Professional Credentialing
Professional credentialing is an important step in the career of every sonographer.
This page provides an overview of the professional credentialing pathways commonly pursued by graduates of UMI's sonography degree programs, including the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Credentialing requirements are established by each organization and may change over time. Students and graduates should always review the current eligibility requirements published by the credentialing organization before applying for certification or registration examinations.
Professional Credentialing Organizations
American Registry for
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the leading credentialing organization for diagnostic medical sonographers.
ARDMS credentials demonstrate competency in the safe and effective performance of ultrasound examinations across a variety of clinical specialties, including abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, breast, pediatric, fetal echocardiography, and vascular technology.
American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers professional certification and registration in medical imaging and radiation therapy disciplines, including sonography.
Graduates who meet ARRT education, ethics, and examination requirements may pursue certification in Sonography, which is recognized by employers throughout the United States.
Cardiovascular
Credentialing International
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is an independent credentialing organization specializing in cardiovascular professions.
CCI offers nationally recognized credentials in cardiac and vascular ultrasound, including Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) and Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS), for individuals who meet the organization's education, clinical experience, and examination requirements.
A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Credentialing Eligibility Pathways
Graduates of the A.S.-DMS program may qualify for multiple professional credentialing pathways.
Depending on your educational background and clinical experience, you may qualify for ARRT and ARDMS credentialing examinations through different eligibility pathways.
ARRT Sonography Examination
Graduates of the A.S.-DMS program are eligible to apply for the ARRT Sonography Examination upon successful completion of all program requirements.
ARDMS SPI Examination
Students who earn a satisfactory grade in PHY210: Ultrasound Physics are eligible to apply for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Examination.
The SPI examination is the first step for all ARDMS specialty credentialing pathways.
ARDMS Specialty Examinations
After passing the ARDMS SPI Examination and graduating from the A.S.-DMS program, graduates may qualify to apply for applicable ARDMS specialty examinations through one of the following eligibility pathways:
-
Obtain ARRT Sonography credentials.
-
Hold a bachelor's degree in any field.
-
Complete 12 months of full-time clinical experience after graduation.
A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Credentialing Eligibility Pathways
Credentialing organizations establish and periodically revise their eligibility requirements. Students and graduates should confirm current eligibility requirements directly with the applicable credentialing organization before applying for any credentialing examination.
B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Credentialing Eligibility Pathways
Graduates of the B.S.-DMS program may qualify for multiple professional credentialing pathways.
Depending on your educational background and clinical experience, you may qualify for ARRT and ARDMS examinations through different eligibility pathways.
ARRT Sonography Examination
B.S.-DMS applicants must have previously completed a qualifying associate degree or equivalent diagnostic medical sonography program.
Students may apply for the ARRT Sonography examination before enrolling at UMI, while completing the B.S.-DMS program, or after graduation, depending on when they satisfy ARRT eligibility requirements.
ARDMS Specialty Examinations
Students are eligible to apply for ARDMS specialty examinations after successfully completing the ARDMS SPI examination and all required clinical practicum hours.
This pathway is available with or without ARRT credentials and may be completed before B.S.-DMS graduation once all eligibility requirements have been met.
B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Credentialing Eligibility Pathways
Credentialing organizations establish and periodically revise their eligibility requirements. Students and graduates should confirm current eligibility requirements directly with the applicable credentialing organization before applying for any credentialing examination.
B.S. in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography
Credentialing Eligibility Pathways
Graduates of the B.S.-DCS program may qualify for multiple professional credentialing pathways.
Depending on your educational background and clinical experience, you may qualify for ARRT, ARDMS, and CCI credentialing examinations through different eligibility pathways.
ARRT Sonography Examination
Applicants to the B.S.-DCS program must have previously completed a qualifying associate degree or equivalent diagnostic medical sonography program.
Students may apply for the ARRT Sonography Examination before enrolling at UMI, while completing the B.S.-DCS program, or after graduation, depending on when they satisfy current ARRT eligibility requirements.
ARDMS Specialty Examinations
Students are eligible to apply for applicable ARDMS specialty examinations after successfully completing the ARDMS SPI examination and all required clinical practicum hours.
This pathway is available with or without ARRT credentials and may be completed before B.S.-DCS graduation once all eligibility requirements have been met.
CCI Credentialing Examination
The B.S.-DCS program combines academic preparation in diagnostic cardiovascular sonography with general cardiovascular and specialty-focused clinical practicum.
Depending on the specialty of their clinical training, graduates may qualify to apply for the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) examination.
B.S. in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography
Credentialing Eligibility Pathways
