5 Most Asked Questions About Nuchal Translucency Credentialing and Mint Medical’s Hands-on Ultrasound Training Course

Looking into obtaining credentials for the nuchal translucency (11 to 13 week) ultrasound scan? The process can seem a bit confusing and overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be! Here are the questions we are asked most often by students interested in our hands-on ultrasound course in First Trimester Screening and Nuchal Translucency.

1. Who credentials nuchal translucency clinicians?

There are two main credentialing bodies in the United States: The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) and the Nuchal Translucency Quality Review Program (NTQR). Both programs offer credentialing for both sonographers and supervising/interpreting physicians.

2. What is the credentialing process for sonographers? 

To be credentialed in nuchal translucency through the FMF you must complete the free online theory course and pay the one-time $100 administrative fee. Then you will need to upload or submit 3 images of NT measurements. If all of the images are approved, a nuchal translucency credentialingcertificate of Nuchal Translucency accreditation will be sent and you will be listed on their website as an accredited sonographer. If the images are not approved, feedback will be given and 3 new images will need to be submitted for approval. Once consistent scanning technique is demonstrated the certificate will be sent.

The NTQR offers 3 tracks for obtaining the nuchal translucency credential: the first track is for providers with little experience in nuchal translucency screening. This track is $350 for doctors, $275 for sonographers. Applicants must first complete a course and pass an online exam. Then 5 images must be submitted for approval. The other two tracks are for those who already have experience performing the scans but would like to obtain the NTQR NT credential.

3. What is the credentialing process for supervising or interpreting physician?

The Fetal Medicine Foundation will credential a supervising/interpreting physician once the online course has been completed and an online quiz has been passed. If you receive a score of 80% or better you will receive a Supervisory/Interpreting Physician’s ID number and be listed on the FMF website.

To be credentialed as a supervising/interpreting physician by the NTQR you must complete an educational training course, pass an online exam, and submit at least 5 images for approval. These images must be acquired under the direct supervision of the physician and must not have been previously used for credentialing. 

4. Is Mint’s hands-on ultrasound training course a part of the Nuchal Translucency credentialing process? 

No, Mint’s hands-on ultrasound training course in First Trimester Screening Ultrasound with Nuchal Translucency is not part of the credentialing process. The lecture emphasizes nuchal translucency (NT) and includes information about the nuchal translucency credentialingstandardized technique for acquiring accurate NTs, steps to earning and maintaining an NT credential, use of the NT in the CA State Prenatal Screening Program, and tips for optimizing various ultrasound machines to produce the needed images. This course helps prepare you for the credentialing process by allowing you to practice obtaining nuchal translucency images using proper techniques.

5. Why should an Interpreting physician consider taking the hands-on ultrasound course? 

It is important that all physicians who supervise and sign off on nuchal translucency exams understand what makes an acceptable image that will lead to an accurate screening result. This could also protect the physician as well as the sonographer from legal liability.

For more information regarding the credentialing process please visit the Fetal Medicine Foundation or Nuchal Translucency Quality Review Program websites.

Recent Comments

  1. BRITTNIE
    / Says:

    I would like to obtain this certificate, but I do not work for a facility that does OB at the moment. So how would I get the images that are required?

    • Naomi Greene
      / Says:

      With the FMF, you can obtain your images for credentialing by scanning behind an already credentialed co-worker, but you can also scan friends/family/volunteers who are pregnant between 11 and 13 weeks along. In our FMF process, you can obtain all 3 images from the same fetus as long as the images are taken at different points during the exam.