We keep getting mails from readers wanting information on pediatric echocardiography schools. This article is intended to throw some much needed light on the field of pediatric echocardiography as well as clear some misconceptions about the subject.

What is pediatric echocardiography?

Pediatric echocardiography is nothing but the practice and application of echocardiography in pediatric patients. As a noninvasive technique echocardiography is preferred by cardiologists in children suspected to have heart defects. While cardiac disorders among adults present themselves in a variety of ways, most of them developed at different stages of their life, among children they are often congenital in nature and need sensitive handling. This makes a strong case for specialized pediatric echocardiographers.

Pediatric echocardiography schools

It is estimated that about 3 to 4% of all echocardiographers practise pediatric echocardiography. It is not certain if all of them are certified as specialist pediatric echocardiographers. To earn a certification in pediatric echocardiography from ARDMS you must have at least completed a certificate program in echocardiography and have an existing American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) registration. A pass in the examination conducted by ARDMS will make you a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer specialized in pediatric echocardiography.

Training programs specific to pediatric echocardiography are rare. For qualified echocardiographers, Harper College, Palatine, IL offers a 8.5 credit-hour pediatric certificate echo program to expand their skills in pediatric cardiac sonography. Upon completion of this program, the students will be able to identify the common forms of congenital heart diseases on a pediatric echocardiogram as well as perform diagnostic echo procedures on children. Graduates of the program are encouraged to get ARDMS registration by appearing for the examination.

Pediatric echocardiography earnings

Employment opportunities for pediatric echographers are slightly better than adult echocardiographers and are expected to increase over the next ten years. It is seen that most candidates who write the ARDMS examination for pediatric echocardiographer certification are already employed in adult echocardiography and go for the certication to improve their career prospects. Earnings of pediatric echocardiographers are not substantially higher than that of adult echocardiographers but this is bound to change for the better over time. With more experience and training, you will become more competitive in the industry and your employment value will increase. There exist several pediatric echo jobs all over the country.

Society of Pediatric Echocardiographers (SOPE)

Formed in 1975, The Society of Pediatric Echocardiography (SOPE) seeks to provide a platform for professional interaction and collaboration among pediatric cardiologists, fellows, and sonographers (echocardiographers) with a specific interest in the practice of echocardiography. The Society has played a crucial role in advancing the practice and application of echocardiography in pediatrics. It has also created guidelines for training in pediatric and fetal echocardiography for physicians and sonographers. SOPE allows pediatric echoacardiographers interact with fellow professionals and share their knowledge.