Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
CIP Code: 51.0910 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled competency in sonographic imaging and patient care. Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform high-quality ultrasound exams, optimize image acquisition and Doppler techniques, recognize normal and pathological findings, document results, and support safe, compassionate patient care across abdominal, OB/GYN, small parts, and vascular studies.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $898 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Why Multi-Skilled?
NHWCA’s multi-skilled model verifies cross-functional readiness in physics/instrumentation, scanning protocols, Doppler optimization, image quality control, documentation, and patient safety—so imaging departments can staff one certified professional across general, OB/GYN, and basic vascular workflows.
Job Description
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs patient assessment and positioning, selects appropriate transducers and presets, optimizes gain/TGC/Doppler parameters, follows structured protocols, documents cine loops and measurements, flags critical findings, and communicates with providers while maintaining infection control and patient safety.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of an ultrasound or allied imaging program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited imaging department; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable sonography experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation | 20% | ~25 |
| Abdominal & Small Parts | 20% | ~25 |
| OB/GYN Protocols | 20% | ~25 |
| Vascular Fundamentals (Carotid/Venous/Peripheral Basics) | 15% | ~19 |
| Patient Care, Safety & Infection Control (CPR) | 10% | ~12 |
| Documentation, Measurements & Communication | 15% | ~19 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $898 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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