Non-DVM Certification Program Overview

General description of the Non-DVM Certification Programs in Echocardiography and Abdominal Ultrasound

The IVUSS certification program for non-DVMs in both veterinary echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound will be highly challenging and rewarding. There are two distinct certification programs for non-DVMs with one in veterinary echocardiography and one in veterinary abdominal ultrasound. This differs from the IVUSS DVM certification process that involves both echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound combined. A non-DVM candidate can pursue both programs in veterinary echocardiography and veterinary abdominal ultrasound at the same time. Successful completion of each program will earn the candidate the following distinctions:

• "VCS (Cardiac) IVUSS" (Veterinary Certified Sonographer (Cardiac) International Veterinary Ultrasound Society)
• "VCS (Abdominal ultrasound) IVUSS" (Veterinary Certified Sonographer (Abdominal ultrasound) International Veterinary Ultrasound Society)

1. Didactic coursework in basic and advanced veterinary echocardiography or abdominal ultrasound, including ultrasound physics (these are required prior to applying to the program, and costs for the didactic portion of the program are the candidate’s responsibility).
2. The detailed presentation of written cases with full sets of images (called a “Case Book”).
3. Testing with both written and practical exams. 

The Case Books of each program will involve submission of two normal cases (one canine and one feline), then, once approved, eight clinical cases. Details of the case selection are described in each program’s information. The cases will be reviewed by the Certification Committee, who may then require the applicant to complete additional training before further work in the program is permitted, may require adjustments to technique or thoroughness, or may permit the applicant to advance to the next case selection. 

The eight cases are broken down into categories required for each program with the focus of acquisition of complete echocardiogram or complete abdominal ultrasound images based on IVUSS standards. The abdominal ultrasound program will involve basic abdominal scans with pathology (4 case reports) and advanced abdominal scans with pathology (4 case reports). The echocardiography program will involve cases with cardiac pathology (8 cases reports). Details on case selection will be described in the Case Book section of each program. The case reports are written in a standard format of case history, imaging protocol, and complete, detailed descriptions of pathologic findings. The candidates will not be required to provide medical or surgical recommendations. The emphasis will be the detailed sonographic description of normal and abnormal findings. Cases that do not have the entire IVUSS standard images for an abdominal ultrasound or echocardiogram will not be accepted. The case discussions will be required to have at least five references. 

The Certification Committee will evaluate each case report for imaging technique, complete sonographic description of normal and abnormal findings. Once the case report receives approval from the committee it will be accepted. Three of the eight cases will be reviewed by a board-certified radiologist or cardiologist for final comments and approval.

After the Case Book requirements are complete, the participant will be invited to take an online written final exam which involves ultrasound theory and practical case material. Once passed, a timed practical exam demonstrating the applicant’s ability to do an abdominal or cardiac ultrasound exam will be scheduled remotely, or if available, for the next annual IVUSS conference. 

The applicant has up to two years to complete the program. Allowances are made based on the timing of when the written exam is passed and the availability of the practical examination.

Other than mentor advice, no outside consultation or advice is allowed in this program, including help from forums such as Sonopath, Veterinary Information Network, or the like, except through the Certification Committee. Any evidence of outside consultation or advice on cases or examination material will result in permanent discontinuation from the program.

Cost and timeline
The program must be completed within two years of the start date. The examinations can be taken after two years to complete the program, based on timing of written and practical examination. Program fees are as follows and must be paid for at the time of submission of the next case in the series:

• Application to each program ($25)--The approval process takes about 2 weeks. Once approved, you are in the queue to begin the program. Actual admission to the program is on a rolling basis and you will be notified once we are ready to have you begin your case submissions. 
• Cases 1 and 2--Two normal abdomen or two normal echo cases ($160)
• Cases 3 and 4 at one time ($80 each--$160 total)
• Cases 5, 6, 7 at one time ($80 each--$240)
• Cases 8, 9, 10 at one time ($80 each--$240)
• Each extra required case ($80 each)
• Practical and written tests ($0)
• Total for cardio or abdominal individual program of $825
• Total for both programs $1650
• Payments will be made online with the case submissions, and no refunds can be given for a partial case series.