Links to Additional Echocardiology-Related Information

Note: Links to the following websites are provided for your convenience and information and do not constitute official endorsement by the colleges of DCCCD.

• The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine was founded in 1951 by 24 physicians attending the American Congress of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Denver. These doctors found a common interest in the validity of ultrasonic energy as a medical tool.
  
• The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an independent, nonprofit organization that administers examinations and awards credentials in the areas of diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic cardiac sonography, vascular interpretation and vascular technology. It offers the following credentials:
• RDMS – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• RDCS – Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer with specializations in Adult Echocardiography (AE) or Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)
• RVT – Registered Vascular Technologist
• RPVI – Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation

ARDMS has certified more than 55,000 individuals and is a recognized standard of excellence in sonography.

• The American Society of Echocardiography is an organization of professionals committed to excellence in cardiovascular ultrasound and its application to patient care through education, advocacy, research, innovation and service to its members and the public. The society was formed in 1977 and has more than 13,000 members.
  
• Echocardiographer.net features job listings, general information about the profession and more. Echocardiographer.net: Pediatric Echocardiography offers an overview of echocardiography with a pediatric specialization.
  
• The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories was created in 1996 by physicians and sonographers who collaborated to compose the body of work known as The Standards, an extensive document defining the minimal requirements for echocardiography laboratories to provide high-quality care. Laboratories use The Standards as both a guideline and the foundation to create and achieve realistic quality care goals.
  
• The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography was founded in 1970 and initiates and oversees educational programs, encourages research, collects and disseminates information and publishes a scientific journal and newsletter.
  
• The Society Of Pediatric Echocardiography promotes education and resources available to professionals practicing in pediatric echocardiography.
  
• The Society for Vascular Ultrasound, established in 1977, is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of noninvasive vascular technology used in the diagnosis of vascular disease. Its diverse membership of vascular ultrasound professionals includes vascular technologists, sonographers, echocardiographers, vascular surgeons, physicians, nurses, vascular lab technical directors and other allied health care professionals. The organization provides networking opportunities, an annual conference, an online job center and extensive regulatory and legislative advocacy representation.