RDMS - RVT - Registered Vascular Technologist

Registered Vascular Technologists play a crucial role in helping surgeons and cardiologists diagnose vascular system disorders. RVTs receive training in using ultrasound to find clots within the vasculature, assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating conditions that may lead to stroke or heart attack. Working an RVT requires certification by most medical institutions.

The Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is issued by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

About Registered Vascular Technologist Certification

Individuals must first complete an eligible prerequisite to obtaining an RDMS - RVT certification.

You’ll then be eligible to sit for the two required examinations, a physics exam and a specialty exam.

Why get an RVT Certification?

RVT certification helps raise the standard of care amongst Registered Vascular Technologists by providing testing and clinical knowledge amongst practitioners. Most medical institutions require Vascular Technologists to be certified to be eligible for hire. Even if you can find a job that doesn’t require certification, this certification will make you a more competitive candidate and make you eligible for a higher pay rate.

Test Format

The ARDMS RVT certification involves two different certification exams. The first requirement is a physics examination, also referred to as Sonography Principles and Instrumentation or SPI. The second examination is the specialty exam or RVT exam. 

1. SPI Exam

This exam assesses the test taker’s knowledge of clinical safety, echo instrumentation, and quality assurance. The SPI examination is a two-hour exam with 110 multiple choice and simulation questions and involves a 5-minute survey.The cost of the SPI exam is $225.

2. RVT Exam

The RVT exam evaluates knowledge relating to the anatomy and blood flow of the blood vessels within the body, including the cerebrovascular, venous, peripheral, and abdominal areas. This certification exam offers test-takers three hours to complete 170 multiple choice questions and some Advanced Item Type questions that utilize a hands-on testing environment to better measure clinical skills. 

Examination fee is $250 USD, which includes a $100 USD non-refundable processing fee. If you take an ARDMS examination at an international test center (outside the U.S., Canada and Mexico), you will be charged an additional non-refundable $50 USD fee when you schedule your examination.

Effective April 4, 2023 - exam fee will increase to $275

The SPI and RVT exams do not have to be completed in a specific sequence, but you must complete and pass each within five years of each other to obtain certification.

Once you have completed the required prerequisites for the SPI and RVT certification exams, you’ll need to apply to take the tests through the ARDMS website. Create an account, submit payment and complete the online application. Gather your required documentation and be sure to submit documents within 21 days of applying for the exam. 

Once your application is approved, you can sign up to take both examinations. The RVT exam will need to be taken at a testing center, but the SPI exam now offers an online option via online proctoring.

To maintain your RVT certification, you will have to pay an annual renewal fee of $95. You can easily make this payment online through your ARDMS account. Renewal fee due by December 31 of calendar year.

First reinstatement opportunity:

• $95 renewal fee + $150 administrative fee.

• Must be completed by February 28, 2023.

Final reinstatement opportunity:

• $95 renewal fee + $300 administrative fee.

• Must be completed by August 1, 2023.

In preparing for your RVT certification examinations, you’ll probably want to try a few practice tests ahead of time to get a feel for the exam format. You can sign up for practice tests through the ARDMS website, which costs $35 each. Price will increase to $45 effective April 4, 2023. There are also free content outlines available for both the VT exam and the SPI exam. 

Once you’ve completed your certification exams and passed, you’ll be ready to start looking for work as a Registered Vascular Technologist! Many RVTs choose to work in a hospital or clinical setting in their area, but you may even be able to find a travel RVT job that will allow you to see new places while also making a comfortable salary.

The ARDMS also offers the following certifications:

• RDMS - Vascular Technology (RVT-VT)

• RDMS Breast (BR)

• RDMS Abdomen (AB)

• RDMS Fetal Echocardiography (FE)

• RDMS Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)

• RDMS - Pediatric Sonography (PS)