Pediatric Echosonographer Apprentice

About the role

The Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Apprenticeship provides an employment-based training pathway for experienced, credentialed cardiac sonographers to develop the specialized clinical competencies required for pediatric and congenital echocardiography. The apprenticeship supports the development of a sustainable pediatric cardiac sonography workforce by creating a structured pathway into this highly specialized area of practice.

The pediatric echocardiography laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is one of the largest pediatric labs in the country with over 40,000 studies performed each year. There is a well-developed training infrastructure and long history of teaching and robust educational opportunities for learners.

The Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Apprentice participates in a structured, six-month, competency-based clinical training program within the CHOP Cardiac Center Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging Program. The apprenticeship is designed for registered cardiac sonographers with established adult echocardiography skills who are developing specialized competency in pediatric and congenital echocardiography.

Responsibilities

• Participates in progressive, supervised clinical training in pediatric and congenital echocardiography, including performance of transthoracic echocardiograms in accordance with CHOP protocols and established standards of care.
• Develops competency in the recognition and imaging of congenital and acquired heart disease across a varied and unique pediatric patient population through hands-on clinical experience, structured instruction, case review, and mentorship.
• Demonstrates progressive proficiency in pediatric echocardiographic imaging, measurements, anatomy, physiology, image optimization, and acquisition of complete diagnostic studies as defined by established Pathway Program competencies.
• Provides developmentally appropriate, patient- and family-centered care while adapting echocardiographic techniques to the age, diagnosis, clinical condition, and developmental needs of each patient.
• Participates in ongoing competency assessment and feedback and demonstrates progressive independence throughout the apprenticeship, with the goal of meeting established requirements for practice as a pediatric cardiac sonographer upon successful completion of the program.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma/GED — Required
• Graduate of an accredited diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular technology program, or equivalent educational pathway required for professional cardiac sonography credentialing — Preferred

Experience

• At least six (6) months prior clinical experience performing adult echocardiography — Required
• At least six (6) months demonstrated proficiency in adult transthoracic echocardiography — Required
• At least six (6) months pediatric or congenital echocardiography experience — Preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer in Adult Echocardiography (RDCS-AE) — ARDMS — upon hire — Preferred
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) — CCI — upon hire — Preferred
• Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) — CCI — upon hire — Preferred
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer in Pediatric Echocardiography (RDCS-PE) — ARDMS — upon hire — Preferred

Skills

• Foundational knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics, and echocardiographic principles (Required proficiency)
• Demonstrated proficiency in adult echocardiographic image acquisition, measurements, Doppler techniques, and image optimization (Required proficiency)
• Ability to acquire new technical and clinical competencies through structured instruction, supervised clinical practice, feedback, and independent study (Required proficiency)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, sonographers, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team (Required proficiency)
• Ability to provide compassionate, patient- and family-centered care within a pediatric healthcare environment (Required proficiency)
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, adaptability, initiative, and commitment to continued learning and competency development (Required proficiency)

Pay

Salary range: $30.25 – $38.55 hourly. Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs; part-time pay will be adjusted accordingly. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted.

Schedule

Day shift (United States of America)