Pediatric Echosonographer Apprentice

SHIFT:

Day (United States of America)

Seeking Breakthrough Makers

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation. At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career.

CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means.

A Brief Overview

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.

What you will do

• 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.
• Education Qualifications
• High School Diploma/GED - Required
• Certificate Graduate of an accredited diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular technology program, or equivalent educational pathway required for professional cardiac sonography credentialing - Preferred
• Experience Qualifications
• 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 or
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) - CCI - upon hire - Preferred or
• Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) - CCI - upon hire - Preferred or
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer in Pediatric Echocardiography (RDCS-PE) - ARDMS - upon hire - Preferred
• Skills and Abilities
• 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)
• To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.
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