Curriculum

A registered ultrasonographer consists of a person who has passed the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Examination and one of the Specialty Examinations. The Ultrasound Program at UNLV is not accredited, however, our curriculum has been approved by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Therefore, students who are in the program can take their SPI examination prior to graduation and their specialty exam after they graduate from the program. Students must have the following requirements to apply and take their SPI examination:

  1. Successful completion of a general, medical or sonographic physics.  This includes PHY 151, 152 and CMI 350.
  2. A transcript reflecting successful completion of general, medical, or sonographic physics with a grade of “C” or higher sent to ARDMS with $250.00 and a copy of non-expired government issued photo identification (ID) card with signature.

Contact

Melinda Bechtel, Me.D.
Lecturer, Program Director, Ultrasound
Phone: 702-895-1116
Email: melinda.bechtel@unlv.edu

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852-1402, Toll Free 800-541-9754. Email ARDMS.org.

The following specialty examinations ar offered at UNLV:

  1. Abdomen (AB)
  2. BREAST (BR)
  3. OB/GYN
  4. VT 

Students must meet the following requirements to apply and take their specialty examination.  

  1. Successful completion of 120 credits of the Ultrasound Program and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.
  2. Successful completion of 1-year full time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.
  3. Copy of the Bachelor’s degree or a copy of the official transcript. 
  4. Letter signed by the program director verifying length of ultrasound or vascular experience
  5. A clinical verification (CV) form. They can be found on ARDMS.org/CV.
  6. A copy of a non-expired government issued photo identification (ID) card with signature.
  7. A fee of $250.00

Once a person passes their SPI exam, and an ultrasound specialty exam, they are considered a registered medical sonographer.

State Licensure

The State of Nevada does not license medical sonographers. Only four states (New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon) license sonographers.  Contact info for those jurisdiction can be found below:

  1.  New Mexico- They do not legally require a license to do ultrasound.  
    1. The Program Administrator is Stephen Sanchez. 
      1. He is in 1100 Saint Francis Dr. Suite 2022 of the Montoya Building in Santa Fe, NM
      2. Phone (505) 476-8633
      3. Email is stephen.sanchez@state.nm.us
  2. New Hampshire – The only license they require is for breast ultrasound.
    1. The administrator is Stacy Parr. 
      1. Address: Fruit Street Suite 303; Concord NH 03301
      2. Phone: (603) 271-8389
      3. Email Address:  stacey.parr@opic.nh.gov
  3. North Dakota – All applicants must be licensed to do ultrasound in the state.  To be eligible for a license, the applicant must have graduated from an Ultrasound Program and have become a registered sonographer.
    1. Address: North Dakota Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board; P.O. Bo 398; /Bismarck, ND 58502
    2. Phone: (701) 425-0861
    3. Email Address:  info@ndmirtboard.com
  4. Oregon- State Licensure includes fingerprints and background checks only.  Licensure does not include any academic requirements necessary for performing ultrasound.
    1. Address: Oregon Board of Medical Imaging; 800 NE Oregon Street; Suite 1160A; Portland, OR 97232-2162
    2. Phone: (971) 673-0215