MW Sonography (ARDMS) - Midwife Sonography Certificate

The Midwife Sonography Certificate is issued by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This certification is designed for midwives who specialize in using sonography or ultrasound technology as a diagnostic tool in prenatal care. This certification demonstrates proficiency in performing, interpreting, and understanding ultrasound examinations during pregnancy, including fetal development assessment and monitoring maternal health.

Completion Time: 2 hours

Cost: $300

Exam Format

Earning a certificate requires the successful completion of two parts: a computer-based examination and a practical examination.

The computer-based examination includes 100 multiple-choice questions and case studies covering obstetric sonography, including fetal anatomy, biophysical profile, placental evaluation, and maternal pelvic structures. The exam is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers during designated testing windows throughout the year.

The practical examination is typically completed in person. After a candidate has successfully demonstrated all the required cases, either through real patient scans or a combination of simulations, they need to submit the documentation to ARDMS as a completed package. If a candidate is unable to obtain the necessary practical assessments, they should contact ARDMS for information on the possibility of remote practical assessment or acquiring and submitting images for independent evaluation of the required cases.

It is important to note that the evaluator of the practical assessment must be an ARDMS registered sonographer with OB credentials and/or a physician with OB/GYN and ultrasound expertise.

Eligibility Requirements

• Current licensure or certification as a Certified Midwife (CM) or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

• Completion of an accredited program in sonography or equivalent clinical experience in obstetric ultrasound.

• Training and experience in conducting and interpreting obstetric ultrasound examinations.

• Passing a midwife sonography certification examination. Your Midwife Sonography computer-based exam score will be available approximately 60 days after your test date.

Certification Process

• Apply for the Midwife Sonography certification through a certifying organization like ARDMS.

• Meet the eligibility criteria, including educational, clinical, and licensure requirements.

• Successfully pass the certification examination. To pass, you must receive a score of at least 555 on a 300-700 scale.

Annual Renewal: Certification must be renewed each year with a $55 renewal fee, due by December 31.

Five-Year Recertification: Every five years, recertification is required by December 31 of the fifth year.

Recertification Options (every five years):

• Continuing Education: Earn 15 CEUs/CMEs/CPDs in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound through an ARDMS-recognized sponsor, and provide confirmation of at least 50 scans conducted over the five years. Pay the $55 yearly renewal fee.

• Reexamination: Register and pay the $300 exam application fee, which covers both the computer-based and practical examination components. Both exam sections must be passed by December 31 of your fifth year.

Continuing education may include sonographic technology advancements, prenatal care and obstetric guidelines updates, and emerging practices in maternal-fetal medicine.

For specific information regarding Tech in Midwife Sonography certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, consulting directly with professional sonography organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is recommended. These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for professionals in the field of obstetric sonography.

Career Opportunities

Certified midwives with sonography skills work in various settings such as hospitals, birthing centers, obstetric clinics, and private practices.

They perform sonographic examinations during pregnancy, aid in prenatal care, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the health and safety of both mother and fetus.

The ARDMS also offers the following certifications

• RDMS Abdomen (AB)

• RDMS Breast (RDMS - BR)

• RDCS/RDMS Fetal Echocardiography (FE)

• RDMS Pediatric Sonography (RDMS-PS)

• RDMS Musculoskeletal Sonography (RMSKS)

• Registered Vascular Technologist - Vascular Technology (RVT - VT)

• RDMS Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)

• Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)