ardms exam

i pass my physics exam the frist time ,i fail my abd exam last month and i am very depressed any body have any suggestion?i did study esp very well but there were questions on the test that was not in esp please those of you that pass the abd what did you study ? thanks.

daniella in Los Angeles, California said: i pass my physics exam the frist time ,i fail my abd exam last month and i am very depressed any body have any suggestion?i did study esp very well but there were questions on the test that was not in esp please those of you that pass the abd what did you study ? thanks.

Get the UPDATED Edelman review book, or try to go to a conference. I thought the abdomen cards were very good, and helped a lot. You can buy them from Sids website. The abdomen test was very hard. Make sure you know the review book and the cards. The ESP website will only help so much. You can call the ESP people and say that you cant go to a conference but would like the book. She will e mail you a form you will have to download and fill in and fax back. The book (at least for physics) was $300, but if it will help go for it. Make sure you specify the latest Abdominal Review Book. GOOD LUCK!!!

Hi daniella,
How did u manage to pass the Physics? I just got out of school and am getting eligible to sit the for the ARDMS and now first i want to go for physics. I took edelman's XZone sample test and didnt do too well on it. I got his 3rd edition of Understanding Ultrasound Physics but what else do i need to do to pass it the first time and im willing to do basically anything to pass it the first time. I cant afford to fail it. Can u please help me n tellm e how did you prepare for the exam.

Thank you

thanks , whatelse did you study,what school did you go.

i did went to seminar and studed the book,but there were questions i didnt know it was too hard ,what school did you go ?what other text did you study. thanks

daniella in Los Angeles, California said: i did went to seminar and studed the book,but there were questions i didnt know it was too hard ,what school did you go ?what other text did you study. thanks

Some questions were very hard and ones I knew I totally bombed on. BUT if you get enough of the basics right, you'll do ok. I'm sure you know that they hit the liver, kidneys and vasculature sections hard on the test. Know lab work, (what makes labs increase/decrease, I heard from someone who took it last month that she got a lot of those questions).

I also used Exam Preparation for Diagnostic Ultrasound, by Sanders, Dolk and Miner, its blue you can find it on Amazon.com. That breaks things down for you and has pictures and test questions. It also has a CD, but the questions are the same in the book, I believe. The explanations of the answers rock! It tells you WHY that answer is correct and why the others ARENT. I also used Edelmans cards. I think that helped tremendously, I highly recommend them Sometimes I used Davies Abdomen book, but that only has questions, its not a review book. The explanations for SOME of the questions were good. My school was a joke, honestly. It took me multiple times to pass both tests, but I did! Keep trying!! Hopefully you wont need to take the tests as many times as I did!!!

TONY: Go to Edelmans conference and youll get his review book. Study that, and buy his cards.

thanks alot lys ,i wish i could emai;to your frien that pass the exam last month ,and get some info ,i did study so hard the first time you have no idea but i dont know why i fail ,i am kind of disapointed but iam studing again ,i am in the field for long time ,can you please ask your friend to email me please thanks alot for all your info ,D

i only read edelman ,review book ,and sdms rievew book ,

What specifically would you like to know and I will e mail her and ask her?

Lys..have you taken the OB/Gyn? I have failed it twice...I am dreading studying for it again...because of failing it again of course. I feel like I will never be registered!

danielle. I went to this Medical and Dental institute in NJ. Its not accredited by the CAAHEP but is approved by the USBOE and makes u eligible to sit for the ARDMS exam. Our school did no doppler what so ever or vascular. In school i did OBGYN, ABD ,Small parts, breast, renal and Physics. I really want to knock physics out the way and i called up Edelman and spoke to him and he told me that if i dont attend his seminar i wont pass the exam so i said i couldn't make it there because i live in NJ. He said to buy his seminar material that costs 600. I am confused now cuz what if i cant buy the material and what can that material possibly have? U been to the seminar what does it have? Cuz i have the 3rd edition of Understand Ultrasound physics. I want to have the right material to start studyin..and Did you study on ur own or did group study? I haven't gotten the letter for eligiblity but all the previous students got eligible so im assuming i will too.

i did not go to his seminar i got the reveiw book from some friend and i passed it the first time ,but i have some physics background ,also i think the abd is much harder than physics ,i did not buy his physics books ,i only studid the riveiw book he has, good luck,d

Tony Goldflick in Montville, New Jersey said: danielle. I went to this Medical and Dental institute in NJ. Its not accredited by the CAAHEP but is approved by the USBOE and makes u eligible to sit for the ARDMS exam. Our school did no doppler what so ever or vascular. In school i did OBGYN, ABD ,Small parts, breast, renal and Physics. I really want to knock physics out the way and i called up Edelman and spoke to him and he told me that if i dont attend his seminar i wont pass the exam so i said i couldn't make it there because i live in NJ. He said to buy his seminar material that costs 600. I am confused now cuz what if i cant buy the material and what can that material possibly have? U been to the seminar what does it have? Cuz i have the 3rd edition of Understand Ultrasound physics. I want to have the right material to start studyin..and Did you study on ur own or did group study? I haven't gotten the letter for eligiblity but all the previous students got eligible so im assuming i will too.

How long is your program because our school is approved by USBOE,and we cannot sit for the ARDMS until 1 yr of paid work is completed.I heard to sit it must CAAHEP or CHEA recognized.I've been so upset about this,you should call ARDMS to be sure!

Just graduated as an honor student from Echovascular ultrasound school in 9/08 and can't find a position anywhere. The school wasn't accredited so I will have to work 12 months prior to being eligible for the ARDMS exam. I have tried cardiology offices, imaging centers, and hospitals. Everyone seems to want you to already be certified or have at least one year experience. Does anyone have any ideas how I can get my foot in the door? Help...

chaphill619 in Long Beach, California said: Lys..have you taken the OB/Gyn? I have failed it twice...I am dreading studying for it again...because of failing it again of course. I feel like I will never be registered!

I have not taken the OB/GYN exam, but I plan to take it within the first half of next year. I would like to go to an ESP conference, so I can have the updated review book. I think thats important, there is constantly new things on the exams, Sid is right you cant study old material. I have taken and failed the abdomen and physics MANY times, my registry did not come easy to me, it took me over 1 year to do it. I went to the physics conference in 2007, studied the review book over and over. BUT one day in 2008 there was so much new material on the test, I bought the updated review book to learn it. Just keep trying!! I definatley know how you feel about feeling discouraged not to study anymore for it. GOOD LUCK!!!

TONY:

If you cant go to a review, you should consider buying the review book..its NOT $600...I paid $300 I think, with priority mailing. His book is just what you need to know for the test.

KIM:

I was in your shoes too, it took me over one year to find a job after school. The only thing I can tell you is to look for a job, like it was your job. Do you have a family? I ask because I was willing to move ANYWHERE in the US to obtain a job, but of course its easier for one person to do it than 3 or more people. Its very hard and depressing, but ALWAYS have hope and faith that someone WILL give you a chance. Someone will see that in order to get experience, you need to work. In the meanwhile, (And I wish I knew this then...) STUDY your books. Study and get ready for the ARDMS so when youre eligible to take it youre READY. Dont wait until youre eligible to take it then study, youre wasting time.
GOOD LUCK!!! :)

Lys- Thank you for your comments. i hate that it took you over a year to find a job but it is comforting to know it's not just me. :) I do have a family and moving is really not an option at this point. I'm thinking of going ahead and taking the CCI physics and adult echo exam. I hear most organizations recognize it the same as ARDMS. Any thoughts?

i want to know what area was the most questions and what he studid from,thanks

Anonymous:

Thanks guys for your help.
My school gives me clinical experience of 2 years because we do real patients in our school referred by different doctor's. But we do not diagnose.

The book is actually 300$, you were right lys. The lady at the office sent me a wrong form in email. Now im just waitin for school to get my paper work together to send the application to ARDMS.
Thx ;]

i would only go for ardms, i know how hard it is but it is the only one that all the center wants .

Daniella is right. Try finding a job meanwhile but focus should be ur boards am studying for my physics also and Edelman's review book i gotta order should be a big help...Goodluck

Kim in Dallas, Texas said: Lys- Thank you for your comments. i hate that it took you over a year to find a job but it is comforting to know it's not just me. :) I do have a family and moving is really not an option at this point. I'm thinking of going ahead and taking the CCI physics and adult echo exam. I hear most organizations recognize it the same as ARDMS. Any thoughts?

Kim,

I wouldnt take the CCI tests. I have never seen on any want ad "CCI registry required". I have always seen ARDMS. I think you will be wasting time and money, and if you will end up having to take the ARDMS tests anyway because no one wants CCI, that would REALLY stink.

Tony in Newark, New Jersey said: The book is actually 300$, you were right lys. The lady at the office sent me a wrong form in email. Now im just waitin for school to get my paper work together to send the application to ARDMS.
Thx ;]

You're welcome :) Which test are you going for first?

daniella in Los Angeles, California said: i want to know what area was the most questions and what he studid from,thanks

Are you talking about Sid and the abdomen exam?

goin for physicssss :) so excited loool

Be careful because they are changing it in spring 09. They are adding more hemodynamics I believe. The new review book may reflect that.

Tony in Newark, New Jersey said: Daniella is right. Try finding a job meanwhile but focus should be ur boards am studying for my physics also and Edelman's review book i gotta order should be a big help...Goodluck

Hi, where can i buy it this book?, I have the Appleton & Lange Review for the Ultrasonography Examination. do you know if it is good?

You can buy the book at esp-inc.com. Call them and say you cant go to a review and ask them to e mail you a sheet to order it. then fax it back to them.
The A&L book is crap. Try to sell it on Amazon, it doesnt help at all. Its too long winded and confuses people more, I think.

I passed my ARDMS physics, now getting prepared for OB/GYN could somebody recommend a good books, materials and give some suggestions.
By the way Edelman for a physics it's the best and also I did use couple interactive CD's with questions.
Thanks

[asdfasdffgsdfQdo you know UOTE who="chaphill619 in Long Beach, California"]Lys..have you taken the OB/Gyn? I have failed it twice...I am dreading studying for it again...because of failing it again of course. I feel like I will never be registered!

Heather in Port Orange, Florida said: [asdfasdffgsdfQdo you know UOTE who="chaphill619 in Long Beach, California"]Lys..have you taken the OB/Gyn? I have failed it twice...I am dreading studying for it again...because of failing it again of course. I feel like I will never be registered!

No I havent taken OB/GYN. I plan too though, I want to go to an ESP conference for it.

Heather what books you are using? Could you please recommend some for me.
What was the most difficult for you in OB/Gyn exam? Any advises for me?

Tnahks

chaphill619 in Long Beach, California said: Lys..have you taken the OB/Gyn? I have failed it twice...I am dreading studying for it again...because of failing it again of course. I feel like I will never be registered!

Chaphill619:

Did you take your physics yet? I know what its like to continually fail, as tough as it is, just keep trying!!! You can do it!!!

What are the topics that are hit hard on the OB exam? Is there someplace where I can find a breakdown of what % each topic is covered?
Like on the abdomen the liver, kidneys and abdominal vasculature have the most questions.

THANK YOU!!!

I have failed both physics and abdomen. Abdomen most recently and by a mere 6 points! ahhh frustrating.
If I am not registered by February I think I will lose my job .. So I am frantically trying to prepare and take physics ASAP.
I borrowed from a friend Edelman's physics review book but it is from a 1999 lecture.
Do you think I will need a more updated version? I wouldn't think much physics should have changed in 9 years. But I suppose it is possible.
I just really don't want to dish out $300 right now on top of everything else I've already spent trying to pass these dang registries!
Someone out there should go make copies of their book and charge $$ make a nice profit, though it is illegal LOL

Casi in Eden, North Carolina said: I have failed both physics and abdomen. Abdomen most recently and by a mere 6 points! ahhh frustrating.
If I am not registered by February I think I will lose my job .. So I am frantically trying to prepare and take physics ASAP.
I borrowed from a friend Edelman's physics review book but it is from a 1999 lecture.
Do you think I will need a more updated version? I wouldn't think much physics should have changed in 9 years. But I suppose it is possible.

YES!!! The physics changes every few months. I was using my 2007 book and after taking the tests every two months I realized that there was new stuff that I was not familair with. I bought the 2008 book and passed it two months later. Sid himself says you cant study from old material. How many times have you taken these tests?

Hey Kim, I'm going through it myself..I finished a year and a half ago and still hitting dead ends..But I still keep on trying, praying and believing that someday somebody will give me a chance.. In the meantime, I'm busy looking over my notes and books to make sure that when I'm going to take that test..I'm going to pass with flying colors..You are definitely not alone!! Good Luck!!

Kim in Dallas, Texas said: Lys- Thank you for your comments. i hate that it took you over a year to find a job but it is comforting to know it's not just me. :) I do have a family and moving is really not an option at this point. I'm thinking of going ahead and taking the CCI physics and adult echo exam. I hear most organizations recognize it the same as ARDMS. Any thoughts?

John in Staten Island, New York said: Hey Kim, I'm going through it myself..I finished a year and a half ago and still hitting dead ends..But I still keep on trying, praying and believing that someday somebody will give me a chance.. In the meantime, I'm busy looking over my notes and books to make sure that when I'm going to take that test..I'm going to pass with flying colors..You are definitely not alone!! Good Luck!!

John,

When do you plan to take your test(s)? Be careful that you are studying updated physics material. Abdomen is the same that doesnt change. I dont know about OB.

I've pass my abdominal board but have failed the physics exam 3 times! This last time by a mere 5 pts. Its very depressing to keep studying over and over and get nowhere. I attended ESP 2 years ago and have used the workbook and also Davies, and my text book from school. I'm really just venting, but does anyone have any suggestions. I'm on the verge of losing my job if I fail again.

Sasee1,
I can definately relate!!! I took both the abd and physics many times. The physics changes every few months. I was using my 2007 book and after taking the tests every two months I realized that there was new stuff that I was not familair with. I bought the 2008 book and passed it two months later. Sid himself says you cant study from old material. But they are changing the physics, so be careful if you have only the new physics to take. They are adding more hemodynamics to the test. I would try to go to a conference again, OR buy the new book. Call ESP and ask them to e mail you a form to buy the newest book, fill it out and fax it back to them. You'll get it pretty quick.

Hey you guys: As an older person changing careers, even school was challenging for me. I took my US physics and passed and soon after, I took my RVT physics (which was not much different) and passed. I never cared for physics and my goal was to pass this test first and be done with it! My teacher advised that I take the rvt around the same time and it worked for me. My personal strategy was: I purchased a mini-recorder when I started school. I read my notes into the recorder and listened on my drive to school and clinicals. I had to drive at least 40 minutes each day. This may sound stupid to you, but it really helped me out. I didn't really memorize stuff, but hearing it more than once or twice made it stick with me. I have an aversion to math and physics reminds me of math.
After I graduated (with honors), I too could not find a job in the field. I finally decided to apply for a PRN position and it immediately became full time. I just passed my OB exam after I failed the abd in June. I think the main difference is: with physics, its either black or white. With abdomen, it could me more than one answer. My new goal is to begin studying for abd this week and pass before the end of Jan 2009. Good luck and try not to put extra pressure on yourself.

Teelovey:

Youre RVT and RDMS?? Good for you!! Now that I read it, I used to tape my notes into a recorder too. It put me to sleep though. I found listening to it to and from school/work was too distracting for me, so I didnt do that.
Anyway congrats!!

Hi Gang-o

While cleaning, I found in the newest Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography magazine ESP's 2009 Seminars!!!
Im still thinking about going to the OB course, thats what I got excited about this and thought of you guys.

There are 4 Physics Only Weekends, and 10 Physics and Specialty Weekends. Tell me where you live and I will tell you where closest to you) and when it is.

teelovey in Riceboro, Georgia said: Hey you guys: As an older person changing careers, even school was challenging for me. I took my US physics and passed and soon after, I took my RVT physics (which was not much different) and passed. I never cared for physics and my goal was to pass this test first and be done with it! My teacher advised that I take the rvt around the same time and it worked for me. My personal strategy was: I purchased a mini-recorder when I started school. I read my notes into the recorder and listened on my drive to school and clinicals. I had to drive at least 40 minutes each day. This may sound stupid to you, but it really helped me out. I didn't really memorize stuff, but hearing it more than once or twice made it stick with me. I have an aversion to math and physics reminds me of math.
After I graduated (with honors), I too could not find a job in the field. I finally decided to apply for a PRN position and it immediately became full time. I just passed my OB exam after I failed the abd in June. I think the main difference is: with physics, its either black or white. With abdomen, it could me more than one answer. My new goal is to begin studying for abd this week and pass before the end of Jan 2009. Good luck and try not to put extra pressure on yourself.

Hi, What is PRN position?
I am getting ready for my OB, but honestly I don't have much experience with 2nd trimester abnormalities, most of my cases are normal pregnancies.
Could you please give me some tips for exam. What study materials do you think is the best? please any recommendations...On which topics I have to pay more attention?.Thank you

Hi. PRN is "as needed" which means you are usually on call when the regular tech might be off work. Like I said, it's not ideal but it is a way to get your foot in. Some places don't have call. I just took the OB test yesterday and to be honest, it was not as bad as I had anticipated. Menstrual cycle was tested heavily. Uterine anomalies and causes for bleeding, there were several questions about ovarian neoplasms and causes for torsion. Oli and poly, problems with chronic HTN vs pregnancy-induced HTN. Fetal hydrops, measurements, multiplastic kidneys, duodenal atresia. Amnio vs CVS. Endometrioma, several questions about fibroids and endometrial bleeding. 2 or 3 questions about cranial/spinal anomalies. What causes MSAFP to be elevated. I would say it was a good cross-section analysis of what I learned during school. Only 1 or 2 questions were from left field -- something I'd never heard of.

Thanks so much, Teelovey!!! At least now we have an idea of whats on it and what to focus on. :)

You are welcome. I hope it helps.

Hey if you can tell me what to study for on the ABD test, I'd love it! Any help is great.

The top three topics on the abdomen exam are Liver, Kidneys and Abdominal Vasculature. Focus on those, there is a lot of information on them on the exam.
Try to get the review book from ESP, and I think the abdomen cards from ESP are fantastic. For further books if you want, "Exam Preparation for Diagnostic Ultrasound" by Sanders, Dolk and Miner is great too, their explanations for the answers are fantaastic. They tell you WHY the answer is what it is and WHY the answer is NOt what it is. I am currently reading it for OB to start with. I also had the Davies Abdomen review book, it was helpful too. I jujst for the one for OB today as a matter of fact.