Sonographers are diagnostic medical professionals who operate ultrasonic imaging devices to produce images, scans, videos, or 3D volumes of anatomy and diagnostic data. Sonography requires specialized education and skills to view, analyze, and modify the scan to optimize the information in the image. Because of the high levels of decisional latitude and diagnostic input, sonographers have a high degree of responsibility in the diagnostic process. In order to practice diagnostic medical sonography, professional certification in the United States is required.
Founded in 1975, The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that administers examinations and credentials. Credentials awarded by ARDMS document personal achievement of recognized professional standards, and are widely accepted in the medical community by sonography and vascular professional organizations. ARDMS is the globally recognized standard of excellence in sonography, and has certified more than 65,000 individuals. More information can be found at www.ardms.org.
Cross-trained human sonographers are employed across the country in veterinary universities, specialty hospitals, mobile practices, and research facilities. Many of the highest volume practices and universities utilize a sonographer’s skill, allowing specialists to spend their valuable time elsewhere. Human sonographers in university settings are typically in charge of training residents to perform ultrasounds. Human sonographers have been making valuable contributions to veterinary medicine since its use has become more widespread. In fact, one of the foremost works on veterinary echocardiography was written by an RDCS working in veterinary medicine.