Final answer:
Prior to the establishment of Sonography Canada, medical sonographers in Canada were primarily accredited through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The ARDMS credential was recognized internationally and used as a benchmark for professional practice in the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before Sonography Canada was established as the national credentialing body, medical sonographers in Canada were accredited through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The ARDMS was the primary certification organization which provided a standardized way of evaluating the skills and knowledge of sonographers. Having the ARDMS credential was widely recognized and considered a professional benchmark for those practicing in the field of diagnostic medical sonography, even outside the United States.
With the establishment of Sonography Canada, sonographers gained a national credentialing body that was more closely aligned with Canada's specific healthcare system and educational standards.
However, some sonographers choose to maintain dual certification with both Sonography Canada and ARDMS to enhance their professional recognition and employment opportunities, especially if they aim to practice both in Canada and internationally.