ardms_rpvi_howtoapply_2012

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RPVI Credential

How to Apply Guide


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About this Guide

This guide provides quick-reference application information

for Physicians Vascular Interpretation examination needed

to earn the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation

(RPVI) credential from the American Registry for Diagnostic

Medical Sonography (ARDMS).Application information for the RDMS, RDCS, RVT and RMSK

credentialing examinations may be found in the respective

brochures. For comprehensive application information for

all ARDMS examinations, please visit ARDMS.org.

About ARDMS

ARDMS is an independent, nonprot organization that

administers examinations and awards the following credentials:

RPVI

Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation

RDMSRegistered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

RDCS

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer

RVTRegistered Vascular Technologist

RMSK

Registered in Musculoskeletal sonography

About ARDMS and the RPVI Credential

Applying online is simple, safe, fast and secure!

The ARDMS online application allows you to

download a personalized list of documents

required for submission, easily pick up where

you left off, correct mistakes and submit payment

via online or in the mail!

Apply Online!

ARDMS.org/apply


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AboutARDM

SandtheRPVICre

dential

Call Toll Free

1-800-541-9754

ARDMS.org

About the RPVI Credential

The Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) credential,

developed in response to requests from physicians in the vascular

surgery and vascular medicine community, documents the highest

attainable standard in vascular ultrasound interpretation.

Earning the RPVI Credential

The RPVI credential is earned by passing the Physicians Vascular Interpretation (PVI)

examination. The content of the PVI examination reects current noninvasive

vascular laboratory practice. To learn about how the PVI examination is written,

go to ARDMS.org/RPVI.

How the RPVI and RVT Credentials DifferThe RPVI credential, offered exclusively to physicians, validates the clinical

expertise fundamental to vascular sonography interpretation and provides

recognition of the skills and knowledge required in making consistent and reliable

diagnoses in vascular disease. The Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential

assesses the competency needed to perform a vascular sonography scan.The RPVI credential meets the physician training and experience

criteria for the ICAVL accreditation process.


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ARDM

S.org

Visit ARDMS.org/apply. Fill out, pay for and submit your applicationonline. Print out your online application summary which will includea list of the Required Documents and Payment Information and thesubmission deadline date. Applicants may check the status of theirrequired application support documentation by logging onto

ARDMS.org/MYARDMS.

ARDMS e-mails eligible applicants an Examination-ConrmationLetter upon receipt of the application and all required supporting

documentation in the ARDMS ofce. Examination Conrmation lettersmay also be found on the MYARDMS section of the ARDMS website.The letter lists the approved examination(s) and the 90-day eligibilityperiod in which to schedule and take your examination(s). A websiteaddress and toll free number are provided so the candidate canschedule an appointment. Testing sites are located in the U.S., Canadaand select international locations.

Ineligible applicants are notied of their ineligibilityand reasons for that decision. ARDMS retains a$100 USD processing fee for each examination.

Prepare for the examination:

Review the PVI content outline and take the practice

On examination day:

All examinations are in English and administered on a

computer in a testing center. Please see the important IDrequirements noted in the box below. Your examination score

will appear immediately upon completion of the examinationand is automatically sent to ARDMS for nal review andacceptance.

After the examination:

After the RPVI credential is earned, the Registrant will receivea credentialing packet containing a temporary ARDMSIdentication (ID) card and a certicate** within six weeks.Registrants are listed in the ARDMS online directory at

ARDMS.org.

Overview of the Application Process

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Applying online is ast,

easy and secure.Visit ARDMS.org

ID Requirements

At the test center, you must present two current, valid signature IDs, one ofwhich must be a non-expired government-issued photo ID with your signature.

The name on your application and examination conrmation letter must exactlymatch the name on both current, valid signature IDs.

Failure to present two acceptable IDs will prevent your admission to the test

** Certifcates can only be displayed by Registrants who hold active status.


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OverviewoftheApplicationProcess

Special Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ARDMS will providereasonable testing accommodations for candidates with professionally diagnoseddisabilities as dened by the ADA. Log on to ARDMS.org/ADA for complete instructions.

Compliance with ARDMS Discipline Policies

During the online application process, applicants are required to attest to theircompliance with all ARDMS Discipline Policies. Applicants who have legal ordisciplinary matters in their past must be prepared to disclose the matters to

ARDMS at the time of application and submit the required initial review free of$150 USD. Please review the ARDMS Discipline Policies (ARDMS.org/Discipline)to learn how the policies apply to you.

Discipline Pre-Application Review

ARDMS conducts a pre-application review, for a $125USD non-refundable fee, for individuals who wish todetermine the impact of a previous violation of ARDMS

Discipline Policies (ARDMS.org/Discipline) on their eligibilityto apply for ARDMS certication. You may obtain additionalinformation regarding the pre-application process along withthe appropriate forms by visiting ARDMS.org/preapplication.

ARDMS.org


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Prerequisite Information

Steps for Choosing Your Prerequisite1. Find your education level by reviewing the

listed prerequisites.

2. Ensure you have met the clinical experiencerequirement within that prerequisite.

3. Assemble the required documentation under thelisted documentation section and submit with the

completed application form and appropriate fees.Eligibility will not be determined by telephone, fax or e-mail. Applicants

must apply online and submit all fees and required supporting

documentation before eligibility is determined.

All fees must be paid before the application is reviewed.

For a complete prerequisite chart, log on to ARDMS.org/PVIprereq

to print your own copy.

Notes: ARDMS, in its discretion, may request rom you or others inormation concerning matters that may berelevant to your eligibility or certifcation and certifcation status.

All documentation must be in English or include a notarized translation. (MD licenses, CMEs, etc.)

All documents, communications, and other inormation received by ARDMS become the property o ARDMSand will not be returned.

RPVI PrerequisitesPrerequisite A1(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission.)

MD or DO with RVT (Active Status)

Physicians who currently hold the RVT credential with active status may apply directlyor the PVI credential examination.

Documentation

1. Copy o a current, valid medical license is the only documentation required.

2. Photocopy o a non-expired government issued photo identifcation with signature;the name on the identifcation must exactly match the name under which you areapplying or ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite A2(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission.)

MD or DO, Current ICAVL or ACR Lab Accreditation

MD or DO degree with current, valid medical license to practice in the U.S. or Canada, and currentIntersocietal Commission or the Accreditation o Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) or American College oRadiology (ACR) vascular ultrasound accreditation.

Documentation

1. Copy o MD or DO current, valid medical license to practice in the U.S. or Canada.

2. Letter rom ICAVL or ACR identiying applicant as a current member o the medical sta oan accredited vascular ultrasound laboratory unit. The letter must be received directly rom theaccrediting organization and can be requested by contacting them.

3. Photocopy o a non-expired government issued photo identifcation with signature; the name onthe identifcation must exactly match the name under which you are applying or ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite B1(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission.)

Formal Training

Licensure

MD or DO degree earned in the U.S. or Canada.

Training

Attendance o an Accreditation Council or Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or Royal College oPhysicians and Surgeons o Canada (RCPSC) accredited residency or ellowship that includes didacticand clinical vascular laboratory/ultrasound interpretation experience as an integral part o theprogram.

Interpretation Experience

The applicant must be able to document interpretation experience with a minimum o 500vascular laboratory studies. These studies should be distributed over the ollowing testing areas:

Carotid duplex ultrasound, Transcranial Doppler, Peripheral arterial physiologic testing, Peripheralarterial duplex ultrasound, Venous duplex ultrasound , Visceral vascular duplex ultrasound

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

I the period o ormal training ended more than three (3) years prior to the candidates applicationdate, then the candidate must be able to document a minimum o 12 credit-hours o ARDMS-accepted CME specifcally related to vascular ultrasound earned within three years prior to the date oapplication or examination.

Documentation

1. Copy o medical school diploma.

2. Original letter rom residency/ellowship program director veriying dates o attendance andcompletion o a minimum o 500 vascular laboratory interpretation studies. For required letter content,please visit: ARDMS.org/sampleletters.

3. I applicable: Certifcates or other original documentation or a minimum o 12 credit-hours oARDMS-accepted CME specifcally related to vascular ultrasound.

4. Applicants should maintain a patient log or other record o interpretation experience with aminimum o 500 vascular laboratory studies. This log does not need to be submitted with theapplication but may be requested as part o a random audit. This documentation should bemaintained by the applicant or at least three years ollowing the date o application orexamination.

5. Photocopy o a non-expired government issued photo identifcation with signature; the name on

ARDMS currently offers six prerequisites under which to apply for the

ARDMS PVI examination. Applicants must select a prerequisite under

which to apply and must meet all requirements under that prerequisite.

Please note: Prerequisites apply to frst-time applicants only. For more inormation,please visit ARDMS.org.

Note: Prerequisite requirements are subject to change at any time and rom time to time


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PrerequisiteInformation

Call Toll Free1-800-541-9754

ARDMS.org

Prerequisite B2(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission.)

Informal Training

Licensure

MD or DO degree earned in the U.S. or Canada.


The applicant must be able to document interpretation

experience with a minimum o 500 vascular laboratory studies.These studies should be distributed over the ollowing testingareas:

Carotid duplex ultrasoundTranscranial DopplerPeripheral arterial physiologic testingPeripheral arterial duplex ultrasoundVenous duplex ultrasoundVisceral vascular duplex ultrasound


The applicant must document 12 credit-hours o ARDMS-accepted CME specifcally related to vascular ultrasoundearned within three years prior to the date o application orexamination.

Documentation

1. Copy o medical school diploma.

2. Original letter rom medical director o vascular laboratoryor other physician describing the applicants experience withvascular laboratory interpretation. The applicant may writethis letter i no other physician is available. For required lettercontent, please visit: ARDMS.org/sampleletters.

3. Certifcates or other original documentation or 12 credit-

hours o ARDMS-accepted CME specifcally related to vascularultrasound.

4. Applicants should maintain a patient log or other recordo interpretation experience with a minimum o 500 vascularlaboratory studies. This log does not need to be submittedwith the application but may be requested as part o arandom audit. This documentation should be maintained bythe applicant or at least three years ollowing the date oapplication or examination.

5. Photocopy o a non-expired government issued photoidentifcation with signature; the name on the identifcationmust exactly match the name under which you are applying

or ARDMS examination.

Prerequisite C1(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission.)

Formal Training

Licensure

Outside U.S. and Canada - MD or DO degree equivalent to those othe U.S. or Canada.

Training

Formal TrainingAttendance o a residency or ellowship thatincludes appropriate didactic and clinical ultrasound/vascularinterpretation experience as an integral part o the program.


The applicant must be able to document interpretation experiencewith a minimum o 500 vascular laboratory studies. These studiesshould be distributed over the ollowing testing areas:

Carotid duplex ultrasoundTranscranial DopplerPeripheral arterial physiologic testingPeripheral arterial duplex ultrasound

Venous duplex ultrasoundVisceral vascular duplex ultrasound


I the period o ormal training ended more than three years prior

to the candidates application date, then the candidate must beable to document a minimum o 12 credit-hours o ARDMS-accepted CME specifcally related to vascular ultrasound earnedwithin three years prior to the date o application or examination.

Documentation

1. Original credential report or ofcial notarized copy o the

evaluation converting the oreign medical degree in the U.S. orCanada. I the applicant has taken and passed all three parts o andearned the Educational Commission or Foreign Medical Graduates(ECFMG) certifcation, a copy o the ECFMG certifcate may besubmitted with a copy o current, valid MD or DO license rom theU.S. or Canada in lieu o the evaluation.

2. Original letter rom residency/ellowship program directorveriying successul completion o the program and describing theapplicants experience with vascular laboratory interpretationduring the training period. For required letter content, please visit:ARDMS.org/sampleletters.

3. Certifcates or other documentation or a minimum o 12

credit-hours o ARDMS-accepted CME specifcally related tovascular ultrasound.

4. Applicants should maintain a patient log or other recordo interpretation experience with a minimum o 500 vascularlaboratory studies. This log does not need to be submitted with theapplication but may be requested as part o a random audit. Thisdocumentation should be maintained by the applicant or at leastthree years ollowing the date o application or examination.

5. Photocopy o a non-expired government issued photoidentifcation with signature; the name on the identifcationmust exactly match the name under which you are applying orARDMS examination.

Prerequisite C2(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission.)

Informal Training

Licensure

Outside U.S. and Canada - MD or DO degree equivalent tothose o the U.S. or Canada.


The applicant must be able to document interpretationexperience with a minimum o 500 vascular laboratory studies.These studies should be distributed over the ollowing testingareas:

Carotid duplex ultrasoundTranscranial DopplerPeripheral arterial physiologic testingPeripheral arterial duplex ultrasoundVenous duplex ultrasound

Visceral vascular duplex ultrasound


The applicant must document 12 credit-hours o ARDMS-accepted CME specifcally related to vascular ultrasoundearned within three years prior to the date o application orexamination.

Documentation

1. Original credential report or ofcial notarized copy o theevaluation converting the oreign medical degree in the U.S. orCanada. I the applicant has taken and passed all three parts oand earned the Educational Commission or Foreign Medical

Graduates (ECFMG) certifcation, a copy o the ECFMGcertifcate may be submitted with a copy o a current, valid MDor DO license rom the U.S. or Canada in lieu o the evaluation.

2. Original letter rom medical director o vascular laboratoryor other physician describing the applicants experience withvascular laboratory interpretation. For required letter content,please visit: ARDMS.org/sampleletters.

3. Certifcates or other original documentation or 12 credit-hours o ARDMS-accepted CME specifcally related tovascular ultrasound.

4. Applicants should maintain a patient log or other recordo interpretation experience with a minimum o 500 vascular

laboratory studies. This log does not need to be submittedwith the application but may be requested as part o arandom audit. This documentation should be maintained bythe applicant or at least three years ollowing the date oapplication or examination.

5. Photocopy o a non-expired government issued photoidentifcation with signature; the name on the identifcationmust exactly match the name under which you are applying orARDMS examination.


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Call Toll Free: 1-800-541-97541401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600 Rockville, MD 20852

Fees and Online Resources

Online Application Payment is Fast and Secure! Log on to ARDMS.org/apply todayto fnd all the necessary inormation or submitting documentation and payments.

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Examination Fees

All reerenced trademarks and certifcationmarks are owned by ARDMS.

Inormation in this How to Apply Guidesupersedes the inormation in any prior

edition. Earlier versions o this publicationmay contain outdated inormation.

Apply for an Examination ARDMS.org/Apply

Prepare for an Examination ARDMS.org/Prepare

Schedule an Examination ARDMS.org/Schedule

Content Outlines ARDMS.org/Outlines

ARDMS Rules and Policies ARDMS.org/Policies

Discipline and Legal Information ARDMS.org/Discipline

Additional Resources

Log on to the ARDMS website, ARDMS.org, for application resources

Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) $200

Abdomen (AB) $250

Breast (BR) $250

Fetal Echocardiography (FE) $250

Neurosonology (NE) $250

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) $250

Adult Echocardiography (AE) $250

Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) $250

Vascular Technology (VT) $250

Other ARDMS Examinations*:

$450$600 (MD/DO/DPM)

$600Physicians Vascular Interpretation (PVI)

Musculoskeletal (MSK)**

All fees include a $100 USD non-refundable processing fee.

*Application information may be found in the general How to Apply Guide or on ARDMS.org.

**Application information may be found in the RMSK How to Apply Guide or on ARDMS.org.

A $100 USD fee will be assessed to individuals taking ARDMS examinations at internationaltesting centers (outside the US and Canada). The fee will be charged at the time theexamination is scheduled and is subject to change without notice.

ARDMS.org