Passing the ultrasound technician certification exams isn’t going to be easy but with the right preparation you can do it. The preparation starts before you start your degree. You should choose a school that has been reviewed and awarded accreditation by the CAAHEP.  This is only awarded to schools offering a certain standard of tuition.

Once you have completed your degree, try these tips to ensure you pass the ARDMS exams first time:

• Take your time to review past papers.  Answer as many as you can find and don’t rush into taking the exams. You are better waiting until you are fully prepared as failing exams doesn’t do anyone any good.

• Time management is critical in an exam situation. You can practice your time management skills by completing past papers in test environment i.e. set a clock to make sure you complete the paper in the allotted time.

• Make sure you arrive at the test center in plenty of time.

• Try to have confidence in your abilities as you are well prepared for your ultrasound technician exam. If you do get a question that you don’t know the answer to, pick something.  You don’t get marks for leaving questions blank.

What other skills do you need?

Although qualifications are essential but they are not the only skills you will need.

• Be adaptable

You need to be willing to adapt and keep informed of advances in your field.   You have chosen to work in a fast paced field where medical research and technology advances will change the way you work.

• You should have great interpersonal skills.

Many patients you will be dealing with will be terrified not only of the results these tests are going to give but also of the machinery used during the procedure.  Some people will find the whole experience distressing and you will have to try and calm their fears without revealing details of their condition unless you have been authorized to do so.  You will need to remain calm and professional even when patients are rude and unco-operative.  Fear makes people react in different ways.

• Attention to detail

You will also need to be a detail person as your interpretation of test results will have a direct impact on treatment.  You also need to be physically fit as you will spend a lot of time on your feet.  This is a very responsible job. Your skills and experience could save someone’s life – you could also have an adverse effect on their chances of survival if you make a mistake.

• Resilience and Confidence

While you need to be careful you also need to be resilient.  Every medical person on the healthcare certifications list makes a wrong call on occasion and you need to accept and deal with this.

Good luck in reaching your goal to become an ultrasound technician.