The next opportunity to begin the program is with the Step One Ultrasound Course on October 21-22, 2025, in Salt Lake City, UT.

Access to the STEP 1 Online Curriculum opens in July 2025.

Learn more before purchasing: aapmr.org/step-ultrasound
Questions? Contact us at education@aapmr.org

The STEP Ultrasound Certificate Program is the premier ultrasound training program developed by physiatrists, for physiatrists.

STEP stands for Skills, Training, Evaluation, and Performance. This multi-tiered, competency-based training program teaches and assesses both musculoskeletal (MSK) and neurologic ultrasound skills using a progressive, competency-based curriculum.

Participants move through three sequential STEPs that include both diagnostic and interventional ultrasound education, completed through a combination of online learning, live courses, and hands-on skills assessments.

Those who complete all required components will earn a Certificate of Completion, clearly demonstrating a commitment to performing high-quality diagnostic and interventional ultrasound procedures.

Earning this certificate allows you to:

• Perform ultrasound with confidence
• Communicate a commitment to patient care and safety
• Enhance your career opportunities
• Gain visibility and credibility in the field
• Reassure patients and employers that you are committed to pursuing excellence in Ultrasound

This is the only formal, standardized ultrasound training pathway (outside of residency or fellowship) available for honing and validating your ultrasound skills set.

AAPM&R’s STEP Ultrasound Certificate Program is modeled after the Institute for Credentialing Excellence’s (ICE) guideline document titled, “Standard for Assessment-Based Certificate Programs.” This type of certificate program is focused on providing comprehensive competency-based training in specific skills; it is not a "certification" that is only designed to test knowledge.

Successful completion demonstrates a high standard of training that sets you apart from others in the field.

This program offers over 50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM, including:

• Fundamentals Course: 17.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM
• Interventional Course: 14.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM
• Online Curriculum: 21.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM

This program also helps meet the following American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) Continuing Certification (CC) requirements:

• Self-Assessment (SA-CME) credits - More than 30 credits through the live hands-on courses listed above.
• Quality Improvement (QI) credit - Equivalent to completing one PI activity (no CME credit). Meet this requirement for the entire program by:
  1. Completing all components of the STEP program (Steps 1-3)
  2. Receiving your Certificate of Completion
  3. Submitting your ultrasound scanning case log with a minimum of 50 cases
  4. Complete a final STEP program evaluation

Ultrasound training opportunities vary widely. AAPM&R developed the STEP Ultrasound Certificate Program to provide a centralized, standardized method of training for physiatrists seeking to build or validate their ultrasound expertise—especially for those beyond residency or without formal fellowship options.