additionally, it can open doors to other job opportunities, since many employers prefer to hire certified professionals for positions involving ultrasound technology. Finally, having an ultrasound technician certification may also qualify you for discounts on various products or services related to your profession.

Pro Tip: When considering ultrasound technician certification, make sure to research the requirements and regulations in your state. Some states may require additional certifications or licensing, so it is important to be aware of any additional requirements before enrolling in a program.

Related: What does an Ultrasound Technician do?

Top 11 Ultrasound Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Ultrasound Technicians today.

1. Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)

Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) is a credential for individuals who specialize in the performance and interpretation of diagnostic ultrasound examinations. This certification is offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). To become an RDMS, you must complete an accredited sonography program, pass the ARDMS certification exam, and meet any additional state requirements.

It typically takes two to four years to complete an accredited sonography program. The program may include didactic coursework, clinical practicum experience, and hands-on training in a variety of imaging modalities. After completing an accredited program, applicants must then pass the ARDMS certification exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on which specialty areas are chosen but generally ranges from $200-$400.

Once certified, RDMSs must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education courses every two years and renewing their registration with the ARDMS every five years. The cost of renewal is approximately $150-$200 per year.

2. Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)

A Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. RVTs use ultrasound, Doppler imaging, and other diagnostic tests to evaluate blood flow in the arteries and veins of the body. They also assist physicians with minimally invasive treatments such as angioplasty, stenting, and thrombolysis.

It typically takes two to four years to become an RVT. To become certified, applicants must complete an accredited program in vascular technology or cardiovascular technology, pass a national certification exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and meet any additional requirements set by their state.

The cost of becoming an RVT varies depending on the program chosen. It can range from $2,000-$10,000 for tuition and fees alone. Additional costs may include books, supplies, travel expenses for clinical rotations, and exam fees.

3. Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT)

A Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) is a health care professional who specializes in the use of imaging technology to diagnose and treat medical conditions. CRTs are trained to operate specialized equipment such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines. They also prepare patients for exams and administer radiation therapy treatments.

To become a CRT, individuals must complete an accredited radiologic technology program. This typically takes two years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. After completing the program, individuals must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam in order to become certified.

The cost for becoming a CRT varies depending on the school or program you choose. Tuition can range from $5,000 - $20,000 depending on the length of the program and other fees associated with it. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the ARRT certification exam which is currently $200.

4. Certified Ultrasound Technician (CUT)

A Certified Ultrasound Technician (CUT) is a healthcare professional who has been trained and certified to operate ultrasound equipment. This profession requires specialized knowledge and skills in order to accurately interpret images of the body’s internal organs, tissues, and blood vessels.

The certification process typically takes between one and two years depending on the specific program requirements. Most CUT programs are offered through accredited colleges or universities, but there are also online programs available. In order to become certified, students must complete a certain number of hours in clinical practice as well as pass an exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

The cost of obtaining a CUT certification varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition for most programs range from $4,000-$10,000. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with taking the ARDMS exam such as registration fees and study materials.

Overall, becoming a Certified Ultrasound Technician is an important step towards becoming a successful healthcare provider in this field. It is important to research different programs thoroughly before making any decisions as each program may have different requirements and costs associated with it.

5. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is a non-profit organization that provides professional certification to sonographers and other medical professionals who specialize in ultrasound technology. The ARDMS offers certification exams to demonstrate competency and proficiency in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. This certification is recognized as the gold standard in the industry, and it is required for many positions within the field.

In order to become certified by the ARDMS, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. After meeting these requirements, applicants can register for an exam with the ARDMS. The exam typically takes three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions about anatomy, physiology, physics, instrumentation, patient care, and clinical applications related to ultrasound technology.

The cost of registering for an ARDMS exam varies depending on the type of exam being taken. Generally speaking, exams range from $200-$400 USD per attempt. Once an applicant has passed their exam, they will receive their official ARDMS certification through mail or email within 8-10 weeks after passing the test.

Overall, obtaining an ARDMS certification is a lengthy process that requires dedication and commitment from applicants; however, having this credential can open up numerous opportunities within the field of diagnostic medical sonography.

6. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is an organization that offers certification and credentialing programs for cardiovascular professionals. It is the largest credentialing organization in the field, offering credentials in more than 20 areas of cardiovascular practice.

The process to obtain a CCI credential typically takes three to six months. To get started, applicants must first meet eligibility requirements, which vary depending on the type of credential being sought. Eligibility requirements may include educational qualifications, experience or a combination of both.

Once eligibility requirements have been met, applicants must then pass an examination specific to their desired credential. The exam is administered by CCI and consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to cardiovascular care. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their credentials from CCI within 30 days.

The cost of obtaining a CCI credential varies depending on the type of credential and whether or not an applicant has already met all eligibility requirements prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $200 and $400 for most credentials.

7. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a professional organization that certifies and registers qualified individuals in the field of radiologic technology. It is the largest credentialing organization for medical imaging professionals in the world. ARRT credentials are recognized and accepted by employers, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations across the United States.

To be eligible to become certified by ARRT, an individual must meet certain education, experience, and ethics requirements. This includes completing an accredited radiography program, passing a criminal background check, and adhering to the ARRT Code of Ethics. Once these requirements have been met, individuals can apply for certification through the ARRT website.

The process of becoming certified typically takes several months to complete. After submitting an application with all required documentation, applicants will receive their results within 8-10 weeks. If approved, they will be notified via email or mail and will then need to pay a fee before their certificate is issued. The fee for initial certification is $200 USD; however, this may vary depending on the type of certification sought.

In addition to initial certification fees, there are also annual renewal fees associated with maintaining active status as an ARRT-certified technologist. These fees range from $75-$150 USD per year depending on what type of certification is held.

8. National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is an independent, non-profit accreditation program 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 evaluates certification programs against rigorous standards developed by a board of subject matter experts.

It typically takes 6-9 months to receive NCCA accreditation. To get NCCA accreditation, organizations must submit an application along with supporting documents such as policies and procedures, job analysis results, psychometric data, and more. Organizations must also demonstrate compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The cost of obtaining NCCA accreditation varies depending on the size of the organization and the complexity of its certification program. Generally speaking, it can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.

9. American College of Radiology (ACR)

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is a professional medical organization dedicated to advancing the practice of radiology and improving patient care. The ACR offers a variety of credentials and certifications that recognize excellence in the field of radiology. These credentials are recognized by employers, hospitals, and other organizations as evidence of an individual’s knowledge, skill, and commitment to quality patient care.

The ACR credentials can take anywhere from six months to two years to obtain depending on the type of credential you are pursuing. In order to get an ACR credential, you must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam. You must also submit documentation such as letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors attesting to your qualifications for the credential.

The cost for obtaining an ACR credential varies depending on the type of credential you are seeking. Generally, there is an application fee that ranges from $50-$200, plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or submitting required documents.

10. American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the safe and effective use of medical ultrasound. Founded in 1948, AIUM is a multidisciplinary association with members from around the world representing physicians, sonographers, scientists, and other health care professionals. The AIUM provides educational activities and resources for ultrasound practitioners, including certification programs and continuing education courses.

It typically takes about six months to complete the process of obtaining AIUM certification. To qualify for certification, applicants must have completed a minimum of 12 months of clinical practice in the field of medical ultrasound or have completed an AIUM-approved training program. Applicants must also pass a written exam as well as a practical skills assessment.

To get started on the path to AIUM certification you should first contact your local chapter or visit the website at www.aium.org for more information on how to apply and what qualifications are necessary to become certified.

The cost of obtaining AIUM certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and can range from $400-$700 USD per exam.

11. Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides accreditation for educational programs in diagnostic medical sonography. It is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a reliable authority for the evaluation and recognition of quality educational programs.

The JRC-DMS accreditation process takes two to three years from the time an institution submits its application until a decision is made. During this time, the JRC-DMS conducts an extensive review of the program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and other criteria to ensure that it meets their standards of excellence. Upon completion of this review, the JRC-DMS will issue either a full or provisional accreditation status to the program.

In order to receive JRC-DMS accreditation, institutions must submit an application and fee to the JRC-DMS. The cost of applying for accreditation varies depending on whether or not the institution is seeking provisional or full accreditation status. The cost also depends on whether or not the institution has previously been accredited by another organization recognized by the United States Department of Education. Generally speaking, applying for full accreditation costs more than applying for provisional accreditation.

Once an institution has received its JRC-DMS accreditation, it must maintain its standards in order to keep its status active. This includes regular evaluations and reports submitted to the JRC-DMS every two years in order to ensure that all criteria are still being met.

Do You Really Need a Ultrasound Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what your career goals are. If you want to become an ultrasound technician, then it is essential that you have a certificate in the field. A certificate provides the necessary education and training required to become a successful ultrasound technician. It also allows employers to verify your qualifications and experience.

Having a certificate in ultrasound technology will give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. You can also use it as proof of your knowledge and experience in the field when negotiating salary and benefits with employers. It can also help you gain access to higher-paying positions within the industry.

In addition, having a certificate demonstrates that you have taken the initiative to learn about the latest technologies used in ultrasound scanning and have obtained the necessary knowledge needed to perform these duties effectively. This shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and are willing to invest time and energy into learning more about the profession.

Overall, obtaining an ultrasound technician certificate is important if you want to make yourself competitive in the job market and increase your chances of getting hired by employers who value qualified professionals with specialized skills.

Related: Ultrasound Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Ultrasound Technician Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become an ultrasound technician?

Answer: To become an ultrasound technician, you must have at least an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field. You must also complete a formal educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and obtain certification from either the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

2. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as an ultrasound technician depends on the type of program you choose and how quickly you complete it. Generally, it takes between two and four years to earn your certification, but some programs may take longer depending on the number of courses taken each semester.

3. What are the different types of certifications available?

Answer: There are several types of certifications available for ultrasound technicians, including registry credentials from ARDMS and CCI, specialty credentials from ARDMS, professional certifications from organizations such as the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS), and state licensure requirements.

4. What do I need to do to maintain my certification?

Answer: In order to maintain your certification, you must meet continuing education requirements set forth by your certifying body. This may include attending seminars or workshops, completing online courses, taking exams, or obtaining additional certifications in related fields.

5. How much can I expect to make as an ultrasound technician?

Answer: The salary for an ultrasound technician varies depending on experience level and geographic location but typically ranges between $50,000-$75,000 per year with experienced technicians often earning more than that range. Additionally, bonuses and other perks may be offered depending on individual employers.