The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography is the governing body that provides certification examinations for ultrasound professionals at all levels.
A specialized designation, the registered physician in vascular interpretation, is available for medical doctors. The Physicians' Vascular Interpretation examination is required for this credential.
A medical diploma earned in the United States or Canada and a current valid medical license are the primary eligibility requirement needed to write the PVI examination.
Applicants to the PVI examination require current vascular ultrasound accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories or the American College of Radiology or completion of accredited residency or fellowship program that includes training in vascular laboratory and ultrasound interpretation in combination with 12 hours of continuing medical education related to vascular ultrasound.
Institutions that offer accredited medical training in vascular ultrasound include St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, the University of Iowa, Johns Hopkins Hospital, the State University of New York at Buffalo and Rush University Medical Center.
Some schools, such as the Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute, offer comprehensive review courses that help prepare doctors for the ARDMS examination. A practice examination is also available on the ARDMS website.