The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field in the United States. Through its Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), CAAHEP accredits sonography educational programs at the entry level.
Program Accreditation
CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accreditation is essential for sonography programs — graduates of accredited programs are eligible to sit for ARDMS and ARRT credentialing examinations. Programs must meet standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical education, and outcomes assessment.
Importance for Students
Prospective sonography students should verify that their chosen program holds CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accreditation. Graduating from a non-accredited program may make it difficult or impossible to obtain national credentials from ARDMS or ARRT.