A Guide to Continued Medical Education for Sonographers

April 13, 2023

Are you planning on continuing your education as a sonographer in the U.S., but need clarification about the steps involved in continued medical education for sonographers? Well, you are at the right place.

In this article, you will learn more about the steps involved in continued medical education for sonographers and the requirements set by the U.S.

Steps to Continued Medical Education for Sonographers

Continuing education (CE) is a part of the sonography license renewal process. Continuing education helps to keep yourself updated on the practices and activities in the field of sonography. Generally, sonographers have the option of completing their continuing education in both offline and online classes. Having up-to-date knowledge of practices, and an updated skill set can benefit you as a sonographer.

STEP 1: VERIFY YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Before you begin the continued medical education for sonographers process, the first step is to verify your eligibility with the respective board in the state. The eligibility criteria for sonographers set for continuing education are the following:

The candidate must maintain ARDMS credentials by earning the minimum required number of ARDMS-accepted CME within your three-year CME period.
The CME requirements for physician credentials change depending on combinations of ARDMS credentials, APCA RMSK, and RPVI credentials are included below.
RDMS or RDCS or RVT: 30 ARDMS/APCA-accepted CME.
RMSKS + RDMS or RDCS or RVT: 10 ARDMS/APCA-accepted CME in musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Ultrasound and 20 ARDMS/APCA-accepted CME in any of the specialty areas (30 in total).
RPVI + RDMS or RDCS or RVT: 30 ARDMS/APCA-accepted CME in vascular ultrasound.

STEP 2: RECORD YOUR CE HOURS

Once the eligibility is verified for continued education, the next step is to record the continuing education hours. Keeping track of and recording your continuing education hours is very important because it can help you during your sonography license renewal in a particular state.

Candidates can log and keep track of their continuing education hours without having a professional account. Using the free account may keep your account simple while keeping track of your continuing education hours.

The board must submit a report on your behalf if you take a continuing education course from a provider that has received state approval. If you enroll in a course offered by a national organization, it is your responsibility to inform the relevant board that the system has been completed.

STEP 3: APPLY FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

After you have recorded your continuing education hours, the next step is to apply for continued medical education for sonographers. The candidates must make sure that the continuing education provider is approved by the state for sonography. The candidate should review the ARDMS’ accepted continuing medical education before participating in the particular activity.

Continuing medical education providers provide both free programs and fee programs. The following are some of the free CMEs:

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS).
Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute.
Society for Vascular Ultrasound.
International Center for Postgraduate Medical Education (ICPME).

The following are some of the fee CMEs:

Owen Brown’s Workshops in Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound.
Pacific Vascular Institute for Continuing Medical Education.
Sonography of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS).
World Academy of Pain Medicine Ultrasonography (WAPMU).
The Burwin Institute of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound.

STEP 4: RENEW YOUR LICENSE WITH CE

The final step in continued medical education for sonographers is to apply for sonography license renewal in a particular state with the continuing education hours you have completed. Some of the CME documents you must include at the time of application for sonography license renewal are the following:

Candidate’s full name
Candidate ID number
Date of course or activity
Name of an organization that ARDMS has approved as a sponsor
Title of the course or activity
The number of credit hours awarded

Now you may be aware of the steps involved in earning continued medical education for sonographers in your particular state.

Wrapping Up

Continuing education helps all sonographers to learn and equip the skills and knowledge required to perform well at work. Additionally, it makes you stand out from your workplace. Prior to submitting a renewal application for your license, make sure to keep track of and record your continuing education. Continued medical education for sonographers helps educate them with new information and practices being used in the sonography industry.

If you are interested in taking the SPI exam or know someone who is planning to take the SPI exam, make sure to refer to our free SPI practice test to help you prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. IS BEING A SONOGRAPHER DIFFICULT?

Sonography has benefits and drawbacks, just like any profession. Sonography can be quite tough in general, although each person has different levels of difficulty they can endure. If you have a strong desire to become a sonographer, be sure to finish all the necessary coursework and training at a reputable university. Your career in the field of sonography can benefit greatly from finishing a course at a reputable university.

2. WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES YOU FEEL ARE IMPORTANT FOR A SONOGRAPHER TO HAVE?

The 3 most important qualities a sonographer must have are the following:

Patience
Compassion
Strong attention to detail

3. HOW CAN I PRACTICE FOR THE SPI EXAM?

By creating a study plan and using mock exams to advance your preparation, you can start getting ready for the SPI exam. For more effective exam preparation, take a look at our free SPI practice test.