ARDMS Testing Vendor to Implement New Security Measure

The ARDMS testing vendor, Pearson VUE, will be implementing a new security feature at all test centers later this year. As part of the check-in process, candidates will be required to take part in a palm vein recognition scan for all ARDMS examinations. Palm vein recognition scans the veins of an individual’s hand to create a digital template that represents the unique palm vein pattern. This new technology offers a form of identification that is highly accurate, provides greater privacy than fingerprinting or retinal scanning, and helps safeguard the integrity of ARDMS examinations.

The digitally encrypted palm vein patterns cannot be read by any other system, and there is no direct contact with the sensor, eliminating the possibility of smudging. Palm vein patterns are invisible and virtually impossible to forge, making the system highly secure. This new technology of palm vein mapping provided by Pearson VUE, improves the check-in process, ensures that each test-taker has a unique record, and prevents people from testing under assumed names.
The palm vein recognition process will not increase the length of the admission process and should take less than a minute to complete. Other standard test center admission steps, such as photo ID and signature, will remain in place for all ARDMS candidates.

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ARDMS has spent the last several months reorganizing the content and updating the look and feel of the website (www.ARDMS.org).  We’ve worked hard to deliver information and resources to the Sonography community in the best and most convenient way.  In addition to the already popular Prerequisite and Requirement Eligibility Program (PREP), Quick Links and Newsletter sections, we’ve added some new features:

• Enhanced navigation;
• Interactive Credentials & Examinations pathways chart;
• Apply, Prepare & Schedule sections of the website;
• Sections for Students and Educators;
• Examination Development and Scoring section; and
• A News & Multimedia section where you will have access to podcasts, tutorial videos, press releases and current industry news.

Dale Cyr, ARDMS CEO and Executive Director, commented, “The new website conveys all of the important information the sonography community groups will need. We are very excited about the revamp and hope that the enhanced website will serve as a great resource to our visitors.”

Visit www.ARDMS.org and check it out today!

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Introducing...MY ARDMS

ARDMS has changed the name of the Registrant Resources (login) section of ARDMS.org to MY ARDMS.  MY ARDMS caters to two distinct audiences: Registrants and Registered Users. 

A Registrant is someone who has earned a credential (RDMS, RVT, RDCS and/or RPVI) with ARDMS.  A Registered User is an individual who has applied for an examination and/or taken part of one of the examinations required to earn a credential.  Each group will be able to update and manage personal information, view and print receipts and check their registry status. As always, ARDMS is committed to protecting the security and integrity of our Registrants and Applicants personal information.

Visit www.ARDMS.org and log in to MY ARDMS  today!

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ARDMS Announces the Development of a Musculoskeletal (MSK) Sonography Credential

In December 2009, the ARDMS Board of Directors approved the development of a Musculoskeletal (MSK) Sonography credentialing examination. One of the fastest growing sonography disciplines in the world, musculoskeletal sonography is used in the evaluation and treatment of joint and soft-tissue diseases.  

“The vast majority of MSK sonography studies are performed outside of the United States,” said ARDMS CEO Dale R. Cyr. “ARDMS will be seeking experts from around the world to work with us in developing this truly global credential.”

For more information about how ARDMS examinations are developed, please read the Letter from the Chair in the Winter 2010 edition of Registry Reports.  Updates on the progress of the MSK exam will be featured in future editions of Registry Reports, Notes for Educators and on the ARDMS website. 

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Spotlight on a Sonographer: Pat Grier RDMS, RT

ARDMS Registrant: Pat Grier, RDMS, RT

ARDMS Registrant Since: 1992

Current Position: Lead Exam Clinical Specialist at ARDMS

If this issue’s Spotlight Sonographer seems familiar to you, that is because you may have seen her picture in ARDMS’s publications such as the application booklet, the How to Apply Guides, on the ARDMS booth, and many more! Pat Grier joined the ARDMS staff in 2006.  Since then, she has been an integral part of the Testing Department.  “The clinical expertise that Pat brings to the ARDMS Testing Department allows us to continue our path of rigorous quality assurance for our credentials,” said ARDMS CEO and Executive Director, Dale R. Cyr.

Ms. Grier, a graduate of the Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Radiologic Technology in Baltimore, Maryland and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, joined ARDMS with more than 20 years of diagnostic imaging experience.  Previously, Ms. Grier held supervisory and senior-level positions at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Health Plan, Sinai Hospital, and Siemens Medical Systems.

While at ARDMS, Pat works closely with the clinical subject matter experts who develop and oversee ARDMS examinations.  One of her many responsibilities include working with the Exam Development Task Force members in developing the extensive and detailed Job Task Analysis surveys that are sent to a representative sample of medical practitioners to determine the frequency and importance of tasks performed for a particular sonography discipline.

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