Choosing the right Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a crucial step towards a rewarding healthcare career. At Midwestern Career College (MCC), the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is meticulously designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this field and achieve professional certifications. A key aspect of this journey is understanding the certifications available to graduates and how the MCC program prepares you for them.
ARRT Sonography Certification: A Foundation for Your Career
The Midwestern Career College’s commitment to excellence is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Our Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program holds the esteemed status of being an ARRT-approved educational program for sonography certification and registration. This accreditation signifies that our curriculum, faculty, and resources meet the high standards set by ARRT, a leading credentialing organization in medical imaging.
For graduates of our program, this ARRT approval translates directly into eligibility to sit for the ARRT sonography exam. Successfully passing this exam demonstrates your competency and expertise in sonography, marking a significant milestone in your professional journey. You can verify MCC’s program listing on the ARRT website for confirmation of our accredited status here.
RDMS Certification through ARDMS: Expanding Your Credentials
While ARRT certification is a valuable and recognized credential in itself, it also serves as a stepping stone towards further specialization and recognition. Notably, ARRT certification is a recognized prerequisite for examination by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), as outlined in prerequisite 5 of the ARDMS application guide. The Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification from ARDMS is highly respected and often preferred by employers in various sonography specialties.
Graduates of the Midwestern Career College Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program have multiple pathways to qualify for the RDMS certification exam. According to ARDMS, you may be eligible if, prior to entering our program, you have:
- Completed a two-year allied health educational program that is patient care related. This broad category includes professions such as radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and registered nurses, in addition to diagnostic medical sonographers themselves (prerequisite 1).
- Earned a bachelor’s degree in any field of study (prerequisite 3A).
Alternatively, even without prior healthcare education, MCC graduates can qualify for the RDMS exam by:
- Gaining one year of work experience in the ultrasound field after graduating from our AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program (prerequisite 1).
- Achieving Sonography Certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (prerequisite 5), as mentioned earlier.
It is crucial to remember that ARDMS prerequisite requirements are subject to change. Therefore, students are strongly advised to consult the most up-to-date information directly on the ARDMS.org website to ensure they meet the current eligibility criteria at the time of their application.
Your Future in Sonography Starts at Midwestern Career College
The Midwestern Career College Ultrasound Program is your launching pad to a successful career as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Our ARRT-approved program provides a robust educational foundation, preparing you for ARRT certification and opening doors to RDMS certification through ARDMS. By choosing MCC, you are investing in a program that prioritizes your professional growth and equips you with the credentials sought after in the healthcare industry.
