COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on every aspect of our lives. We have all been affected in one way or another, or in some cases, in multiple ways.
This time has been especially complicated for sonography program students. For many of you, social distancing restrictions have impacted your ability to attend class and more importantly, complete your assigned clinical rotations as planned.
In response to this, the credentialing organizations have been closely monitoring the situation and some have made changes to deadlines or eligibility requirements. To make this all a bit easier and less confusing, we are going to outline any updates or changes the big three credentialing organizations (CCI, ARDMS & ARRT) have instituted in response to the COVID-19 restrictions.
Let’s start with CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International):
CCI has made a temporary change in the eligibility requirements for students applying for the RCS, RCCS and RVS Exams. This change applies to 2020 graduates of non-programmatic accredited programs who graduate between March 31 and December 31, 2020. This temporary change applies only to candidates applying under the following prerequisites: RCS5, RCCS5 & RVS5. The temporary change applies to the clinical hours criteria and reduces the number of minimum clinical externship hours from 800 hours to 400 hours.
Now let’s talk about ARDMS (America Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography):
Currently, the ARDMS has not made any exceptions to their prerequisite requirements. They have stated they will continue to monitor the situation and update their guidelines and/or policies as warranted.
Note: CAAHEP Accredited Programs – Prerequisite 2 has no hourly and/or specific clinical competencies requirement from the ARDMS perspective. Questions regarding what is necessary to graduate should be directed to your Program Director.
And finally, ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists):
The ARRT has temporarily extended the deadlines for many requirements so it is important that you visit their website to see how this may apply to you. They have a COVID-19 Update Page which they are using as their primary vehicle to communicate any updates.
Just as an FYI, the ARRT did eliminate their post-primary pathway for the Sonography Credential, effective January 1, 2020. This is not a COVID-19 related change.
Please note that the above information is current as of June 1, 2020. You should visit the website of the credentialing organization you plan to take your registry exam through for the most up-to-date information.
We wish you the best of luck in your career path. We are always here to help! Visit www.gcus.com to check out our extensive selection of comprehensive educational products and courses. Happy Scanning!
