Working in diagnostic medical sonography is both rewarding and challenging, offering a unique opportunity to work directly with patients and play a key role in complex medical situations such as pregnancy, diagnosis, and management of cancer and heart diseases.
The demand for healthcare services is increasing, particularly among the aging baby boomer population, and so is the need for skilled sonographers. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14.3% increase in employment opportunities in this field by 2032. Therefore, earning ultrasound tech certification is an important step to start a promising career. Certification doesn’t just open doors for various specialties, such as fetal echocardiography and pediatric sonography, it also provides you with the knowledge to make a significant difference in patient care.
What certification do you need for ultrasound tech?
While no state in the U.S. requires sonographer certification, obtaining certification can be a wise and valuable move for anyone working in this field. Certifications act as strong evidence of your knowledge and expertise, especially in specialty areas such as gastrointestinal, breast, obstetric gynecology, and cardiac sonography. Although not mandatory, most sonography professionals have at least one certification because it demonstrates their skills and dedication to the profession.
The certificate is usually issued by a private institution or company and is proof that you have completed the education and clinical experience necessary to successfully practice your profession. While you can get a job as an ultrasound technician without a technical certification, many hospitals, clinics, and labs prefer or require these certifications from candidates and if you are certified in a competitive job market it can give you an edge over other applicants, ensuring that your application stands out and that you are qualified and appear professional and hardworking.
Top three certification organizations
There are a number of sonography certification organizations, each offering a variety of certification exams in different specializations. Three certification organizations are listed below, along with the certifications they offer.
1. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers prerequisite education and training pathways to determine eligibility for its credentialing examinations. One path requires graduation from a program with CAAHEP accreditation. To ensure they are enrolled in an accredited program, students can check with the school or verify accreditation on the CAAHEP website.
The ARDMS offers ultrasound tech certificate programs in these specialties:
Abdomen
Breast
Fetal Echocardiography
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pediatric Sonography
Adult Echocardiography
Pediatric Echocardiography
Vascular Technology
Musculoskeletal
Cost
The ARDMS fee is $225, plus a $100 processing fee.
Prerequisites
For getting enrolled in ARDMS ultrasound tech certificate programs you must complete your educational requirement (typically either a two-year associate’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in a sonography-related program from an accredited school) and have 12 months of full-time clinical ultrasound experience.
Maintenance
To maintain an ARDMS certification:
- Pay an annual renewal fee
- Agree to compliance policies each year
- Earn continuing medical education credits
- Recertify every six years
2. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a national organization that certifies and registers medical imaging professionals across the United States. The ARRT’s mission is to promote high standards of patient care and to assist medical imaging professionals in improving their careers.
The ARRT offers ultrasound tech certificate programs in these specialties:
Sonography
Vascular Sonography
Breast Sonography
Cost
ARRT fees range from $200 to $400, depending on the certification.
Prerequisites
- To qualify for certification exams administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), applicants need an associate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an ARRT-approved organization.
- Examinees do not need to hold a degree in radiologic sciences but must hold a degree in the same field as their desired certification.
- If you want to earn a second credential, you must document a specific number of clinical procedures before you apply.
Maintenance
To maintain an ARRT certification:
- Pay an annual renewal fee
- Complete continuing education requirements every two years
- Refresh your skills every 10 years by completing qualification requirements
3. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) has been credentialing medical professionals for more than 50 years. It offers certification in a variety of areas related to sonography, helping professionals demonstrate their expertise in cardiovascular health.
The CCI offers ultrasound tech certificate programs in these specialties:
Sonography
Cardiac Sonography
Congenital Cardiac Sonography
Cost
CCI ranges from $175 to $450, depending on the certification.
Prerequisites
A combination of education and clinical experience is needed for CCI certifications, and the requirements vary depending on the specific exam. Applicants are eligible to apply if they have an approved degree or have completed a specified amount of related full-time work experience.
Maintenance
To maintain a CCI certification:
- For your first renewal, pay a fee and sign a code of ethics
- After the first renewal, pay a fee, sign a code of ethics, and earn continuing education units every three years
Why choose UMI for the best ultrasound tech certificate programs?
Ultrasound tech certificate programs at UMI offer many advantages that make it ideal for those working in the field of sonography. The UMI’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program offers flexible learning options through distance learning, allowing you to complete more than 60% of your coursework online. This flexibility is perfect for balancing your education and other commitments.
UMI offers a variety of pathways to success, including a Diploma in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, an Associate of Science (AS), and a Bachelor of Science (BS). What sets UMI apart is its easy academic progression—if you start with a diploma or AS program, transferring all your credits along the way, you can easily transfer to a BS program. This ensures that you are well-prepared for more advanced roles in the industry.
UMI’s certification process is another key advantage. The DMS program at UMI is approved by the ARRT and meets the education and experience requirements for ARDMS qualifications, putting you on the right track for certification. As you know certification is an important step to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in ultrasound technology. With UMI’s program-specific certifications, you will be better prepared to succeed in your chosen field.
Additionally, UMI provides clinical training from day one, giving you hands-on experience that complements your coursework. Whether you’re studying in California or Arizona, UMI’s program ensures that you’re ready to enter the workforce with confidence.