Credentialing Pathways in Diagnostic Ultrasound & Cardiovascular Imaging

Our role as educators does not end when a course concludes. For clinicians committed to lifelong bedside service, the next steps after training matter deeply—not as hurdles, but as pathways.

Here is a neutral, factual overview of several major credentialing bodies whose examinations, policies, and maintenance requirements shape the professional journeys of ultrasound and cardiovascular imaging professionals.

ARDMS — American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Identity:
ARDMS is a nonprofit credentialing organization focused exclusively on the certification of ultrasound professionals.

History:
First examination administered in 1975, emerging alongside the early clinical adoption of diagnostic ultrasound.

Credentials & Exams:
RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RMSKS; most pathways require the SPI exam plus a specialty exam.

Candidate Volume:
Tens of thousands of active registrants worldwide; annual global exam statistics published.

Exam Performance:
ARDMS publishes annual first-time and repeat candidate pass/fail statistics by exam.

Costs (Typical):
SPI ~$275; specialty exams ~$300.

Eligibility:
Defined prerequisite pathways requiring education and/or clinical experience documentation.

Maintenance:
Annual renewal with Maintenance of Certification requirements.

Governance:
Council and committees composed of sonographers, physicians, and subject-matter experts.

Location:
Administrative offices within Inteleos, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.

ARRT — American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (Sonography Focus)

Identity:
ARRT is a large credentialing and registry organization covering medical imaging disciplines, including sonography.

History:
Founded in 1922, expanding over decades to include advanced imaging and sonography pathways.

Sonography Credentials:
R.T.(S) Sonography; R.T.(VS) Vascular Sonography.

Candidate Volume:
Hundreds of thousands of registrants overall; sonography represents a defined subset.

Exam Performance:
ARRT publishes exam statistics annually; detailed discipline data is shared with programs and regulators.

Costs (Typical):
Primary pathway fees typically in the low-to-mid $200 range.

Eligibility:
Completion of an ARRT-approved education program, ethics review, and exam completion.

Maintenance:
Annual renewal with biennial continuing education requirements.

Governance:
Board and committees composed of imaging professionals and educators.

Location:
Administrative operations in the U.S. Midwest; exams delivered via Pearson VUE centers.

CCI — Cardiovascular Credentialing International

Identity:
CCI is a nonprofit credentialing organization focused on cardiovascular and vascular professionals.

History:
Began credentialing cardiovascular professionals in 1968. First to achieve credentialing as a formal Credentialing Agency.

Credentials & Exams:
RCS, RVS, and other cardiovascular-focused credentials; single-part exams emphasizing applied clinical knowledge.

Candidate Volume:
Annual certification statistics published by credential.

Exam Performance:
CCI releases yearly pass/fail summaries by credential.

Costs (Typical):
Exam fees published in the CCI Applicant Handbook.

Eligibility:
Credential-specific pathways requiring education and/or documented clinical experience.

Maintenance:
Periodic renewal with continuing education after initial cycle.

Governance:
Board of Trustees and credential-specific committees.

Location:
Administrative offices located in Raleigh, North Carolina. defined subset.

Training Clinicians Worldwide Since 1981.

Testimonials reflect individual learning experiences. Growth in skill and confidence develops through guided training, continued practice, and personal commitment.

For Institutions

On Building a Unified, Credential-Ready Ultrasound Team

Custom On-Site Training

Discuss Your Team’s Needs

POCUS Implementation Resources

For Clinicians

Your Skill-Building Experience

Free Downloads

Blog

Employer Tuition Sponsorship Kit

Reserve Your Place in Class