MODULE 3 ACCREDITIONAL

Introduction to Accreditation and Certification in Sonography

Lecture Overview: Discussion on college accreditation, sonography programs accreditation, and sonographer certification.
Importance: Potential applicants need to understand the distinction between different types of agencies and processes related to these terms.

Academic Accreditation vs. Program Accreditation
- Academic Accreditation: Refers to the college-wide accreditation.
- Program Accreditation: Specific to certain programs offered at ACC such as sonography, radiologic technology, nursing, etc.
Reference: Textbook citation at chapter four, page 155 by Penny.

Austin Community College (ACC):
- Holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- Authorization: Approved to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
- Ten-Year Reaccreditation Cycle: Last reaffirmed in 2013, next reaffirmation due soon.
- Baccalaureate Degrees: Limited to three areas based on state requirements; none in sonography or allied health degrees.
Institutional Accreditation:
- Verified by regional agencies, indicating all components of the institution work towards specific goals, with the ultimate aim of student success.
Transfer Credits:
- Credits from regionally accredited institutions are typically accepted but may not be accepted from other types.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAHEP):
- Largest programmatic accreditor of health science professions in the United States.
- Collaborates with various committees to review and accredit over 2,000 programs across 32 health science areas.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC DMS):
- Oversees the accreditation process for sonography under CAHEP.
- Voluntary, peer-reviewed specific to sonography.
Current Accreditation Status at ACC:
- Programs accredited in the following areas: abdominal extended, obstetrics and gynecology, adult echocardiography, and vascular technology.
- Accreditation Dates:
- Abdominal Extended and OBGYN: Accredited since 1991.
- Adult Echocardiography: Accredited since 2001.
- Vascular Technology: Accredited since 2008.
- Next reaccreditation scheduled for 2023.

Licensure:
- Legal permission from a designated government authority to perform specific activities.
- Defines professional scope of practice, minimum practice standards, and includes disciplinary enforcement.
- Note: There is no licensure for sonographers in Texas, though some states have licensure requirements.
Credentialing:
- Involves passing a relevant examination to receive recognition from a private agency.
- Involves national credentialing bodies like ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) and CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International).
Registry:
- A list of individuals who have successfully completed a minimum scope of work activities.
- Example: ARDMS serves as the registry for those who passed credentialing exams.
Certification:
- Broad term for acknowledging that individuals can perform specific tasks or are qualified for certain professions.

National Registry:
- Sonographers may use the term "registered" in their credentials.
- States with licensure: New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon, often requiring documented education and credentials from recognized bodies like ARDMS.
ARDMS Certificates:**
- Various specialties including:
- RDMS: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
- RVT: Registered Vascular Technologist.
- RDCS: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer.
- RMSKS: Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer.
Credentialing Body Examination Prerequisites:
- Apply to students in KHEP-accredited programs, such as those at ACC.

CCI: Specializes in credentialing for cardiac and vascular sonographers (exams: RCS for cardiac, RVS for vascular).
ARRT: Offers some sonography credentialing exams, but is not as widely recognized for sonographers in the U.S.
Credentialing Exams Focus: Evaluates skills in areas like anatomy, physiological data, patient communication, and professional practices; does not assess direct clinical scanning skills.

Continuing Education Required: Generally post-secondary learning pursued after formal education.
- Examples: Seminars, online courses, full degree programs.
- ARDMS Requirement: 30 Continuing Medical Education credits every three years; accepted credits may include SDMS, ASE, AMA Category 1, and SVU.

SDMS (Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography):
- Founded in 1970 to promote and educate on sonography.
- Provides resources, continuing education, advocacy, scholarships, and publishes a journal.
ASC (American Society of Echocardiography):
- Founded in 1975, focusing on advancing knowledge and practices in cardiovascular ultrasound.
- Engages in education, research, and advocacy in echocardiography.
- Strategic goals include research utilization and educational development.
SVU (Society for Vascular Ultrasound):
- Founded in 1977, dedicated to non-invasive vascular technology and advancing care for vascular patients.
- Offers continuing education, advocacy, and publishes a journal.
AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine):
- Established in 1952, focuses on advancing ultrasound for medical purposes.
- Promotes research, best practices, and safety standards in ultrasound applications.

Institutional College Accreditation: ACC through SACSCOC.
Sonography Program Accreditation: ACC through KHEP via JRC DMS.
Sonographer Credentialing Bodies:
- ARDMS: Covers all specialties.
- CCI: For cardiac and vascular specialties.
- ARRT: General and some vascular specialties.
Professional Societies: SDMS, ASC, SVU, AIUM.

Importance of understanding each term and its implications in the context of applying for sonography programs.
Encouragement to contact instructors with questions for further clarification on these topics.