Career: Selecting a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Education Program

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Selecting a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Education Program

If you are considering a career in sonography, or if you have already made that decision, you are faced with the important choice of selecting an educational program that meets your needs. You will be investing considerable time and money in pursuing your goal so it's important to take the time to find out all you can about the program.

The "Educational Program Questionnaire" found at the end of this document is designed to assist you when contacting the educational programs that you're considering applying to.

Do you want to become a registered sonographer?

If you want to become a 'registered' sonographer upon graduation, you need to know the accreditation status of the education program before you apply for admission to the program.

Increasingly, employers require their sonographers to become registered or hire only registered sonographers.

Why is the accreditation status of the program important?

There are several types of program accreditation and the type of accreditation can affect what you need to do to be able to take the ARDMS certification examinations. ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) administers examinations and awards credentials in the areas of diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic cardiac sonography, vascular technology, and ophthalmic biometry. Additional information on ARDMS is available at: http://www.ardms.org/ or call (301) 738-8401.

By attending a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), you will be able to apply to take the national certification examinations offered by the ARDMS upon graduation from the program. By successfully completing the certification exams, you will be awarded the credential of 'registered sonographer'.

If you have questions regarding the accreditation status of a program, call the JRC-DMS at (651) 731-1582.

SDMS wishes you a successful educational experience and encourages you to become a student member of the Society once you are enrolled in a sonography education program. SDMS membership provides vital information and helpful services to you throughout your career. Additional information on the SDMS membership is available at: http://www.sdms.org/membership

View/print Educational Program Questionnaire*

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