Program Acreditation

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Doña Ana Community College has achieved continuing program accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP).

Students who graduate from programs accredited through CAAHEP are qualified to take national certification examinations with no additional work experience required.

• CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs)

  Visit this website to find other accredited programs.

  What is CAAHEP?

  CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits over 2000 educational programs in twenty-three (23) health science occupations.

  CAAHEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

  CAAHEP is a member of the Association of Specialized & Professional Accreditors (ASPA).

• JRC-DMS (Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic MedicalSonography

  The JRC-DMS performs intensive reviews of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Educational Programs who are either seeking to achieve or continue programmatic accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

  Visit this website to learn more about the standards and procedures involved in program review.

Professional Organizations - Sonography

Sonographers are required to obtain a license to practice in some states. Currenlty New Mexico and Oregon have licensing laws; other states have introduced similar legislation. Check with your local state authorities on licensing requirements.

To meet professional standards, as well as licensing standards of some states, sonographers may achieve national certification credentials in several specialty areas. The DMS program at DACC prepares students to take national certification examinations in Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation, Abdominal, and OB/GYN sonography.

Sonographers must participate in continuing education throughout their careers to maintain their credentials and/or license, as applicable.

Credentialing Organizations

• ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers)

  The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is a nationally recognized organization that offers a variety of specialty examinations for the profession of diagnostic medical sonography. Canidates must pass a Sonography Principles and Instrumentation(SPI) examination to earn credentials from the ARDMS.

• ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)

  The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is a nationally recognized organization that offers examinations in the radiologic sciences; including a variety of specialty examinations in sonography.

Professional Societies

• SDMS (Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography)

  The SDMS is a professional organization that offers professional guidance, networking and support for sonographers and those interested in a career in sonography.

• ASRT (American Society of Radiologic Technology)

  The ASRT is a professional organization that offers professional guidance, networking and support for radiologic science professionals (including sonographers) and those interested in a career within the radiologic sciences.

• AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine)

  The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is a multidisciplinary association dedicated to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine through professional and public education, research, development of guidelines, and accreditation.

Additional professional organizations are also available for medical imaging professionals.