How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
1. Graduate from a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
There are multiple avenues for entry into practice in the diagnostic medical sonography field. Training may be found in the following institutions:
- Hospital training programs
- Vocational-technical schools
- College or university
- Military service
Some educational programs give preference to applicants who have a background in science or health care experience.
High school graduates with courses in math and science, and applicants with backgrounds in liberal arts may also be considered for admission.
Colleges and universities provide two- and four-year training programs that earn an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, respectively.
The most popular programs are the two-year ones. All programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
2. Earn the Required License and Certification
In order to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, candidates must complete the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation Examination through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The certification exam assess the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful, including physical principles, clinical safety, pulsed echo instrumentation, and quality assurance.
The exam is 2 hours long with 110 multiple-choice and Semi-interactive Console (SIC) questions. However, to be eligible for the exam, aspiring registered medical sonographers must complete a physics course.