The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the primary credentialing body for diagnostic medical sonographers in the United States. Founded in 1975, ARDMS administers specialty examinations and awards credentials including the RDMS, RDCS, RVT, and RMSKS.
Credentials Issued
ARDMS awards the following credentials: RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer), RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer), RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist), and RMSKS (Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer).
Exam Structure
All ARDMS credentials require passing the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam, which covers physics and instrumentation, plus one or more specialty exams. Specialty areas include abdominal, OB/GYN, breast, neurosonology, pediatric sonography, adult echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, pediatric echocardiography, vascular technology, and musculoskeletal sonography.