Cip Code: 51.0910
Pending approval through CAAHEP/JRC-DMS.
Overview
A Pediatric Echo Sonographer is a specialized healthcare professional who uses ultrasound technology to image the hearts of infants, children, and adolescents to diagnose congenital or acquired heart conditions. They require specialized training, with certification, such as the ARDMS Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) credential, being a key standard
Career Options
The Pediatric Cardiovascular program prepares you for a fulfilling career as a sonographer specializing in Pediatric Cardiovascular sonography procedures.
You will have the ability to work at a hospital, imaging center, outpatient medical office, or become a traveling sonographer.
Key Responsibilities & Skills
Specialized Imaging: Performing echocardiograms (transthoracic) on patients ranging
from fetal to young adult, requiring knowledge of congenital heart defects.
Patient Care: Ensuring comfort for young, often scared patients during procedures.
Technical Skill: Operating imaging equipment to optimize images, measuring, and analyzing
cardiac structure/function.
Reporting: Creating preliminary reports for pediatric cardiologists.
How to Become a Pediatric Echo Sonographer
Education: Complete an accredited cardiovascular technology or diagnostic medical
sonography program.
Certification: Pass the ARDMS Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) exam.
Job Outlook & Context
Pediatric Echo Sonographers work in specialized pediatric cardiac labs, hospitals,
and clinics. Demand is high, particularly for those trained to handle complex congenital
cases.
Requirements
Lift more than 50 pounds routinely (be able to assist patients on and off examination tables) Push, pull, bend and stoop routinely Have functional use of both hands, wrists and shoulders Working standing on feet 80% of the time Distinguish audible sounds Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence
Related Programs
- Pediatric Echocardiography
- Adult Echocardiography
- Cardiovascular Sonography
- Electrocardiography Technician
- Vascular Technology
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- BAT in Medical and Health Services Management
Transfer Options
Students who have previously attended another community college or university are encouraged to e-mail their unofficial transcript to Misti Ellis-Jackson at mellis-jackson@wc.edu to determine whether completed courses fulfill the program prerequisite requirements.
Graduates of the program are encouraged to further their education by enrolling in Weatherford College’s online Bachelor of Applied Technology in Medical and Health Services Management.
Scholarships