Oftentimes, students are at loss as to what to prepare, expect from and look for in a sonography program and career alike. There are several aspects of ultrasound education that must be considered and thoroughly pondered on prior to actual enrolment. Fortunately, there are a myriad of resources to enlighten sonography students regarding their vocation of choice. This article provides a list of accrediting agencies which can provide information on sonography programs that are able to meet national standards in quality education. Also included in the list are professional associations and organizations that sonography students may be interested to join in the near future. In the final section, you will find a selection of government agencies that are sources of vital info as well.
Organizations/Associations in the Sonography Community:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Established in 1995, CAAHEP is the biggest specialized accrediting agency in the field of health sciences. It works in close partnership with several Committees on Accreditation. To date, the organization presently accredits around 2,100 educational programs in 23 health science disciplines. CAAHEP’s accreditation system revolves around its nationally-recognized Standards, which are sanctioned by the agency’s Board of Directors and reviewed every 5 years. Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), CAAHEP guarantees the credibility of allied health educational programs and ensures that the latter’s graduates are eligible for the credentialing exam.
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Since 1975, the ARDMS has been awarding credentials to individuals who have successfully met the recognized professional standards in sonography. The organization develops and delivers examinations and awards five (5) credentials, namely: Registered in Musculoskeletal Sonography (RMSK), Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) and Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI). Having certified over 80,000 individuals, ARDMS guarantees both patients and employers that the credential-holder has demonstrated competence in their vocation.
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
With over 300,000 registrants, there is no denying the ARRT’s success in its mission of upholding high standards of patient care through certification of competent individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy. From its humble beginnings in 1922, the organization has evolved from certifying and registering individuals in Radiography to include 16 other disciplines.
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
CCI is the credentialing organization for professionals in the field of Cardiovascular Technology. Founded in 1968, it administers high quality, competency-based exams to individuals who are looking to pursue a career as any of the following: Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT), Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT), Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS), Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES), Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS), Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS), Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS), and Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS).
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
ACCME is the accrediting agency for U.S. institutions that offer Continuing Medical Education (CME) to health care professionals. From medical schools to community hospitals, the organization has accredited over 2,000 CME providers. The primary aim of ACCME is to set national standards for excellent CME that significantly refines and enhances the physicians’ knowledge and aptitude.
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
SDMS is the largest professional association of sonographers worlwide. Founded in 1970, it is already comprised of 27,000 members who all share a mission for certified sonographers to attain full professional standing and for medical sonography to advance extensively. SDMS caters not only to those who are certified by ARDMS or CCI but to various kinds of individuals in the ultrasound community, including sonography students.
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Acknowledging the rapid advancement of medical ultrasound, AIUM seeks to position and keep its members on the forefront by providing the latest and most accurate information and skill enhancement opportunities in the field. Member benefits include a subscription (print & web) to the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, opportunities to interact and engage colleagues and earn CME credits (AMA PRA Category 1 Credits and ARRT Category A Credits) for a discounted price.
Society of Ultrasound in Medical Education
SUSME aims to significantly mainstream the use of ultrasound in medical education by way of developing excellent didactic and clinical practices for medical students, residents and other trainees in the field of ultrasound. The academic society requires no membership fees for all three membership categories: ActiveMembership , Associate Membership and Student Membership.
Society for Pediatric Radiology
As its name suggests, SPR is a professional medical association dedicated to ensuring quality health care by providing reliabela and accurate radiologic imaging services and treament of pediatric patients including adolescents. Members of SPR and the medical community, in general, are kept in-the-know through its monthly journal Pediatric Radiology.
Society for Vascular Ultrasound
SVU takes pride in being “the voice for the vascular ultrasound profession”. Founded in 1977, the association currently has 4,800 members from different disciplines, 30% of which are physicians and includes vascular technologists, cardiologists and surgeons. SVU treats its members to regional CME programs on vascular interpretation and other related subjects.
American Society of Echocardiography
ASE is a professional organization of echocardiography community members. From cardiac sonographers to nurses, the Society is dedicated to promoting refined cardiovascular ultrasound practice and application. Formed in 1975, the ASE now has more or less 16,000 members.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
While CAAHEP is the agency that technically grants accreditation, the JRC-DMS functions to vote or recommend or withhold accreditation to the CAAHEP. Being an expert in the profession, the committee rigorously evaluates programs in terms of its capacity to meet national Standards. The most widely accepted sonographic education in the U.S. are those by CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accredited programs.
Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound
SRU gives a voice to radiologists as it is the only sonography association in North America to stand in for actual and pressing issues and concerns in the field. Members are given access to vast information, news, and discussions related to their profession in SRU’s peer-reviewed journal Ultrasound Quarterly and the quarterly newsletter.
UltrasoundJOBS.com
Ultrasound professionals can take refuge in UltrasoundJOBS.com as the site allows for fast and convenient matching of sonographers with leading employers. Founded in 2000, it is the exclusive career website of ARDMS. The recruitment site features a listing of current ultrasound job openings which job-seekers can access 24-7. Conversely, employers can regularly check UltrasoundJOBS.com for perfect ultrasound candidates to fill up vacancies in their company.
Michigan Sonographers’ Society
Sonographers in Michigan can avail of continuing medical education opportunities and the latest updates concerning their professional practice through MSS. Founded in 1975, the statewide Society conducts the Annual Symposium which features notable speakers, case presentations, and key resources for ultrasound professionals.
Minnesota Society of Diagnostic Ultrasound
Formerly known as the Twin Cities Ultrasound Society, the MSDU shares in SDMS’ advocacy to uphold professional growth among its members and promote excellenc e in diagnostic medical sonography. The Society is committed to sustaining high standards of ultrasound practice in Minnesota.
Ohio Medical Ultrasound Society
OMUS seeks to provide more learning opportunities for the sonography community. Open to ultrasound practicioners and students alike, the association promotes active interaction and collaboration among its members.
Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Ultrasound practitioners in Canada can rely on CSDMS to advocate not only for their professional growth but for the advancement of medical sonography in general. The CSDMS has created links with government agencies, public institutions and other health care organizations to promote the profession. Recently, the CSDMS and the CARDUP (Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals) have proposed to merge into a single national organization catering to ultrasound professionals across the state.
SonoWorld
SonoWorld first began in 1999 as a simple source for free educational tools online for sonographers. Eventually, it evolved into being the major hub for information, from cases to lectures. Judging by its membership size of more than 100,000, the site is undoubtedly a success. SonoWorld has become a reliable and highly informative virtual community for medical professionals.
Other Links for Education and Health
U.S. Department of Education
ED is a one stop shop for everything a student needs to know about educational services. The site provides ample information on current government programs that may have a significant relatable impact. The site has a wealth of information on grants and funding that sonography students can apply for.
Federal Student Aid
The FSA offers $150 billion annually in loans, grants, and work-study funds site. Sonography students can access this financial aid by completing and submitting the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, for which the FSA site will provide a step-by-step guide. Furthermore, students can browse through the site for any clarifications regarding the various types of aids available, eligibility for aid, college costs, etc.
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Services
ABHES has been in the service of health education accreditation for more than forty years. Endorsed by the U.S. Secretary of Education, the agency not only determines and guarantees the quality of allied health education and programs but also helps in improving them.
National Institutes of Health
An agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the NIH is America’s foremost medical research agency. Sonography students can take advantage of the vast information and resources on medical imaging that the site freely offers.