Abstract:

By working with local medical ultrasound experts, American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) of Inteleos, a non-profit certification organization, is striving to create global standards and international certifications in the field of diagnostic ultrasound that will improve clinical practice and patient safety. Through eligibility and application requirements, building a proper assessment, and determining continuing education requirements, standards are a critical part of Inteleos’ test development process. Since 2005, Inteleos/ARDMS has been working with Chinese physicians and professional societies to facilitate and promote certification and credentialing programs. Through the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI-China) assessment, applicants can earn the internationally-recognized certificates in vascular ultrasound in China. Along with certification for Physicians, China’s growing population and the related burden on its healthcare system as well as the rapid increases in ultrasound use could contribute to the ideal situation for building a sonographer profession in China. Through a pilot education and certification program for Chinese sonographers, Inteleos will work with Chinese universities and collaborators to build and expand the sonographer profession in China in order to reduce workload on physicians, reduce wait times, decrease hospital costs, and provide consistently better care for their population.

Key words: Certification; Credentialing; Ultrasound education; Sonographer