Please go to U.S. Department of Labor for Occupation Outlook & Earnings Handbook.
Although some states require workers in this occupation to be licensed, licensure is not required in California to work in this position. However, some graduates of Ultrasound Technology program may be eligible to participate in credentialing examinations from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
Although the State of California does not require licensure in diagnostic medical sonography, organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certify the skills and knowledge of sonographers through credentialing, including registration. Because registration provides an independent, objective measure of and individual’s professional standing, many employers
prefer to hire Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS).
The Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination from ARDMS tests basic physical principles and instrumentation knowledge essential to sonography professionals and students.
To earn an RDMS, RDCS, RVT and RMSKS credentials, you must pass the SPI examination and a corresponding specialty examination within five years. After passing the SPI examination, you can earn additional credentials without having to retake the SPI examination, provided you maintain active status.
For more information on SPI Examination Requirements & Prerequisites, please read below or visit ARMDS.ORG.
SPI Examination Requirement
Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About the SPI Requirement on page 6.
Education
Successful completion of a general, medical or sonographic physics class/seminar/course.
Documentation Required with Application
1.A transcript (see transcript requirements below) reflecting successful completion of a graded general, medical or sonographic college, post-secondary or higher education physics class (with a grade of C or above); OR
A CME certificate denoting successful completion of a general, medical or sonographic physics seminar, physics review course, or physics correspondence course, denoting a minimum award of 12 ARDMS-accepted CME credits. The certificate must meet ARDMS CME documentation requirements (visit ARDMS.org/CME to view ARDMS- accepted CMEs). The CME credits must be earned within two (2) years prior to application submission.
2.Copy of a non-expired government-issued photo identification (ID) with signature; the first and last names on the ID must exactly match the first and last names in your ARDMS/APCA record.
Transcript Requirements
- Name of Applicant and school must be printed on the transcript; handwritten information will not be accepted.
- The class or course name must specifically indicate “Physics,” “Physical Principles” and/or Instrumentation” in the title and be printed on the transcript. Supplementary information will not be accepted.
- Transcript can be unofficial or official.
- If submitting a foreign transcript or degree, a formal course by course foreign transcript evaluation report must accompany the application summary and indicate the aforementioned requirements.
- Transcripts indicating only a number grade must include a “grade key” printed on the transcript showing the equivalent letter grade. Supplementary information will not be accepted.
- A grade report will not be accepted in lieu of the transcript (unofficial or official).
Sonographers must complete a required number of continuing education hours to maintain registration with the ARDMS and to stay abreast technological advancements related to the occupation. Graduates of Ultrasound Technology program may be eligible for ARDMS specialty exams.
ATI College is Nationally Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) since 2002.
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for details. Graduates of this program may assume a responsible position as a member of the health team in a hospital, imaging center, doctor’s office or clinic. Position may also be available in private practice, industry, or government. Duties may include performing ultrasound scans of the upper abdomen, pelvic area, microscopic/scopic, anatomy of veins and arteries, or superficial structures. 
