X Things Every Sonographer Needs to Know About CE Courses

Why Continuing Education Matters for Your Sonography Career

CE for sonographers is a mandatory requirement to maintain your professional credentials and licensure. Understanding how continuing education works can save you time, money, and stress throughout your career.

Here’s what you need to know:

• ARDMS requires 30 CME credits every three years for credentials like RDMS, RDCS, and RVT
• ARRT requires 24 CE credits every two years, with 16 being ultrasound-specific
• Credits must be earned from approved providers (AIUM, SDMS, SVU, ASRT, or other recognized RCEEMs)
• Documentation must be kept for 4-5 years in case of an audit
• Specialty credentials (breast, vascular, musculoskeletal) may have additional requirements

The requirements vary based on which credentials you hold and which credentialing body you’re registered with. ARDMS uses a three-year cycle, while ARRT uses a two-year biennium tied to your birth month. Both organizations accept credits from specific approved providers, and both conduct random audits to verify compliance.

Failing to meet CE requirements can result in probation status or even permanent revocation of your credentials. That’s why understanding the rules, finding quality courses, and maintaining proper documentation is essential for every practicing sonographer.

I’m Zita Ewert, and I’ve spent years helping imaging professionals steer the complexities of CE for sonographers and other radiologic credentials through SCRUBS Continuing Education®. My goal is to make continuing education straightforward, accessible, and affordable so you can focus on what matters most—delivering excellent patient care.

The “What” and “Why” of Continuing Education

Let’s talk about why CE for sonographers matters so much. It’s not just another box to check off—it’s what keeps us sharp, current, and confident in our work. Think about how much has changed in ultrasound technology just in the past five years. New imaging techniques, updated protocols, and advanced equipment mean that without continuing education, we’d be left behind pretty quickly.

Understanding CE for Sonographers

So what is continuing education? At its core, CE for sonographers involves educational activities that develop, maintain, and expand your knowledge and skills. This includes conferences, online courses, webinars, or even peer-reviewed journal articles about new imaging techniques.

Earning these credits is about more than just maintaining your credentials. While required to keep your certification active, the real purpose is to uphold high standards of patient care and professional competency. Each credit represents new knowledge you can apply directly to your patients.

These requirements reflect a commitment to lifelong learning in our field. For sonographers, this means staying on top of evolving ultrasound technology, new diagnostic approaches, and improved scanning techniques that can make a real difference in patient outcomes.

The Importance of Staying Current

The medical field doesn’t stand still, and neither can we. What was state-of-the-art when you first got certified might be outdated now. New ultrasound equipment comes with advanced features, diagnostic criteria get refined, and protocols change to reflect better practices.

Staying current through continuing education helps you adapt to medical advancements as they happen. That new 3D imaging technique? You’ll learn it through CE. Updated guidelines for fetal measurements? You’ll find out through your coursework. These topics are essential for providing accurate, safe care.

Staying up to date directly improves patient outcomes. A sonographer familiar with the latest techniques can spot findings previously missed, use more comfortable exam protocols, and improve diagnostic accuracy by applying the most current standards.

Healthcare facilities expect staff to be competent with modern equipment and best practices. Meeting employer expectations makes you a more valuable team member and can open doors for career advancement.

Continuing education also keeps you aligned with professional standards and ethics. Many CE courses include updates on regulatory changes, ethical guidelines, and legal considerations, helping you practice responsibly and protect both your patients and your career.

As credentialing bodies make clear, CE credits are essential for maintaining your certifications and licensure. But beyond compliance, it’s about being the best sonographer you can be—for yourself, your patients, and your profession.

Want to explore more about why this commitment to learning makes such a difference? Check out our detailed look at 5 Reasons to Pursue Ultrasound Continuing Education.

Navigating Your CE Requirements

Let’s be honest—figuring out your specific CE for sonographers requirements can feel like trying to read a map in the dark. Different credentialing bodies, varying cycles, specialty-specific rules… it’s enough to make your head spin. But here’s the good news: once you understand the basics of your particular situation, it becomes much more manageable.

The key is knowing which credentialing body (or bodies) you’re registered with, because that determines everything—your reporting period, how many credits you need, and what types of activities actually count.

Typical CE Requirements for Sonographers

Most sonographers are credentialed through either ARDMS or ARRT, and while both organizations are committed to maintaining professional standards, they have different approaches.

If you hold credentials through ARDMS (like RDMS, RDCS, or RVT), you’re working on a three-year cycle. You’ll need to earn 30 ARDMS/APCA-accepted CME credits during that three-year period. Now, if you have specialty credentials like RMSK (musculoskeletal) or RPVI (vascular) in addition to your primary credential, things get a bit more specific. For example, holding RMSK plus another ARDMS credential means you’ll need 10 CMEs specifically in musculoskeletal ultrasound and 20 in any specialty—still 30 total, but with targeted requirements.

For ARRT-credentialed sonographers, the cycle is shorter but the requirements are different. You’ll need 24 CE credits every two years, and here’s the important part: 16 of those credits must be ultrasound-specific. Your two-year cycle (called a biennium) is tied to your birth month, so everyone’s deadline is personalized. It’s like having your own professional birthday celebration—except instead of cake, you get CE credits!

Here’s a quick comparison to help you see the differences at a glance:

Credentialing Body	Reporting Cycle	Total Credits	Sonography-Specific Credits
ARDMS	3 years	30	Varies by specialty
ARRT	2 years	24	16

Both organizations conduct audits to verify compliance, so keeping detailed records isn’t optional—it’s essential. ARDMS does an annual audit where they randomly select registrants, while ARRT conducts audits throughout the year. Think of it as a pop quiz you want to be prepared for.

Of course, these are general guidelines. Your specific situation might have additional nuances, especially if you hold multiple credentials or specialty certifications. That’s why it’s always smart to check your credentialing body’s official website for the most current requirements that apply to your unique combination of credentials.

Understanding Your Credentialing Body’s Rules

Once you know the basic numbers, it’s time to understand the fine print. And trust me, the details matter here.

First, let’s talk about timing. ARRT uses a two-year biennium cycle, while ARDMS works on a three-year CME period. It’s not just about different lengths of time—these cycles can start on different dates depending on when you were certified or when your birthday falls. Missing your deadline isn’t like forgetting to return a library book; the consequences can include probation or even losing your credentials.

Then there’s the matter of specialty-specific requirements. If you’re ARDMS-certified with specialty credentials like RMSK or RPVI, a certain portion of your CMEs must relate directly to that specialty area. For ARRT sonographers, 16 of your 24 credits must be sonography-specific. The good news? Most courses with “Ultrasound” or “Sonography” in the title will meet ARRT’s sonography-specific criteria. It’s usually pretty straightforward to identify which courses count.

For ARRT registrants, you’ll also want to understand Category A and A+ credits. These are the types of CE activities ARRT accepts, and they’re generally approved by what’s called a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM or RCEEM+). When you’re choosing courses, look for this designation—it tells you the credit will be accepted.

Here’s something that catches some sonographers off guard: if you were certified by ARRT on or after January 1, 2011, you’re also subject to Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) every 10 years. This involves completing a professional profile, taking a Structured Self-Assessment to identify any knowledge gaps, and completing prescribed CE if needed. The silver lining? Any prescribed CE activities for your CQR can also count toward your regular biennial CE requirements. ARRT designed it this way so you’re not doubling up on work.

If you’re maintaining ARRT credentials, their official Guide to Maintaining Your ARRT Credential is an invaluable resource. It walks you through everything in detail, and it’s worth bookmarking.

The bottom line? Understanding your specific requirements upfront saves you from scrambling at the last minute. Take an hour to review your credentialing body’s rules, mark your renewal date on your calendar, and you’ll sleep better knowing exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it.

How to Find, Earn, and Document Your Credits

So you know what credits you need—now let’s talk about actually getting them done. The good news? Earning your CE for sonographers credits has never been easier, especially with online learning. No more sitting through day-long conferences when you’d rather be home (though those still have their place!). Today, you can knock out credits during your lunch break or while your favorite show buffers.

Finding Approved CE Providers

Here’s the thing about CE credits: they’re only valuable if your credentialing body actually accepts them. Not all courses are created equal, and choosing the wrong provider means wasted time and money. That’s why picking an approved provider is step one.

For sonographers, you’ll want to look for courses approved by recognized organizations. These typically include the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU), or the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). These organizations are often designated as Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanisms (RCEEMs) by ARRT, which is exactly what you need.

Look for providers that offer automatic credit transfer—this is a game-changer. Some organizations can submit your CME transcripts directly to ARDMS, ARRT, and CCI, saving you from manual entry and potential headaches during audit season. It’s like having someone else do your paperwork while you focus on learning.

Professional membership benefits can also make a difference. Many professional organizations offer exclusive discounts on CE activities to their members. If you’re part of a professional society, it’s worth checking to see what educational benefits are included with your membership.

Of course, convenience and affordability matter too. Let’s be real: you’re juggling shifts, patients, maybe a family at home. The last thing you need is complicated course registration or courses that cost more than your grocery budget. That’s why platforms like Scrubs CE focus on making continuing education straightforward—high-quality, self-paced online courses with instant certificates, so you can meet your requirements without the stress. Check out our Ultrasound CE Courses to see what fits your schedule and specialty.

The bottom line? Always verify that courses are accepted by your specific credentialing body before you enroll. A quick check now prevents disappointment later.

Documenting Your Credits for Audits

Think of your CE certificates as your professional insurance policy. You probably won’t need them until suddenly you do—and then you really, really need them. Both ARDMS and ARRT conduct random audits, and if your number comes up, you’ll have to prove you actually completed those credits you reported.

Your documentation needs to be precise. Your full name and ID number should appear on every certificate (these can often be handwritten). The date of the course must be pre-printed in MM/DD/YYYY format—handwritten dates typically won’t cut it. Same goes for the provider name, sponsoring organization, and course title—all must be pre-printed on the certificate. The only thing you can usually get away with handwriting is the number of credit hours awarded.

Why so picky? Because during an audit, your credentialing body needs to verify that you took legitimate courses from approved providers on specific dates. Handwritten information is too easy to alter, so they require pre-printed details. It’s not about doubting your honesty—it’s about maintaining professional standards across the board.

Keep your certificates for at least four to five years. ARDMS requires four years minimum, while ARRT recommends five. Create a folder (physical or digital) and stash every certificate the moment you earn it. Trust me, trying to track down a certificate from three years ago when you’re selected for an audit is not fun.

Using your credentialing body’s online portal makes life easier. Platforms like MY ARDMS or the AIUM CME Tracker help you organize everything in one place. Some even allow direct submission of transcripts, which means less manual work for you. For specific details on what makes documentation acceptable, check out the CME Documentation Requirements outlined by ARDMS and SDMS.

The key takeaway? Stay organized from day one. It’s much easier to file certificates as you go than to scramble when audit season rolls around.

Specialty and Financial Considerations

As sonographers, our roles can be incredibly specialized, and so too can our CE for sonographers requirements. Beyond the general credits, some areas of practice demand very specific educational updates. And, of course, there’s the question of cost – because professional development shouldn’t break the bank!

Special Considerations for Sonography Specialties

If you’ve chosen to specialize in a particular area of sonography, you’ll likely face some extra requirements on top of the standard credits. This isn’t bureaucratic red tape for its own sake – it’s about making sure you have the most current, relevant knowledge for your specific field of practice.

Take breast ultrasound, for example. The American College of Radiology (ACR) sets specific minimum criteria for sonographers performing breast ultrasound examinations. When you’re first qualifying, you might need 5 CEUs specific to breast ultrasound. After that, if you’re a registered technologist, you’ll need to comply with your certifying organization’s standard CE requirements, but your credits should be pertinent to your ACR-accredited clinical practice. For unregistered or state-licensed technologists, the requirements might be 24 hours of CE every two years, focused on imaging, radiologic sciences, and patient care. Your facility will need to keep documentation of your qualifications on file for accreditation purposes. For all the specifics, the ACR’s Sonographer/Technologist: Breast Ultrasound guidelines are your go-to resource.

Vascular ultrasound has its own set of expectations. If you work at a facility seeking Vascular Ultrasound Accreditation, the ACR requires that at least one technologist with specific vascular credentials (like ARDMS’s RVT, ARRT’s RT(VS), or CCI’s RVS) must be on-site during vascular examinations. This underscores why maintaining your specialty-specific credentials and related CE is so important.

For those of you with the ARDMS RMSK (musculoskeletal) credential, your 30-credit CME period includes a requirement for a specific number of credits in musculoskeletal ultrasound. For instance, if you hold RMSK plus RDMS, RDCS, or RVT, you’ll need 10 ARDMS/APCA-accepted CMEs in musculoskeletal ultrasound and 20 in any specialty, totaling 30.

These specialty requirements ensure that sonographers aren’t just generally competent – they’re true experts in their chosen fields. And that expertise directly translates to better patient care.

The Costs Associated with Earning CE Credits

Let’s talk money. Budgeting for professional development is a real concern for most of us, and the costs associated with earning CE credits can vary wildly.

Course fees can range from free modules to thousands of dollars for multi-day conferences or extensive online programs. The good news is that membership discounts can help. Many professional organizations offer discounts on CE activities as a benefit of membership. If you belong to such an organization, the annual fee may be offset by savings on education.

Don’t overlook free CE opportunities, either. Webinars, sponsored content, and introductory courses can sometimes offer free credits – you just need to keep your eyes open for them. And here’s something many sonographers don’t take advantage of: employer reimbursement. Some employers offer financial assistance or reimbursement for CE, recognizing the value it brings to their practice. It never hurts to check with your HR department!

While some options can certainly be pricey, there are many affordable ways to earn your required credits. At Scrubs CE, we’re committed to providing convenient and affordable online courses that help you meet your requirements without stretching your budget. Think of CE as an investment in your career and your patients – one that pays dividends in skill, confidence, and continued employability. And with the right provider, that investment doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Frequently Asked Questions about CE for Sonographers

We know you might have more questions, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones we hear about CE for sonographers. These are the real-world concerns that keep many sonographers up at night, so let’s clear them up.

What happens if I get audited by my credentialing body?

Getting that audit notification in the mail can make your heart skip a beat, but here’s the thing: audits are completely routine. Both ARDMS and ARRT randomly select registrants each year to verify compliance. It’s not personal, and it’s not because they suspect anything—it’s just part of maintaining the integrity of our profession.

If you’re selected for an ARDMS audit in March, you’ll typically have one month (until April 30) to submit all your required documentation. ARRT operates similarly, with specific deadlines once you receive your notification. This is exactly why keeping those certificates organized and accessible is so crucial. ARDMS requires you to maintain your documentation for a minimum of four years, while ARRT recommends hanging onto them for five years.

Missing the deadline isn’t the end of the world, but it does complicate things. ARDMS may offer a CME Reinstatement option by August 1, though this involves additional paperwork and stress you’d probably rather avoid. For ARRT, failing to meet CE requirements can land you in “CE Probation” status, where you’ll need to complete the missing credits and pay a fee within six months.

The most serious consequence? Failure to comply with audit requests or meet probation requirements can lead to permanent revocation of your credentials. That’s why accurate record-keeping isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential protection for your career.

Can I use the same CE credits for multiple credentials?

Yes, and this is genuinely good news if you’re juggling multiple credentials! Many sonographers hold certifications from both ARDMS and ARRT, and the overlap can actually work in your favor.

When you complete a Category A course or an ARDMS/APCA-accepted course from a provider recognized by both organizations, those credits can often count toward both sets of requirements. For example, if you’re an ARRT-certified sonographer, the 16 sonography-specific credits you earn will simultaneously count toward your overall 24 biennial credits. Similarly, if you take a musculoskeletal ultrasound course that fulfills your ARDMS specialty requirement, those credits also count toward your total 30.

The key is making sure the CE provider is accepted by all the credentialing bodies you need to satisfy. Many CE providers, especially those recognized by major professional societies, offer credits that are accepted by both ARDMS and ARRT, which simplifies your planning considerably.

That said, always cross-reference the specific requirements of each credentialing body. If you hold an ARDMS specialty credential requiring a certain number of credits in that specific area, you’ll need to ensure your chosen courses meet that particular criterion. The general credits can overlap beautifully, but specialty-specific requirements need special attention.

How are CE requirements for sonographers different from other medical professionals?

While continuing education is a universal thread throughout healthcare, our requirements as sonographers have some unique characteristics that set us apart.

The most noticeable difference is our specialty-specific credit mandates. While a nurse might have broader CE requirements covering general nursing topics, sonographers need credits directly related to sonography or particular sub-specialties. Those 16 sonography-specific credits for ARRT or specialty CMEs for ARDMS credentials like RMSK or RPVI? That’s uniquely ours.

Our CE content also digs deeply into ultrasound physics, instrumentation, image optimization, and advanced scanning techniques—subjects that wouldn’t be relevant for a physical therapist or even a radiographer working in a different modality. We’re constantly learning about transducer technology, Doppler principles, and artifact recognition in ways specific to our field.

We also interact with different credentialing bodies than most other medical professionals. While physicians deal with state medical boards and nurses with nursing boards, sonographers primarily work with ARDMS, ARRT, and CCI. Each organization has its own rules, reporting cycles, and audit processes that we need to master.

Then there’s ARRT’s Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR), with its Structured Self-Assessment every 10 years. This in-depth process is specifically designed for radiologic technologists, including sonographers, to proactively identify and address knowledge gaps. It’s not just about earning credits—it’s about proving ongoing competency in a structured, measurable way.

These differences highlight just how specialized our profession really is and underscore our commitment to maintaining expertise in a field that’s constantly evolving with new technology and techniques.

Conclusion

You made it! We’ve covered a lot of ground together, from understanding what CE for sonographers actually means to navigating the specific requirements of different credentialing bodies. Whether you’re tracking ARRT’s two-year biennium or ARDMS’s three-year CME period, the path forward is clearer now. You know what you need, where to find it, and how to keep those all-important records safe for audits.

Here’s the thing: continuing education isn’t just another box to check off on your professional to-do list. It’s your commitment to lifelong learning, to staying on top of the latest ultrasound techniques and technologies, and to giving your patients the absolute best care possible. Every credit you earn represents another step forward in your career, another skill sharpened, and another way you’re contributing to the high standards of our profession.

The beauty of today’s CE landscape is that it doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With online learning, you can fit professional development into your life on your schedule. Whether you’re squeezing in a course during lunch breaks or dedicating a weekend to knock out several credits at once, you’re in control. And when you choose quality, affordable options, you’re making a smart investment in yourself without breaking the bank.

Being proactive about managing your credits means you’ll never face that last-minute scramble before a deadline. It means you’ll be ready if you’re selected for an audit. Most importantly, it means you’re continuously growing as a sonographer, keeping pace with our changing field.

At Scrubs CE, we understand the challenges you face. That’s why we’ve built a platform that makes earning your CE for sonographers credits straightforward, accessible, and affordable. We’re here to support your journey every step of the way, with high-quality courses, instant certificates, and a hassle-free experience that respects your time and budget.

So take that next step. Take control of your professional development and invest in your future. Your patients, your employers, and your career will thank you.

Ready to easily earn your required credits? Explore our comprehensive Ultrasound Continuing Education courses at Scrubs CE – where convenience, affordability, and quality come together to support your career journey.