Get ARDMS Certification
The ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) is the main credentialing body for diagnostic medical sonographers, vascular technologists and related allied health positions. Although credentialing is not mandatory, most employers prefer to hire ARDMS-certified workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can get certification by completing an accredited training program and passing the credentialing exam.
Instructions
1. Complete an accredited training program in diagnostic medical sonography, vascular technology or another allied health area. These are typically two-year programs that lead to an associate's degree. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs vets these training programs and provides a search tool on its website to locate available programs.
2. Acquire the required amount of clinical ultrasound or vascular experience. Depending on the education program completed, you may need additional clinical experience. For example, for a typical two-year allied health program, students need an additional 12 months of full-time clinical experience. However, bachelor's degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography usually incorporate clinical experience into the educational program, so no additional experience is necessary. Consult the prerequisite chart on the ARDMS website for exact prerequisites.
3. Choose the credentials and specialty for which you will apply. The ARDMS offers four main certifications: RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer), RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer), RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist) and RPVI (Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation). Within these four areas, there are nine specialties. Candidates for certification must pass two exams to earn a credential: the Principles in Instrumentation exam and one corresponding specialty exam.
4. Apply online at the ARDMS website and pay the application fee. After completing the online application, you may need to mail in supporting documentation. Eligible applicants will receive an Examination-Confirmation Letter within two to four weeks. Those who are not eligible will also be notified by mail.
5. Schedule your exam. The exam must be completed within 90 days of the date of the Examination-Confirmation Letter. Testing centers are located throughout the United States, Canada and other countries. The ARDMS provides a testing site locator tool on its website.
6. Prepare for the exam. Review the content outlines and sample questions provided on the ARDMS website. You may also want to complete one of the 30-question practice exams provided by the ARDMS.
7. Complete the exams. At the testing center, present two forms of identification with your signature and a photo, along with your Examination-Confirmation Letter. This letter contains your ID and password needed to log on to the testing site's computer. Exam lengths vary, but are typically between two and four hours.
8. Receive your certification packet. If you pass the exam, within six weeks you will receive a packet in the mail containing a temporary ID card and certificate. The permanent ID will be sent at a later date. If you do not pass, you may appeal or apply to retake the exam.
9. Maintain your certification. ARDMS registrants need to pay an annual fee ($60 as of 2010) and get continuing education credits (as of 2010, 30 credits were required within a three-year period) in order to keep their certification current.
Tags: ARDMS website, clinical experience, Examination-Confirmation Letter, accredited training, accredited training program, allied health
