Read how the new SPI Examination will affect you.
Don't miss the JRC May 15th deadline.
Siemen introduces the world's smallest ultrasound pocket system.
ARDMS recognizes Diane Loretz Seagroves as the Spotlight Sonographer.
In Spring 2009, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) will introduce the new Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination. The SPI examination will meet the fundamental principles and instrumentation component for the RDMS, RDCS, and RVT credentials.
Not sure how the new SPI examination will affect you? Don't Worry! ARDMS has created this informational article to guide you in the right direction!*
Currently, I...
Am an active Registrant: The ARDMS would like to assure active Registrants that they are not required to take the SPI examination to maintain current credentials. Active Registrants will only need to take the SPI examination if they want to earn a new credential.
Say, for example, that you currently hold the RDMS credential - meaning you passed the Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation (UPI) examination and a corresponding specialty such as Abdomen (AB)*. In the summer of 2009, after the release of the SPI examination, you decide that you want to earn the RDCS credential. To do so, you will need to take the SPI examination and a cardiac specialty examination (Adult, Pediatric, or Fetal Echocardiography) to obtain the RDCS credential. Then, if you decide in the future to obtain the RVT credential, you would only be required to take and pass the Vascular Technology (VT) examination as you have already taken and passed the
SPI examination. Registrants wanting to earn additional specialties within an existing credential will only need to take the specialty examination.
*If a registrant wishes to earn an additional specialty within their current credential (ex. OB/GYN) they DO NOT have to take and pass the SPI examination.
Passed only a physics examination (not SPI) before Spring 2009: Candidates who have passed a physics examination (UPI, CPI, VPI) still need to take a specialty examination to earn a credential. Once a credential is earned (and the person becomes an active Registrant), then additional specialty examinations can be taken. Just as is the case now, once a credential is earned, Registrants can go onto earn additional specialties with in that credential. Active Registrants will only need to take the SPI examination if they want to earn a new credential.
Passed only a specialty examination before spring 2009: Say someone passed their Adult Echocardiography examination and as of Spring of 2009 has not yet passed the Cardiac Physics & Instrumentation (CPI) examination. Upon the release of SPI, any future attempts by that person to take/pass a physics examination would be done so by taking the SPI examination. The CPI examination would no longer be offered nor would any of the other physics examinations. As of Spring 2009, only the SPI will be offered.
Am a student: Students in a sonography/vascular technology related program, who can document successful completion of a physics class with a grade of C or better, or a physics review course, will be permitted to apply for and take the SPI examination prior to graduation. Students may begin applying for the SPI examination in 2009. Additional details, including specific prerequisite information and the date applications will begin to be accepted will be posted on
www.ARDMS.org.
Am considering earning a credential in 2008/2009: New applicants, candidates and Registrants that are working towards earning ARDMS credentials may wish to focus on taking multiple specialty examinations over the next year. Upon the release of the SPI examination in spring 2009, those who have taken and passed specialty examinations and the new SPI examination will have the unique opportunity of earning multiple credentials, without duplicating efforts relating to credential specific physics examinations.
Must earn a credential prior to Spring 2009 (my employer is requiring it) : New applicants and candidates who are required to earn a new credential prior to the release of the SPI examination in Spring 2009 will need to follow the current examination pathways (specific physical principles and instrumentation and the corresponding specialty examinations).
ARDMS will share more detailed information regarding the SPI examination with Registrants, educators, students, and the sonography community over the coming months through postings on the ARDMS website (www.ARDMS.org
) , e-mails, newsletters, and press releases. If you wish to receive e-mail notifications about the latest SPI updates, please click here.
*Please note that the information above does not relate to the logistics or processes of the examination, it serves only to guide Registrants, students, educators, candidates and prospects in the right direction. For more information about the SPI examination, please visit
www.ARDMS.org/SPI.
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Helpful Guidelines for Requesting School Reports
As you are preparing the Joint Review Committee (JRC) annual report, we hope that requesting an ARDMS school report is the least of your worries. With the JRC deadline, May 15, 2008, quickly approaching, ARDMS has developed the following list of submission requirements to ease the process for school reports.
This information is also available online in the Educator Resources section at www.ARDMS.org.
The Request for School Report Form MUST:
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Start on the first available line (line 23)
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List official/formal and full names only
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Have the date of birth stated numerically, MM/DD/YYYY
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Have at least one (not all) of the following identifiers for each student listed:
The Request for School Report Form MUST NOT:
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Be sent via fax or regular mail
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Include nicknames
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Have the month written out in the date of birth (example: March 1, 2008)
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Have dashes between the SSN/CIN
Please note: If you are requesting data for more than one class, you must send a separate School Report Request Form for each class.
ARDMS is pleased to offer you this report at no charge. If you do not submit the form correctly, however, it will delay your request. If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to schoolreport@ardms.org.
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ARDMS Endorses Sonography Curriculum
The National Education Curriculum (NEC) will soon be adopted by sonography educational programs in preparing students for certification and careers in sonography. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is among the 18 endorsing organizations of the Sonography National Education Curriculum.
ARDMS participated in three development meetings organized by the Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS). Participants drafted a curriculum that could be utilized by the sonography education community throughout the country as a guideline for developing and establishing educational programs. The completed curriculum will be turned over to the JRC-DMS (Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography) for dissemination.
Sonography National Education Curriculum Endorsing Organizations include:
American College of Cardiology (ACC)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
American College of Radiology (ACR)
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP)
Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (CSDMS)
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT)
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)
Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU)
Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)
Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
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Siemens World's Smallest and First
Pocket Ultrasound System
In hopes to raise awareness of future trends in sonography, ARDMS is pleased to feature the first in 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 sonogrpahy, image quality, and innovative applications. We will consult with Sonography professionals, researchers, educators, and equipment manufactures.
The ARDMS recognizes that the field of ultrasound is essentially technology-driven and the pace of advancements have been steadily accelerating in recent years. So it is especially important that Sonographers keep up-to-date in the latest innovations in ultrasound equipment, as well as the new procedures and "best-practices" in patient care that this equipment makes possible. It is to no surprise that healthcare providers continue to invest in innovation to drive workflow improvements.
In this issue, we will focus on Siemens newest medical solution as it unveils the world's first pocket ultrasound system. Weighing only 1.6 pounds, you may mistake it for your cell phone as you rummage through your pockets. However, the advancement and result of this latest ultrasound system are valuable and essential to improved patient care and workflow productivity. The ACUSON P10™ system was launched in October 2007. Siemens latest innovation, the P10 hand held diagnostic ultrasound system is intended to improve workflow reduction, particularly in cardiology, emergency care and obstetrics.
In emergency situations, the hand held ACUSON P10 system allows for earlier, faster and more accurate screening and triage decisions. In addition to cardiac and emergency care, the ACUSON P10 pocket ultrasound system offers applications in other medical specialties, most notably obstetrics where it can be used in labor and delivery. The device can help medical professions determine fetal viability, fetal positioning, and amniotic fluid volume.
For more information about the ACUSON P10 system, log on to www.pocketultrasound.com.
Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG is continuously working on innovative imaging solutions. As one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry, Siemens is known for bringing together innovation and productivity to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes.
ARDMS welcomes additional topics 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 subject line: My Contribution.
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Spotlight on a Sonographer: Diane Loretz Seagroves
After nearly 30 years of serving as a sonographer, Diane Seagroves RVT, is ready to pursue gardening and enjoying the beautiful view of the Olympic Mountains. However, Diane is not ready to give up her commitment for spreading the importance of obtaining ARDMS credentials in the field of sonography.
Diane first earned her ARDMS Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential in 1983. Since then, she has made a tremendous impact in the local medical community and the sonography community. Diane started her career as a vascular technologist working for Brookside Hospital in Richmond, California. Quality exams, patient safety and attending to patient concerns became a priority in her career.
In 1989, Diane was fortunate to be recruited by group of vascular surgeons who recruited her into opening up a vascular lab for them in Olympia, Washington. "I knew that I belonged as part of that group because we shared the same views on patient safety and patient care," recalls Diane, "and that is ultimately the driving force of becoming a sonographer." This office was one of the first 35 vascular labs accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).
In her career, Diane helped develop the protocol for pre-op Dialysis Access mapping used as the primary protocol for Fistula First. She has also been actively involved in writing to congress to help further the field of sonography. Diane was a member of an ultrasound professionals coalition that was formed to educate those in legislative power about the field of sonography in Washington state. Dale Cyr, Executive Director and CEO of ARDMS, was also one of the members of the coalition.
Diane continues to be an advocate for obtaining credentials in the field of sonography. "The one thing that is most important is to continue pursuing requiring credentials in the areas in which you can scan. Medical decision are made based on the results and it is imperative to scan correctly."
ARDMS is honored to have Diane Seagroves as a Registrant and promoter of patient care.
"The patient is why we're here," concludes Diane.
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Notes for Educators. Copyright. 2008. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The ideas and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of ARDMS.
