Cardiac Sonography Training in Tennessee - TN

Tennessee has many community colleges and public and private four-year colleges and universities that would provide the basic educational background necessary as part of a cardiac sonographer training program. Basic science, general physics, biology, algebra, and communication skills make up a solid foundation from which to build when studying to be a cardiac sonographer. In addition, cardiac anatomy, medical terminology, basic patient care, ultrasound instrumentation, and detection of abnormalities using ultrasound are examples of specific courses in a cardiac sonography curriculum.

Licensing is not mandated by the state, although obtaining a credential through an accredited agency is considered to be a professional standard and is usually required by employers. One credentialing agency is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) which offers several credentials, including that of Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). In order to earn this designation, candidates must take the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam as well as a specialty examination that focuses on adult, pediatric, or fetal echocardiography.  These exams thoroughly test the knowledge and abilities of the candidates; specialty exams typically have 150 multiple choice questions and video case studies and the SPI has 120 multiple-choice questions covering the principles, procedures, and instrumentation in sonography.

Once a credential is earned, candidates must obtain at least 30 continuing education credits every three years by attending classes, conferences, seminars, and workshops that have been approved by the ARDMS.