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ARDMS Credentials How to Apply Guide ARDMS.org 1-800-541-9754

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Page 1: How to Apply Guide - Home • Nxtbook Mediapages.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ardms/howtoapply_201203/...Review the Prerequisite Chart section of this guide. 2. Find your education level in

ARDMS CredentialsHow to Apply Guide

ARDMS.org1-800-541-9754

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Introduction and ARDMS Credentials

About this Guide

This guide provides quick-reference application information for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examinations for the RDMS, RDCS and RVT credentials.

Application information for the RPVI and RMSK credentialing examinations may be found in the respective brochures. For comprehensive application information for all ARDMS examinations, please visit ARDMS.org.

Applying online is simple, safe, fast and secure! The ARDMS online application allows you to download a personalized list of documents required for submission, easily pick up where you left off, correct mistakes and submit payment via online or in the mail!

Apply Online!ARDMS.org/apply

About ARDMS

ARDMS is an independent, nonprofit organization that administers examinations and awards the following credentials:

RDMS® Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer®

RDCS® RegisteredDiagnosticCardiacSonographer®

RVT® RegisteredVascularTechnologist®

RPVI® RegisteredPhysicianinVascularInterpretation®*

RMSK™ Registered in Musculoskeletal™ sonography*

*This guide does not provide application information for the RPVI or RMSK credentialing examinations. Please visit ARDMS.org for application information for all ARDMS credentialing examinations.

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The only means of earning an ARDMS credential is by examination. For the RDMS, RDCS and RVT credentials, applicants must pass two comprehensive examinations: (1) the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination; and (2) at least one corresponding specialty examination. The examinations may be taken in any order. Additional credential(s)/specialties can be earned without re-taking the SPI examination.

ARDMS Five Year Rule

Candidates are required to complete both a physics and instrumentation examination and a corresponding specialty examination within five years.

Visit ARDMS.org/fiveyearrule to learn more.

Abdomen (AB)

Breast (BR)

Fetal Echocardiography (FE)

Neurosonology (NE)

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)

Adult Echocardiography (AE)

Fetal Echocardiography (FE)

Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)

Vascular Technology (VT)

Examination Credential EarnedCorrespondingSpecialty Examination

SPISonographyPrinciples &InstrumentationExamination

RDMS®

Registered DiagnosticMedical Sonographer

RDCS®

Registered DiagnosticCardiac Sonographer

RVT®RVT®

Registered VascularTechnologist

RMSK™

Registered in Musculoskeletal

RDMS®

RDCS®

SPI

PVIPVIPhysicians’VascularInterpretationExamination

MSKMusculoskeletal Sonography Exam

+

RPVI®

Registered Physician inVascular Interpretation

RPVI®

RMSK™

MSK

ARDMS Credential Pathways

*Note: Applicants may pursue the Fetal Echocardiography (FE) specialty under either the RDMS or RDCS credential. Once the designated credential is earned, it cannot be switched.

*This guide does not provide application information for the RPVI or RMSK credentialing examinations. Please visit ARDMS.org for application information for all ARDMS credentialing examinations.

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The Application Process

Applying online is fast, easy and secure.

• Youcanreturntotheapplicationanytimetofinishit.

• Correctmistakesandmakechanges.

• Youwillbealertedifanyoftherequiredfieldswere notfilledoutoroverlooked.

• Secure,safe,andinstantonlinepayment.

• Apersonalizedapplicationsummary,whichdetails documentationorothermaterialsyouwillneedto submittocompletetheapplicationprocess,isprovided at the conclusion of the online application process.

Highlights of the Easy and Secure ARDMS Online Application

Visit ARDMS.org Visit ARDMS.org/apply.

First time applicants must choose a prerequisite/requirement. The ARDMS Prerequisite and Requirement Eligibility Program (PREP) is an online tool to help you choose the prerequisite or requirement that is right for you.

Visit: ARDMS.org/PREP

Fill out, pay for and submit your application online. Print out your online application summary which will include a list of the “Required Documents and Payment Information” and the submission deadline date.

ARDMS e-mails eligible applicants an Examination-Confirmation Letter approximately two weeks from receipt of the application and all required supporting documentation in the ARDMS office. Examination Confirmation letters may also be found on the MY ARDMS section of the ARDMS website. The letter lists the approved examination(s) and the 90-day eligibility period in which to schedule and take your examination(s). A website address and toll free number are provided so the candidate can schedule an appointment. Testing sites are located in the U.S., Canada and select international locations.

Ineligible applicants are notified of their ineligibility and reasons for that decision. ARDMS retains a $100 USD processing fee for each examination.

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Special Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ARDMS will provide reasonable testing accommodations for candidates with professionally diagnosed disabilities as defined by the ADA. Log on to ARDMS.org/ADA for complete instructions.

Compliance with ARDMS Discipline Policies

During the online application process, applicants are required to attest to their compliance with all ARDMS Discipline Policies. Applicants who have legal or disciplinary matters in their past must be prepared to disclose the matters to ARDMS at the time of application and submit the required initial review fee of $150 USD. Please review the ARDMS Discipline Policies (ARDMS.org/Discipline) to learn how the policies apply to you.

Discipline Pre-Application Review

ARDMS conducts a “pre-application review,” for a $125 USD non-refundable fee, for individuals who wish to determine the impact of a previous violation of ARDMS Discipline Policies (ARDMS.org/Discipline) on their eligibility to apply for ARDMS certification. You may obtain additional information regarding the pre-application process along with the appropriate forms by visiting ARDMS.org/preapplication.

Review the Content Outlines for each examination at ARDMS.org/outlines.

Visit ARDMS.org/practiceexam for a list of practice examinations available for a nominal fee.

On examination day – All examinations are in English and administered on a computer in a testing center. Please see the important ID requirements noted in the box to the right. Your examination score will appear immediately upon completion of the examination and is automatically sent to ARDMS for final review and acceptance.

After a credential is earned, the Registrant will receive a credentialing packet containing a temporary ARDMS Identification (ID) card and a certificate* within six weeks. Registrants are listed in the ARDMS online directory at ARDMS.org.

4.5.

6.

7.

*Certificates can only be displayed by Registrants who hold active status.

ID Requirements

•Atthetestcenter,youmustpresenttwocurrent,validsignatureIDs,oneofwhichmustbeanon-expiredgovernment-issuedphotoIDwithyoursignature.

•Thenameonyourapplicationandexaminationconfirmationlettermustexactlymatchthenameonbothcurrent,validsignatureIDs.

•FailuretopresenttwoacceptableIDswillpreventyouradmissiontothetestcenter.Ifthishappens,youwillbemarkedabsentandyouwillforfeittheentireexamination,fee and seat.

Visit:ARDMS.org/Apply for additional details.

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About the SPI Examination & SPI Requirement

Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Examination Requirement:

The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Examination Requirement allows students to apply for and take the SPI examination prior to graduation. The SPI Examination Requirement can be found in the Prerequisite Chart section of this guide.

The SPI Examination Requirement cannot be used when applying for a specialty examination (eg. AB, BR, OB/GYN, NE, FE, AE, PE, VT). Applicants previously approved for the SPI examination under the SPI Examination Requirement must choose a prerequisite in order to apply for a specialty examination.

New Semi-Interactive Console Questions on the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Examination

In the middle to late part of 2012, the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination will introduce select items (questions) featuring a new patent-pending semi-interactive ultrasound machine console. The new items will display a partially completed ultrasound image and a question that indicates a problem with the image. Examinees will use a mouse to select the control on the simulated console that will correct the problem. These new types of questions will measure the examinees knowledge, skills and abilities in a format that closely relates to clinical practice.

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Applicantsmustapplyonline,payallfees,andsubmitalloftherequiredsupportingdocumentationbythedeadlineprovidedinorderforARDMStodetermineiftheyareeligibletositforARDMSexaminations.

Choosing a Prerequisite

To earn an ARDMS credential, applicants must choose and meet the requirements of a prerequisite. The ARDMS Prerequisite and Requirement Eligibility Program (PREP), available online at ARDMS.org/PREP, is an online tool to help you choose the prerequisite that is right for you.

If you choose not to use the online ARDMS PREP program, please follow the steps below.

1. Review the Prerequisite Chart section of this guide.

2. Find your education level in the section labeled “Education.”

3. Ensure you have met the clinical experience requirement within that prerequisite.

4. Assemble the required documentation under “Documentation Required with Application” and submit with the online application form and appropriate fees.

5. When you see a numbered term, please refer to “Notes About the Prerequisites” section of this guide.

Eligibility will not be determined by telephone, fax or e-mail. For a complete prerequisite chart, log on to ARDMS.org/prereqchart.

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Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Examination Requirement(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the SPI Requirement for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

Successful completion of a general, medical or sonographic physics class/seminar/course.

Documentation Required with Application

1) A transcript (see transcript requirements below) reflecting successful completion of a graded general, medical or sonographic college, post secondary or higher education physics class (with a grade of C or above);

OR A CME certificate denoting successful completion of a general, medical or sonographic physics seminar, physics review course, or physics correspondence course, denoting a minimum award of 12 ARDMS-accepted CME credits. The certificate must meet ARDMS CME documentation requirements (visit ARDMS.org/CME to view ARDMS-accepted CMEs). The CME credits must be earned within two (2) years prior to application submission.

2) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Transcript Requirements

• Name of applicant and school must be printed on the transcript; handwritten information will not be accepted.

• The class or course name must specifically indicate “Physics,” “Physical Principles” and/or “Instrumentation” in the title and be printed on the transcript. Supplementary information will not be accepted.

• Transcript can be unofficial or official.

• If submitting a foreign transcript or degree, an original course by course foreign transcript evaluation must accompany the application summary and indicate the aforementioned requirements.

• Transcripts only indicating a number grade must include a “grade key” printed on the transcript showing what letter grade the number grade is equivalent to. Supplementary information will not be accepted.

• A grade report will not be accepted in lieu of the transcript (unofficial or official).

Prerequisite 1(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

A single two-year allied health education program that is patient-care related.1

Allied health occupations include, but are not limited to, diagnostic medical sonographer, radiologic technologist, respiratory therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist and registered nurse.

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

12 months of full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.3

Note: If you are using your DMS/CVT program for the educational requirement, you still have to document an additional 12 months of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience earned outside the two-year program.

Documentation Required with Application

1) Official transcript from two-year allied health education program as noted in the “Education” requirement of this prerequisite. Must state specific number of credits and indicate quarter or semester based system.

2) Copy of education program certificate, credential or license.

3) Original letter from supervising physician, sonographer/technologist or educational program director indicating a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical/vascular experience including exact dates of ultrasound experience/ successful completion of sonography program. For sample letters, visit ARDMS.org/sampleletters.

4) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.

5) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite 2(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

Graduate of a program accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), United States Department of Education (USDOE) or Canadian Medical Association (CMA), that specifically conducts programmatic accreditation for diagnostic medical sonography/diagnostic cardiac sonography/vascular technology. Currently the only organizations that offer programmatic accreditation under the aforementioned associations are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

No additional experience is required.

Documentation Required with Application

1) Copy of diploma from ultrasound/vascular program or an official transcript indicating the date the degree was conferred.

2) Original letter signed by program director and/or medical director indicating date of graduation or successful completion of the program4. Program directors must use the mandatory formatted sample letter, available on ARDMS.org /sampleletters.

3) The CV form is not required if the application is submitted and received in the ARDMS office within one year after successful completion of the program. Otherwise an original signed and completed CV form for each appropriate specialty area(s) must be submitted. CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.

4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite 3A(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

EducationBachelor’s degree (any major) or foreign degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. or Canada.

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

12 months of full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.3

Documentation Required with Application

1) Copy of Bachelor’s degree or an official transcript earned in the U.S. or Canada or an original foreign transcript evaluation indicating that the degree is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. or Canada.

2) Original letter from supervising physician, sonographer/technologist or educational program director indicating a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical/vascular experience including exact dates of ultrasound experience/ successful completion of sonography program. For sample letters, visit ARDMS.org/sampleletters.

3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.

4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

SPI Requirement & General Prerequisites

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Prerequisite 3B(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes

About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sonography or vascular technology or foreign degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in sonography or vascular technology in the U.S. or Canada.

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

No additional experience is required.

Note: Sonography or vascular technology Bachelor’s degree applicants may take the examination one year prior to the completion of degree, provided they have completed 12 months of full-time2 clinical experience3 within the program.

Documentation Required with Application

1) Copy of Bachelor’s degree or an official transcript earned in the U.S. or Canada or an original foreign transcript evaluation indicating that the degree is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. or Canada.

2) Original letter signed by education program director verifying length of ultrasound or vascular experience. If program is not completed at the time of application, a letter signed by the program director stating graduation date and completion of appropriate clinical ultrasound experience3 is needed5. Program directors must use the mandatory formatted sample letters, available on ARDMS.org/sampleletters.

3) The clinical verification (CV) form is not required if the application is submitted and received in the ARDMS office within one year prior to successful completion of the program, provided that the applicant has completed 12 months of full-time clinical experience within the program at the time that the application is submitted. Otherwise, an original signed and completed CV form for each appropriate specialty area(s) must be submitted. CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.

4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite 4A1(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

General, U.S., and Canada — MD or DO degree earned in the U.S. or Canada.

Formal Training — Attendance of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) accredited residency or fellowship that includes didactic and clinical ultrasound/vascular experience as an integral part of the program.

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

The applicant must be able to document clinical experience with a minimum of 800 studies in the area in which he/she is applying for.

Documentation Required with Application

1) Copy of medical school diploma.

2) Original letter from residency/fellowship program director verifying dates of attendance and completion of a minimum of 800 studies in the area in which you are applying.

3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms may be found at: ARDMS.org/CV.

4) Applicants should maintain a patient log or other record of the 800 studies. This log does not need to be submitted with the application but may be requested as part of a random audit. This documentation should be maintained by the application for at least three (3) years following the date of application for examination.

5) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite 4A2(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

General, U.S., and Canada — MD or DO degree earned in the U.S. or Canada.

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

12 months of full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.3

Documentation Required with Application

1) Copy of medical school diploma.

2) Original letter from supervising physician, sonographer/technologist or educational program director indicating a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical/vascular experience including exact dates of ultrasound experience/successful completion of sonography program (visit ARDMS.org/sampleletters for examples). If you are the supervising physician, you may write your own letter.

3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms may be found at: ARDMS.org/CV.

4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite 4B1(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

General - Outside U.S., and Canada — MD or DO degrees equivalent to those of the U.S. or Canada.

Formal Training — Attendance of an accredited residency or fellowship that includes didactic and clinical ultrasound/vascular experience as an integral part of the program.

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

The applicant must be able to document clinical experience with a minimum of 800 studies in the area in which he/she is applying for.

Documentation Required with Application

1) Original credential report or official notarized copy of the evaluation converting the foreign medical degree must indicate that this medical degree is equivalent to a doctor of medicine degree in the U.S. or Canada. A listing of organizations that produce individualized, written reports describing each certificate, diploma or degree earned, and specifying its U.S. or Canadian equivalent can be found at ARDMS.org/ForeignTranscripts. If the applicant has taken and passed all three parts of and earned the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®) certification, a copy of the ECFMG® certificate may be submitted with a copy of a current, valid MD or DO license from the U.S. or Canada in lieu of the evaluation.

2) Original letter from residency/fellowship program director verifying dates of attendance and completion of a minimum of 800 studies in the area in which you are applying.

3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms may be found at: ARDMS.org/CV.

4) Applicants should maintain a patient log or other record of the 800 studies. This log does not need to be submitted with the application but may be requested as part of a random audit. This documentation should be maintained by the application for at least three (3) years following the date of application for examination.

5) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

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Prerequisite 4B2(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

General - Outside U.S., and Canada — MD or DO degrees equivalent to those of the U.S. or Canada.

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

12 months of full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.3

Documentation Required with Application

1) Original credential report or official notarized copy of the evaluation converting the foreign medical degree must indicate that this medical degree is equivalent to a doctor of medicine degree in the U.S. or Canada. A listing of organizations that produce individualized, written reports describing each certificate, diploma or degree earned, and specifying its U.S. or Canadian equivalent can be found at ARDMS.org/ForeignTranscripts. If the applicant has taken and passed all three parts of and earned the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®) certification, a copy of the ECFMG® certificate may be submitted with a copy of a current, valid MD or DO license from the U.S. or Canada in lieu of the evaluation.

2) Original letter from supervising physician, sonographer/technologist or educational program director indicating a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical/vascular experience including exact dates of ultrasound experience/successful completion of sonography program (visit ARDMS.org/sampleletters for examples). If you are the supervising physician, you may write your own letter.

3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s).

4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite 5(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

General—Must hold one of the following Active certifications:

ONLY RCS or RVS through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or

ONLY Sonography, Vascular Sonography or Breast Sonography through American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), or

DMU through Australian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM).

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

Previously met by achievement of other organization’s credential.

Documentation Required with Application

1) Copy of Active certification identification card or copy of license.

2) Original signed and completed CV form for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.

3) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite 6(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education

MD or DO with RPVI (Active Status)

Physicians who currently hold the RPVI credential with active status may apply directly for the RDMS, RDCS and RVT credential examinations.

Documentation Required with Application

1) Copy of current, valid medical license.

2) Original signed and completed Clinical Verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.

3) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite 7(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)

Education:

High school graduate or U.S. or Canadian equivalent of foreign high school graduate.

Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience

Minimum of 48 months full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience3 and a minimum of 3,200 cases in each applied for specialty area.

Documentation Required with Application

1) Copy of high school diploma or U.S. or Canadian equivalent of foreign high school graduate. (For individuals whose high school diploma/equivalent was earned outside of the U.S. or Canada, an original credential report or official notarized copy of the evaluation is required. A listing of organizations that produce individualized, written reports describing each certificate, diploma or degree earned, and specifying its U.S. or Canadian equivalent, can be found at ARDMS.org/ForeignTranscripts.)

2) Original Physician’s Statement Experience letter(s) from reporting physician(s) indicating a minimum of 48 months of full-time clinical/vascular experience and including exact dates of ultrasound experience in each applied for specialty area. The Physician’s Statement Experience letter(s) may be found on ARDMS.org /sampleletters.

3) Original Sonographer’s Statement letter from an ARDMS Registered Sonographer verifying the applicant has performed independently and effectively under their supervision a minimum of 3,200 cases in each applied for specialty area. The Sonographer’s Statement letter may be found on ARDMS.org /sampleletters.

4) Original signed and completed Clinical Verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms may be found at ARDMS.org/CV.

5) Thirty ARDMS accepted CMEs that are ultrasound related in the specific applied for specialty area.

6) Applicants should maintain a patient log or other record of the 3,200 cases for each applied for specialty area. This log does not need to be submitted with the application but may be requested as part of a random audit. This documentation should be maintained by the applicant for at least three (3) years following the date of examination.

7) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.

Note: Prerequisite requirements are subject to change at any time and from time to time. Applicants must meet current prerequisite requirements in effect at the time of application.

General Prerequisites Continued

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Notes About the SPI Examination Requirement• The SPI Examination Requirement applies to the SPI examination only.

• SPI Applicants who can fully meet an existing ARDMS prerequisite (1 through 7) are strongly encouraged to apply under that prerequisite, as future application processing will be faster and easier.

• Applicants who have applied for and been approved to take a former Principles and Instrumentation examination (UPI, CPI, VPI) or any ARDMS specialty examination(s) (e.g. AB, BR, OB/GYN, NE, FE, AE, PE, VT) should not apply under the SPI Examination Requirement but rather as a re-applicant (visit ARDMS.org/reapplicant for details).

• A clinical verification (CV) form is not required when applying under the SPI Examination Requirement.

• To apply for an ARDMS specialty examination (e.g. AB, BR, OB/GYN, NE, FE, AE, PE, VT), an existing ARDMS prerequisite (1 through 7) must be met.

Notes About the Prerequisites1 A two-year allied health education program that is patient-care related is defined as (1) 24 full-time consecutive calendar months or (2) 60 semester credits or (3) 84 quarter credits (4) and requiring a clinical internship/externship to complete the program. Credit hours are based on U.S. equivalency in a post secondary institution. The program or school must be authorized by an accrediting agency to award semester or quarter credits and the type of credits granted must be reflected on the transcript. Transcripts reflecting clock hours must be converted to credit hours. If submitting a foreign degree, an original course by course foreign transcript evaluation must accompany the application summary and indicate the aforementioned requirements.

2 Full-time is defined as 35 hours per week, at least 48 weeks per year. If working part time, the requirements are prorated. Twenty hours per week would take approximately two years. The full-time definition applies to both paid clinical ultrasound/vascular experience and experience earned through completion of a formal ultrasound/vascular program.

3 Clinical ultrasound/vascular experience may be obtained one of two ways: (1) being employed as an ultrasound/vascular sonographer in a clinical setting for a minimum of 12 months and a minimum of 1680 hours, or (2) successfully completing a formal, full-time ultrasound/vascular program that is a minimum of 12 months in length, a minimum of 1680 total program hours, including appropriate clinical and didactic hours, and requires a clinical internship/externship to complete the program . If the total length of the program exceeds 12 months, the applicant must successfully complete the program in its entirety prior to using the program as documentation of the required clinical ultrasound/vascular experience. It is recommended that an applicant be directly involved in a minimum of 800 diagnostic cases during his/her clinical experience in each specialty area for which he/she is applying. Clinical diagnostic settings include hospitals, clinics and private practices. ARDMS does not accept volunteer, instructorship, unpaid, barter or veterinarian experience. The time frames in which the education and clinical requirements are met cannot overlap. Clinical experience earned to document the education requirement cannot also be used to support the clinical requirement.

4 The mandatory Prerequisite 2 Application letter (found on ARDMS.org /sampleletters) is valid for one year from the date of graduation. If the application and appropriate supporting documentation are not received after one year of successful completion of the program, the applicant will need new documentation verifying successful program completion, and a current, completed, original signed CV form for each applied-for specialty area will be required. An original letter per student is required. First-time applicants applying under Prerequisite 2 must apply for either the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination or a specialty area that is included within the programmatically accredited curriculum.

5 The mandatory Student Prerequisite 3B Application Letter (found on ARDMS.org/sampleletters), is valid through the expected graduation date. If the student chooses to apply after graduation, then the Graduate Prerequisite 3B Application letter (found on ARDMS.org /sampleletters) and a current, completed, original CV form for each applied-for specialty area will be required. An original letter per student is required.

Note: If the Bachelor’s Degree sonography/ vascular technology program is also programmatically accredited through one of the following: Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), United States Department of Education (USDOE), or Canadian Medical Association (CMA), and the students have graduated, then the prerequisite 3B students should apply under prerequisite 2.

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Administrative Information

Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) $200

Abdomen (AB) $250

Breast (BR) $250

Fetal Echocardiography (FE) $250

Neurosonology (NE) $250

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) $250

Adult Echocardiography (AE) $250

Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) $250

Vascular Technology (VT) $250

Other ARDMS Examinations:

Musculoskeletal (MSK)Application information may be found in the RMSK How to Apply Guide or on ARDMS.org.

Physicians’ Vascular Interpretation (PVI)Application information may be found in the RPVI How to Apply Guide or on ARDMS.org.

$600

$450 (non physicians)

$600 (physicians – MD/DO)

Online Application Payment is Fast and Secure! Log on to ARDMS.org/apply today to find all the necessary information for submitting documentation and payments.

All fees include a $100 USD non-refundable processing fee.

A $100 USD fee will be assessed to individuals taking ARDMS examinations at international testing centers (outside the US and Canada). The fee will be charged at the time the examination is scheduled and is subject to change without notice.

Examination Application Fees

Additional Resources on ARDMS.org• ApplyforanExamination ARDMS.org/Apply

• PrepareforanExamination ARDMS.org/Prepare

• ScheduleanExamination ARDMS.org/Schedule

• ContentOutlines ARDMS.org/Outlines

• PREP ARDMS.org/PREP

• ApplicationResources ARDMS.org/Appresources

• ARDMSRulesandPolicies ARDMS.org/Policies

• ClinicalVerification(CV)Forms ARDMS.org/CV

• PrerequisiteChart ARDMS.org/Prereqchart

• DisciplineandLegalInformation ARDMS.org/Discipline

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