Requirements To Become A Sonographer

Sonographer State Licensing & Professional Certification

After students have completed a sonography program, they can prepare to work toward sonographer certification. There are two main organizations offering certification:

• American Registration of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

The ARRT offers two pathways to its certification in sonography: 1) the primary pathway, which includes recently completing a sonography program, and 2) the post-primary pathway for those who are currently certified and registered with the ARRT and are seeking additional credentials. The ARRT has 15 available credentials that cover a variety of medical disciplines such as mammography, bone densitometry, and vascular sonography. Certification is valid for one year and proof of continuing education is required for renewal.

By comparison, the ARDMS offers five different certification credentials, ranging from registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) to registered vascular technologist (RVT). Different exams are required for each of the various credentials available through ARDMS. The ARDMS recertification program has been paused since January 2020, and while the exact details are currently unknown, the recertification program will not include retaking the initial credentialing examination.

As of 2020, the ARRT requires students to have completed at least an associate degree to be eligible for a certification exam. The ARDMS, which has certified nearly 90,000 professionals, features an interactive tool on its website to allow new applicants to determine their eligibility status.

As for sonographer licensing, states may also have specific requirements. According to the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), only four states (New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon) have established licensing processes for medical sonographers. Licensing, according to the ASE website, is that process in which legal permission is given to an individual “by a designated governmental authority to engage in an activity” and it can often require national certification.

The ARDMS reports that it expects other states to require licensing processes in the future and that it will stay abreast of these efforts and educate its members with updates through its website and e-newsletters.

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

Rachel Drummond has contributed insightful articles to MedicalTechnologySchools.com since 2019, where she offers valuable advice and guidance for those pursuing careers in the healthcare field, combining her passion for education with her understanding of the critical role that healthcare professionals play in promoting physical and mental well-being.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.