Spring/Summer 2011
General Updates for Educators
ARDMS Switches to a New Testing Platform
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ARDMS examinations will now be administered on a new technology platform. While this change does not alter the look, cost, or content of the examinations, the new platform does allow ARDMS the ability to test in new international locations, enhance exam-scheduling services and improve security measures.
International Testing: ARDMS, through Pearson VUE test centers, now offers examinations in Hong Kong, Brazil, Mexico City and U.S. Territories such as Guam and American Samoa. Additional international testing sites will be made available throughout the year.
Exam Scheduling: ARDMS test-takers will notice an improved system for scheduling exams. Beginning June 1, 2011, the first time you log onto the Pearson VUE examination scheduling system*, you will need to create a new web account with Pearson VUE. Once your web account is created, the username and password will be used to schedule all future examinations.
New ID Rules for Admission to Test Centers: The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your examination-confirmation letter. If the names are different in any way (including a middle initial that appears on the ID but not in your record or vice versa) you will not be admitted to take your examination. Click here for instructions on how to update your name.
Additional Security Measures: Upon entering the test centers, test takers will be asked to participate in a palm vein scan when checking in for each examination. For more information on this new security measure, click here.
For questions relating to the new testing platform, please contact the Registrant Services Department at 800-41-9754.
*This link will take you to the website of the ARDMS testing vendor, Pearson VUE.
Update: Program Completion Letters
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Effective immediately, program completion letters for non-CAAHEP accredited or non-CMA programs must include the following:
- Total number of hours for didactic and clinical components of the program;
- Indicate that the program is full-time; and
- The graduate’s successful completion of the program and dates of attendance.
In addition, all transcripts submitted to satisfy the educational component of Prerequisite 1 must indicate the following:
- Dates of attendance must verify that the program is a full-time 24-month program
OR
- Must specify that the total credit count for the curriculum is at least 60 semester credits or 84 quarter credits and must be reflected on the transcript.
For clarification or questions, please call 800-541-9754 to speak with a Registrant Services Coordinator, or send an email to rsgeneralinfo@ardms.org.
Sonography Educational Program Capacity Survey Results - In Brief
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In February, ARDMS sent a survey to 104 Sonography Education Program Directors to assess current and future program capacities. Below is a brief summation of the survey results.
- 61% of educators indicated that their programs are at 100% capacity and there is a wait list. 33% indicated they were at 100% capacity without a wait list
- 88% of respondents indicated they did not believe there was a need to expand their sonography program to accept more students.
- 59% of educators feel that in the next five years, enrollment in their sonography program will stay the same while 14% stated that they expect enrollment to increase. Of the 14% who think enrollment will increase, 33% feel it will increase by 6-10% overall.
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The Future of ARDMS Credentials
 ARDMS has surpassed more than 70,000 active Registrants! It is no surprise that the demand to find the most qualified, competent and highly skilled sonographers is growing as ultrasound is becoming the diagnostic imaging method choice in many fields of medicine. This leaves healthcare institutions and stakeholders in the field competing among themselves for training and developing top quality sonographers.
In addition to most hospitals and employers requiring ARDMS credentials, the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) , the American College of Radiology (ACR) and recently the American Board of Surgery (ABS) have all recognized ARDMS credentials as one of the pathways of documenting professional competency and knowledge in the field of sonography.
Here are the most recent developments:
Newly Amended Standard: All Technical Staff Must Obtain Vascular Credential by 2017 - Adapted from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) website.
Registered Physician Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) credential to be required in 2014 for applicants to the 2014 Vascular Surgery Qualifying Examination - Adapted from the ABS website.
ARDMS is committed to keep you abreast of future developments as we all continue to fulfill our mission of promoting quality care and patient safety through the certification and continuing competency of ultrasound professionals.
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ARDMS Who's Who: Dagoberto Navia, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
 In this edition of ARDMS Who’s Who, ARDMS had the pleasure of interviewing Dagoberto Navia, RDMS, RDCS, RVT. Dagoberto came to the U.S. in 2004 from Cuba and began his journey in ultrasound. Upon graduating from his ultrasound program, he earned three ARDMS credentials in less than two years, and has been a recognized and exemplary sonographer. He is eager to continue learning and growing within the sonography field, and plans to earn his Breast Specialty in the coming year. A colleague described him as “a dedicated person who has jumped the language barrier and shows great dedication to and for our field."
ARDMS: How did you get started in the field of Sonography?
D. Navia: I started in 2006 as an ultrasound tech for an outpatient clinic here in Miami, doing all types of ultrasound and learning new techniques every day. I knew it was something I wanted to learn more about, so I decided to begin my formal education.
ARDMS: What have been your biggest challenges of pursuing a career in Sonography?
D. Navia: I would have to say that expanding my clinical knowledge and honing my skills to maximize patient satisfaction and safety have been my biggest challenges. I am always eager to learn new things and a better way of doing a scan or using a machine. It’s very important to me that I provide a peaceful and relaxing environment for my patients so they feel comfortable and safe while receiving care.
ARDMS: Who has been the biggest influence during your career?
D. Navia: I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement of Ms. Consuelo Garcia, RDMS, RDCS, RVT. She has an admirable dedication to her work and a commitment I strive for. Over the years I have learned so much from her and feel that her dedication to the field of sonography has been an important driving factor in my career.
ARDMS: What do you like most about working in Sonography?
D. Navia: My favorite, albeit most challenging, part of my job is working with patients. Every day I am able to do a job I love and help people. No two patients are the same and it challenges me to be a better sonographer and a better person.
ARDMS: What advice would you give to those considering a career in Sonography?
D. Navia: Dedication. Sonography requires consistent education and skills application, as it’s a highly competitive field with new technology and advancements emerging all the time. It also requires patience and environmental adaptation. That being said, I feel that it is one of the best healthcare fields for professional growth.
ARDMS: How do you keep up-to-date with industry changes/news in Sonography?
D. Navia: I mainly use the ARDMS website. I am able to access news and information about new technology and procedures relating to Diagnostic Ultrasound. I also find it helpful to check other ultrasound organizations websites, like AIUM or SDMS.
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Advancements in Technology: Decreasing Work-Related Injuries
At the St. Francis Medical Group, Indiana Heart Physicians Inc., in Indianapolis, Indiana, Echocardiography Technicians have an added benefit. Thanks to Medical Director Richard J. Shea, MD, FACC, FACP, employees can now enjoy massages while at work. In 2010, ARDMS Registrant and St. Francis employee Mary Ellen Stewart, RDCS, wrote a report outlining the benefits of this program and its effect on employees. Mary’s report recorded the number of visits to the Employee Occupational Health Center from 2003 to 2007.
Over a course of four years, Mary saw that employees were visiting the Employee Occupation Health Center for an increasing number of work-related injuries, including neck, back and arm injuries sustained while scanning patients. Hospital administrators decided that they needed to find out why employees were suffering from these injuries and how to prevent them in the future. They brought in a physical therapy consultant to investigate the cause of the injuries. The Echocardiography Technicians recommended that weekly massages by a trained masseuse would help employees to perform better.
With the rallying support of Dr. Shea and Manager of Cardiovascular Testing Andy Self, Indiana Heart Physicians employees now enjoy a weekly massage by Cathy Burgler, former masseuse to the Indianapolis Colts. Cathy also teaches the staff different stretches and ways to sit or stand when performing a scan. Since the massage therapy program started in 2007, the number of employees visiting the Employee Occupational Health Center has decreased to zero. Other Echocardiography Technicians in the Indianapolis area who have heard about this program are inquiring for positions within the group. Unfortunately, they are being turned down because the practice has had a zero percent turnover rate since this program started!
Mary Ellen has seen an increase in employee morale and the quality of work that employees are able to produce because of the massage therapy program. She says, “My longevity in the echo field has been extended. Without this program I would not have been able to withstand this line of work, and I have been doing this for over 32 years.” One of the lab employees, Loree Ross, RVT, added, “The massages leave you feeling rejuvenated and resets you for the next week.”
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ARDMS's Partnership for the CME Credit Reporting Program
 To simplify the Continuing Medical Education (CME) audit process for Registrants, ARDMS has re-established automatic CME reporting processes with Chrestomathic Press, Inc. (CPI), in addition to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography tracker program, that will help ARDMS Registrants organize and maintain a comprehensive record of earned CME credits. CME’s earned via either organization are now automatically reflected on your ARDMS transcript. ARDMS encourages Registrants to routinely visit MY ARDMS to view their current transcript.
In the future, many, if not all, sonography CME providers will be able to send confirmation of Registrants’ participation in CME activities to ARDMS electronically.
Simply access your MY ARDMS account to review your CME transcript activities and verify your three-year CME period.
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Notes for Educators. Copyright 2011. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The ideas and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of ARDMS.
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One
Rockville, MD 20850
www.ARDMS.org
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