Sonographer/Technologist: Breast Ultrasound (Revised 12-12-19)

Revision History

All sonographers or technologists performing breast ultrasound examinations must meet the minimum criteria in the table below. The ACR recommends that technologists be certified and actively registered in the modality they perform.

The facility should not submit proof of certification and/or continuing education as part of the application for breast ultrasound accreditation. Keep all documentation verifying that your personnel meet accreditation requirements on file at your facility. The information should be available upon request.

The physician is not required to be present during breast ultrasound examinations performed by RDMS sonographers or ARRT technologists with certification in breast sonography. However, the physician must be in the department during breast ultrasound examinations performed by ARRT technologists without an advanced registry in breast sonography. In all situations, the physician is ultimately responsible to see that the appropriate images are obtained.

For facilities at which breast ultrasound examinations are performed by qualified radiologists, with technologists only assisting by setting up the room, it is not necessary that the technologists meet the qualifications specified above in order for the facility to be accredited in breast ultrasound. Likewise, for a facility to apply for the Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy Module, the technologist need not be RDMS-certified, as this program is designed to evaluate the physician’s skills, and only qualified physicians (not technologists) may independently perform ultrasound guided breast biopsy procedures at facilities accredited by the ACR.

Additional information regarding acceptable credits for and documentation of continuing education is available here.

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