The Examination
The NCMA requires all applicants to complete both a written and practical exam. To ensure patient safety, all students must take the examination PRIOR to going out on externship. This serves two purposes… first, it ensures the the students have a strong foundation when being presented with actual patients that may have actual conditions. And second, it provides a baseline for the school, whom then in turn, can evaluate and map out a students progress, or in some cases, identify weaknesses.
PART 1: Clinical Science Written Examination
This part of the examination assesses whether you understand and can fundamentally apply important concepts of basic science as a sonologist, with special emphasis on the abdomen, small parts, OBGYN, interventional, vascular and the application of ultrasound physics.
PART 2: Clinical Skills Practical Examination
This part of the examination assesses your application of medical knowledge, evaluate yours clinical skills, and your understanding of clinical science which is essential for the provision of the diagnostic medical imaging use of ultrasound and includes emphasis of normal anatomy and physiology, abnormal findings and medical descriptive documentation, criteria for assessment and protocols for the abdomen, small parts, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular studies.
Examination Requirements
- Completed Application
- Government Photo Identification
- School Education Verification Letter
- Scanning Log, demonstrating 400 studies.
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support
Upon Passing….
You will be issued a provisional credential pending your successful program completion. Once you graduate, your full credential will be active after final approval from the NCMA. In order to get the final approval, you will need to submit your certificate of completion and a formal evaluation by your preceptor. You have one year from the date of your examination(s) passing to provide the documentation needed to proceed to a full credential.
