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Letter from the Chair
Volunteering is at the core of ARDMS development and is evolving rapidly as the organization grows. Item writers are critical in the examination development process as they lend their time and expertise to help ARDMS build items (questions) which may be included in examinations. With expansion in the areas of practice testing, recertification, advanced items and international testing, the number of items available for each examination area will have to increase. To meet this need, ARDMS has made a number of recent enhancements to the item writing process and requires more help than ever from subject matter experts (SME) volunteers.
The first step in becoming a SME volunteer as an item writer/reviewer is to participate in a training session to learn what constitutes a good item. In the past, such training sessions have been held at the ARDMS offices. Recently ARDMS has begun hosting such training sessions at national meetings of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) and Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) and offering sessions online.
Once item development training is completed, volunteers then set about the task of writing and editing new examination questions. The Exam Development Task Forces (EDTFs), volunteer groups that have oversight of ARDMS examinations, also review and finalize all items. Only after psychometric validation are the test items used to score applicants on actual examinations. Volunteers' performance in item submission and editing may result in invitations to join the EDTFs for closer involvement in the process.
To help make the process of writing and editing items more efficient, ARDMS is working to implement sophisticated secure software programs which allow for the easier exchange of information and item revision. Volunteer Registrants trained in item writing will soon be able to submit new items via an online form.
Over the next five to ten years, the ARDMS Registrant population is expected to grow in numbers and diversity. Testing with advanced items, performance testing and simulations will better assess actual job performance by all sonography professionals. International testing and physician testing will also continue to grow.
Registrants are our best source of volunteers and I strongly urge you to become more involved in ARDMS as it grows and evolves. To read more about the volunteer position descriptions and how you can get involved, click here.
Steven A. Leers, MD, RVT
Chair, ARDMS Board of Directors
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Spotlight on a Sonographer: Cindy Rapp
 "My first reaction when I started the program was how anyone could make anything out of those little dots," recalls Cindy Rapp, RDMS, RDCS, as she described her first experience with ultrasound. Cindy, the newly appointed Vice President of Clinical Program Development at the Medipattern Corporation would have a lot more to contribute to the field of
sonography. Her passion for life is reflected in her commitment to enhance the field of sonography.
Halfway through her training as an x-ray technician, Cindy applied to the Loma Linda University. Out of the 25 applicants, she was one of only four accepted. After starting her training in ultrasound and with the help of mentors and employers, Cindy realized that ultrasound was her calling. "I wanted to know everything there was about ultrasound and what it could do."
Cindy now trains up-and-coming Sonographers and says it's the most rewarding aspect of her career. "There are a lot of excellent technologists that take good pictures. What is difficult is interpreting those images. Sonography is one of the few modalities that are operator dependant. Making a good picture is difficult; once you have the good picture making the diagnosis is fairly easy."
In 2000, Cindy received the prestigious Kenneth R. Gottesfeld award of excellence for her publications. Cindy also received the distinguished sonographer of the year award from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) in 2005 and will receive the Joan Baker Award at the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) annual conference in October, 2008.
In addition to her many awards and accolades, Cindy also gives back to the profession she loves by lending her time and expertise to Sonography organizations. At ARDMS Cindy served as the founding Chair of the Breast ultrasound examination development task force, a member of the examination development committee, and a Board of Directors member of the Breast Ultrasound Foundation. Cindy has also held senior leadership positions with the SDMS and AIUM.
ARDMS is honored to have Cindy Rapp as a Registrant and a pioneer of promoting quality care and patient safety through the certification and continuing competency of ultrasound professionals.
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What's the Deal with Recertification?
ARDMS is committed to developing a recertification program that is easy for Registrants to comply with while meeting the organizational accreditation recommendations. Although still in the early stages of development and several years from implementation, we anticipate that Registrants will be able to take the recertification examinations online from their home or office computer. Additionally, the assessments will be inexpensive and likely consist of approximately 50 specialty-specific questions (no physics questions). Furthermore, Registrants will have more than adequate time and multiple opportunities to take and pass the exams.
Why a Recertification Program is Needed:
The recertification program is being developed to meet the recommendations of the organizations that accredit ARDMS, the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Guiding Principles of the ARDMS Recertification Program:
The Recertification Task Force, comprised of Registrants who donate their time and expertise to ARDMS, are working to develop the recertification program based on the following principles:
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To maintain ARDMS's ongoing mission to promote quality care and patient safety through the certification and continuing competency of ultrasound professionals;
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Meet recommendations of the ISO-ANSI;
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Be simple for ARDMS Registrants to comply with;
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Be affordable;
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Reflect the present day entry-level practice of Sonography;
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Benefit patients and the Sonography community; and
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Coexist with Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs.
Timeframe for the Recertification Program:
The Recertification Task Force is currently working to develop the parameters and logistics of the recertification program and it will likely be several years before a formal program is introduced. ARDMS will keep Registrants and the Sonography community apprised every step of the way.
CMEs and Recertification:
The accrual of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits assures that Registrants are committed to lifelong learning. CME's alone, however, can not prove that someone who holds an ARDMS credential is still competent in basic sonography skills. ISO-ANSI stipulate that we should have a measurable way to assure someone is still competent - thus the need for a recertification program.
Non-Registered Sonography Professionals:
ARDMS believes that everyone practicing Sonography should be credentialed and we are working hard to realize that goal. ARDMS does not have the authority, however, to mandate certification for all Sonography professionals. Currently, federal and state governments, and insurance companies are the only groups that can require credentialing. At the same time, through a recertification program, ARDMS must assure that Registrants who hold ARDMS credentials maintain a certain level of competency.
Registrant Satisfaction is a Top Priority:
The satisfaction of our Registrants is a top ARDMS priority - after all it's our Registrants that help ARDMS fulfill the mission to "promote quality care and patient safety through the certification and continuing competency of ultrasound professionals." ARDMS understands that Registrants are busy professionals and strives to make policies for maintaining the credentials simple to comply with. In addition, as a non-profit organization, ARDMS endeavors to keep fees low.
ARDMS will keep Registrants and the Sonography community fully informed regarding the recertification program development through postings on the ARDMS website, articles in organizational newsletters, and other high-profile communication mediums.
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A Brief Guide to a Successful Testing Experience
After all the preparation and studying you've done, we want to make sure that you know what to expect on testing day. To assist you, we have put together a short list of things you need to know.
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Make sure that you bring two forms of current identification (ID). One of the forms must be a government issued ID with a photo and signature, like a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. The other must bear a clear and legible signature like a social security card, credit card, or student ID. Both forms of ID must be current and not expired. Keep in mind that the name you made your reservation in and your ID must match.
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Travel light. The only thing that can be brought into the testing room is you. Everything else, including your watch, cell phone, pager, purse, etc., MUST be secured elsewhere. The testing centers have lockers to store personal belongings, but the less you bring with you the better. Study materials as well as food and drink are prohibited in the test center. No visitors, guests, pets, or children are allowed.
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Scratch paper is provided by the test proctor, one sheet at a time. Some test centers have replaced the scratch paper with wipe-off boards as part of a company-wide effort to "go green". Test centers will provide either scratch paper or the wipe-off board, but not both. "Brain dumping" or transferring large amounts of memorized information to paper at any point during the examination is not permitted.
Taking examinations tends to be stressful. While these suggestions will not ultimately affect your examination score, hopefully they will allow you to reduce your stress level by helping you overcome your logistical hurdles and filling you in on what to expect on test day. Good luck!
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SDMS 2008 Salary Survey Results
The 2008 Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Sonographer Salary and Benefits Survey findings show solid growth in Sonographers' average salary. The median annual salary for sonographers in 2008 was reported as $66,768, having increased from $61,984 in 2005. The SDMS Sonographer Salary and Benefits Survey evaluated salary data by gender, age, state, specialty, and practice setting.
The survey found that a majority of sonographers are paid on an hourly basis and are overwhelmingly female. Most sonographers work in a hospital or medical center setting. While sonographers reported high satisfaction levels with their career choice and with their current work position, some 80% indicated they would like to have additional career path opportunities.
"The overall growth in sonographer's salary and benefits is encouraging and an indicator that the services provided by sonographers are valued by the medical community and ultimately by the patients who are served," said Shannon Boswell, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, President of the SDMS. SDMS believes that the next step in improving sonography-related patient care is the passage of the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill, also known as the CARE bill. SDMS feels that everyone will benefit from the quality standards presented within the CARE Bill.
SDMS members may access complete survey results at: www.sdms.org/members/salary.
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Advancing Treatment and Medical Technology for Women
To help raise awareness about future trends in sonography, ARDMS has begun featuring a series of articles that will explore new advancements and innovations. Some of the other topics we may report on include ways to improve work flow, ergonomics of sonography, image quality, and innovative applications. We will consult with Sonography professionals, researchers, educators, and equipment manufactures.
GE has revolutionized healthcare for women with innovations in reproductive medicine, obstetrics, labor and delivery, maternal fetal medicine and gynecology. At the recent annual clinical meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), GE showcased their "commitment to the development of devices and services that will enable earlier detection and more accurate diagnoses of health conditions, relating to cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, uterine fibroids, and other conditions." By researching medical advances and inventing revolutionized technology, GE maintains their commitment to promoting and encouraging expert healthcare for women.
Clinicians, doctors and medical professionals benefiting from GE's extraordinary medical advances are able to identify problems earlier and make critical decisions with enhanced confidence. Listed below are some of the medical technologies GE has developed to advance healthcare for women.
Uterine Fibroids:
GE, in conjunction with InSightec, has developed the first magnetic resonance (MR) guided ultrasound system. This technology is the only non-invasive surgical treatment currently available for uterine fibroids. Using this revolutionary design, hospitals and medical facilities will be able to plan treatment and monitor outcome in real time and the high intensity ultrasound will thermally ablate tumors non-invasively.
Osteoporosis:
According to research, one in three women will experience osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in the hospital then diabetes, myocardial infarctions and breast cancer for women over the age of 45. GE has developed a technology that aids clinicians in preventing and detecting the disease earlier.
Maternal-Fetal Monitoring:
Enhancements made to the existing GE maternal fetal monitoring systems provide comprehensive perinatal observations for mother and baby during birth. Additional features allow healthcare providers to monitor maternal temperature using non-invasive infrared technology and enables medical facilities to administer the highest quality care for patients. The system even allows the expecting parents their choice of three songs to play when welcoming their newborn.
To view full story, please click here.
ARDMS welcomes additional topic suggestions and encourages your contributions to the series. If you would like more information on how to submit an article for the series, please send an email to communications@ardms.org with the subject line: My Contribution.
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Summer 2008
News You Can Use
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Updates:
The SPI Pilot Application will be available online on August 1, 2008 for those selected to participate in the SPI Pilot Examination between October 22 and November 13, 2008. Applicants must complete the online application via the link provided in the e-mail sent on August 1, 2008. You will not be able to apply for the SPI Pilot Examination through the general application link. For more information about the SPI Pilot Application Process, go to
www.ARDMS.org/SPI.
Three Year CME Reminder Period
If you are an ARDMS Registrant whose three-year CME period ends on December 31, 2008, you should have received a letter dated July 7, 2008, reminding you to earn a minimum of 30 ARDMS-accepted CMEs by the end of this year. Your three-year CME period is based on the year you first became certified. Below is a listing of your current and upcoming three-year periods and audit eligibility.
To obtain your three-year CME period, please log on to the secured Registrant Resources page by visiting www.ARDMS.org/login.
Stay Connected...Update your E-mail Address Record
With the renewal period quickly approaching, it is imperative that you verify your contact information and update it if necessary. Please ensure that you keep both your mailing and e-mail addresses up to date in your record by logging on to your secured Registrant Resources section
and verifying your contact information in the "Edit Profile" page.
ARDMS uses your e-mail and mailing address to send information about new ARDMS policies and procedures, renewal reminders, important updates and essential information that may affect your credential(s). Click here for details.
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