In order to stay current on changes made within the ultrasound industry, diagnostic medical sonographers, radiologic technologists, and medical imaging specialists must partake in continuing medical education (CME). CME courses allow healthcare professionals to gain additional experience, which helps them become more successful in their current profession as well as makes them more marketable for promotions.
Completion of CME courses can provide ultrasound technicians with specialized skills within their particular area of specialization. In addition, certification organizations, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), require healthcare professionals to complete CME requirements to remain certified. Although certification is not mandatory in most states, many employers prefer or even require potential employees to be certified. Continuing medical education courses allow ultrasound technicians to:
- Improve Patient Care
- Remain Current on the Latest Advancements
- Retain Registration / Certification
- Earn Membership in Professional Organizations
- Learn New Techniques
- Improve Management Skills
CME Credits for Certification
In order to maintain certification through ARRT and ARDMS, ultrasound technicians need to fulfill a certain number of CME credits during a specific time period. CME courses are an important part of staying up-to-date on changes made within the ultrasound industry, thus healthcare professionals need to earn these credits to remain certified.
| Certification Body | CME Requirements |
|---|---|
| The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) | To maintain registration, every other year you are required to report at least 24 Category A or A+ continuing education credits. |
| The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) | To maintain certification, you are required to report at least 30 continuing education credits during a three year period. |
CME Accreditation
The leader in continuing medical education accreditation is the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The ACCME accredits over 2,000 CME providers including 1,300 state-based agencies and over 700 independent organizations. ACCME is committed to improving the quality of continuing medical education through its rigorous national standards that aim to improve medical care for patients.
CME Courses
Ultrasound CME courses are available online, in-person, or through correspondence. Select courses may also be free while others may charge a small fee. CME credits vary by course length and course requirements. In addition, some CME courses may focus on a specialty area while others focus one general ultrasound technology skills. Organizations such as the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) and companies like GE (General Electric) Healthcare offer credit based CME courses for ultrasound technicians.
| Organization | Topics | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) | Conventions, Courses, DVDs, Webinars | Free or Discounted for Members |
| Philips Learning Center | Breast, Cardiology, Echocardiography, Musculoskeletal, Vascular | $7.50 to $36.00 per course |
| Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) | 180+ Courses | Free for Members |
| Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) | Vascular Technology | Discounted Rate for Members |
| SonoWorld.com | Abdomen, Obstetrics, Retroperitoneum | $11.25 to $18.75 per course |
Note: We are not affiliated with any of the organizations listed above.