How to Verify a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Credential

Quick answer

The two primary credentialing bodies for diagnostic medical sonographers are ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) and ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Verify ARDMS credentials at ardms.org and ARRT credentials at arrt.org. Most states do not license sonographers separately — but confirm the credential specialty matches the role's imaging focus.

ARDMS credential types

ARDMS is the most widely recognized credentialing body for diagnostic medical sonography. ARDMS credentials consist of a prerequisite Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination plus one or more specialty examinations.

Credential	Full Name	Specialty
RDMS	Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer	Abdominal, obstetric/gynecologic, breast, fetal echo, etc.
RVT	Registered Vascular Technologist	Vascular ultrasound
RDCS	Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer	Echocardiography (adult and pediatric)
RMSK	Registered in Musculoskeletal Sonography	Musculoskeletal ultrasound

An RDMS credential alone does not authorize cardiac or vascular imaging at the same level as RDCS or RVT. Match the specific ARDMS credential to the clinical focus of the role.

ARDMS credential verification

Verify ARDMS credentials at: ardms.org → Find a Sonographer / Verify a Credential (search by name or credential number). The portal confirms all ARDMS credentials held, their specialty designations, and current Active or Inactive status.

ARDMS uses a Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) program for credential maintenance. Credentials must remain in good standing through the CQR cycle. An ARDMS credential not maintained through CQR can become inactive — verify current standing, not just original award.

ARRT sonography credential

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) also offers a sonography pathway. ARRT's sonography credential is designated R.T.(S) — Registered Technologist in Sonography.

Verify ARRT credentials at: arrt.org → Verify Credentials. The portal shows all ARRT credentials held, including the primary R.T. credential and any specialty post-primary credentials.

Some employers and facilities accept either ARDMS or ARRT sonography credentials; others specify one. Confirm the facility's credentialing requirements before evaluating candidates.

State licensing requirements

Unlike many healthcare professions, most U.S. states do not license diagnostic medical sonographers separately. A handful of states have enacted sonographer licensure or are actively considering it.

States with active sonographer licensure requirements include:

New Mexico: Radiologic Technology Practice Act includes sonographers; New Mexico Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board (MIRTB) issues sonographer licenses
Oregon: Oregon Health Licensing Office — requires radiologic technology licensure that covers sonographers

Check the applicable state's health licensing agency for current requirements, as state regulation in this field continues to evolve.

Verification checklist

1. Identify the credential and issuing body — ARDMS (RDMS, RVT, RDCS, RMSK) or ARRT R.T.(S)
2. For ARDMS credentials: verify at ardms.org — confirm Active status and all specialty designations
3. For ARRT credentials: verify at arrt.org — confirm R.T.(S) or other relevant credential is Active
4. Confirm the credential specialty matches the imaging focus required by the role (cardiac, vascular, abdominal, etc.)
5. Check state licensing requirements for the state where the sonographer will work
6. Confirm continuing education/CQR requirements are current

Verify sonography program accreditation

Diagnostic medical sonography programs must be accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) via JRCDMS. ARDMS credential eligibility requires program accreditation. Use VerifyED to confirm a candidate's program accreditation status.

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