Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer

Work Arrangement: 

Requisition Number:  271187

Regular or Temporary:  Regular

Location: 

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area:  DUKE HOSPITAL

Date:  Sep 13, 2026

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Hiring Incentives

• $15,000 Commitment Bonus for eligible Pediatric Cardiac Sonographers - Paid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months).
• Relocation assistance up to $8,000 available for Pediatric Cardiac Sonographers relocating greater than 50 miles to Durham, NC. 

JOB LOCATION

• Duke University Hospital – 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710
• Children’s Health Center
  
  

SHIFT/SCHEDULE:

• 5 x 8-hour shifts: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• 4 x 10-hour shifts: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

General Description of the Job Class

• Perform echocardiographic examinations and support the daily clinical operations of Echocardiography, including preliminary reporting and coverage across assigned locations, shifts, and call responsibilities.

 JOB SUMMARY

• We are seeking a Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer to join our large, academically focused, and team-oriented pediatric echo lab at Duke University Hospital. As a member of our team, you'll perform advanced cardiovascular imaging and contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of some of the most complex congenital heart defects in the region.
• You'll gain hands-on experience scanning newborns, infants, and children with complex congenital heart disease, including single ventricle physiology, post-surgical repairs, and other high-acuity cardiac conditions, while learning from and collaborating with nationally recognized pediatric cardiovascular experts.
• Sonographers interested in expanding their scope are encouraged to pursue additional fetal cardiac echocardiography certification, with support from our team.
• Our structured 3-month onboarding program includes a dedicated preceptor and tailored clinical pathways designed to prepare you for success and continued growth within our three-tiered Cardiac Sonographer clinical ladder.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform a variety of pediatric echocardiographic procedures, including 2D, 3D, Doppler, and strain imaging, in both routine and emergency settings, on patients ranging from newborns to young adults with congenital heart disease.
• Provide pediatric echocardiography services across assigned hospital and ambulatory locations, including inpatient units, the NICU/PICU, procedural areas, and other clinical sites based on operational needs.
• Work assigned shifts, weekends, and holidays and participate in emergent call coverage as required. Pediatric Cardiac Sonographers may be required to provide coverage at other sites based on patient care and operational needs.
• Evaluate complex congenital cardiac anatomy, function, hemodynamics, and pathology in accordance with current ASE, ACC, and lab-specific guidelines.
• Review patient medical records to obtain relevant clinical and surgical history and tailor imaging examinations based on the patient's presentation and diagnostic needs.
• Operate and maintain ultrasound equipment, report malfunctions, and perform preventive maintenance according to departmental procedures.
• Prepare preliminary reports and compare findings with previous studies to support interpretation by pediatric cardiologists.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and IAC-Echo accreditation and reaccreditation processes.
• Educate and mentor students, nurses, fellows, new staff, and other health care professionals as appropriate.
• Attend required staff meetings and participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education, including opportunities to pursue fetal cardiac certification.

JOB ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Graduate or completion of program that meets eligibility requirements for registry/certification or currently holds required registry or certification.

Experience

  None required beyond the above education/certification requirements.

  Opportunities are available for Cardiac Sonographers at Levels I, II, and III based on experience, qualifications, and applicable clinical ladder criteria.

Licensure and Certification

• ARDMS or CCI certification in Echocardiography (required or obtained within 12 months).
• BLS certification (required).

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Occ Summary

Perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound examinations using echocardiographic equipment and techniques. Provide high-quality echocardiography services across assigned locations and clinical settings in accordance with established departmental policies, protocols, and standards of care.

Work Performed

Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic cardiac ultrasound examinations. Examinations may include, but are not limited to, transthoracic echocardiography, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional imaging, myocardial mechanics/strain imaging, transesophageal echocardiography, stress echocardiography, congenital echocardiography, and echocardiographic support of interventional and procedural services, based on location, training, demonstrated competency, and operational needs. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care. Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate based on anatomical, pathological, hemodynamic, and diagnostic information. Uses independent judgment during the echocardiographic examination to accurately differentiate between normal and abnormal findings and obtain the necessary diagnostic information based on the patient's clinical presentation. Analyzes echocardiographic images and data, synthesizes sonographic findings with relevant medical history and clinical information, and communicates findings to the interpreting physician accordingto established processes and timelines. Reviews the patient's medical record to obtain relevant history, symptoms, prior imaging, and other information necessary for the performance and interpretation of the diagnostic examination. Prepares preliminary echocardiographic findings and measurements for review and interpretation by the physician, including comparison with previous studies when appropriate. Operates equipment necessary to perform assigned echocardiographic procedures and obtain optimal diagnostic recordings. Utilizes appropriate transducers, digital networking systems, image analysis software, and other ancillary equipment as required. Evaluates examination results for technical quality, completeness, and accuracy and obtains additional images, measurements, or information when necessary. Assumes responsibility for the safety, privacy, mental comfort, and physical comfort of patients while they are in the cardiac sonographer's care. Communicates effectively with patients, families, physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team, recognizing the specialized nature of echocardiographic examinations and individual patient needs. Coordinates with other staff and departments to assure appropriate and timely patient care. Provides echocardiography services at assigned locations and may work variable shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergent call coverage based on location and operational needs. Assists with the daily clinical operations and workflow of the echocardiography department.Completes examination documentation, tracking, and billing accurately and according to departmental requirements. Maintains echocardiographic equipment and work areas and ensures appropriate supplies are available. Performs routine cleaning and basic equipment maintenance in accordance with established procedures. Reports equipment failures or malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor, staff member, or service representative. Establishes and maintains productive, ethical, collaborative working relationships with coworkers, physicians, referring providers, other health care professionals, and external partners. Participates in departmental quality improvement and quality assurance activities to support high-quality, accurate, and consistent echocardiographic imaging. Participates in the maintenance of laboratory accreditation and adherence to applicable regulatory, institutional, and professional standards. Participates in departmental meetings, educational conferences, case reviews, in-services, and other activities supporting continuing education and professional growth. Assists in the clinical education and training of cardiac sonography students during clinical rotations. Provides education, instruction, and support to new cardiac sonographers and other personnel as appropriate. Assists in teaching echocardiographic techniques, image acquisition, and cardiac ultrasound principles to physicians, residents, fellows, students, and other health care professionals as appropriate. Demonstrates proficiency in assigned echocardiographic procedures and performs examinations independently within the individual's training and demonstrated competencies. Maintains required competencies and participates in ongoing professional development related to advances in echocardiography, cardiac imaging, technology, and patient care. Maintains patient, employee, and organizational confidentiality in accordance with institutional policies and applicable regulations. Performs other work-related duties as assigned. **DUHS offers career growth and enrichment within Imaging Services. There is a clinical ladder program with various steps and opportunities at each hospital or clinic within the health system.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge ofcardiac anatomy, physiology, pathology, and hemodynamics as applied to echocardiographic imaging. Knowledge of echocardiographic imaging techniques, measurements, Doppler principles, instrumentation, and image optimization. Ability to integrate patient history, clinical information, and echocardiographic findings to appropriately perform and adapt diagnostic examinations. Ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of cardiac ultrasound examinations. Ability to recognize normal and abnormal cardiovascular anatomy, function, and hemodynamics and communicate relevant findings appropriately. Ability to operate and maintain echocardiographic equipment and related imaging and information systems. Ability to provide safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care across a variety of patient populations and clinical environments. Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with patients, physicians, coworkers, and other members of the health care team. Ability to participate effectively ineducation, quality improvement, accreditation, and professional development activities.

Level Characteristics

Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, pathology, and hemodynamics as applied to echocardiographic imaging. Knowledge of echocardiographic imaging techniques, measurements, Doppler principles, instrumentation, and image optimization. Ability to integrate patient history, clinical information, and echocardiographic findings to appropriately perform and adapt diagnostic examinations. Ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of cardiac ultrasound examinations. Ability to recognize normal and abnormal cardiovascular anatomy, function, and hemodynamics and communicate relevant findings appropriately. Ability to operate and maintain echocardiographic equipment and related imaging and information systems. Ability to provide safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care across a variety of patient populations and clinical environments. Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with patients, physicians, coworkers, and other members of the health care team. Ability to participate effectively in education, quality improvement, accreditation, and professional development activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Graduate or completion of a cardiac sonography or related program that meets eligibility requirements for registry/certification, or currently holds the required registry or certification.

Experience

Level I - No experience required beyond the above education/certification requirements. Must obtain required cardiac sonography registry/certification within 12 months of employment. Level II - Minimum of two years of experience as a Cardiac Sonographer. Level III - Minimum of three years of experience within cardiac sonography/specialty modality in which advancement is being sought. Advancement through the Cardiac Sonographer clinical ladder is contingent upon meeting the applicable experience requirements and successful completion and approval of the required Clinical Ladder Application and advancement requirements.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

ARDMS and/or CCI certification inEchocardiography. Required cardiac sonography registry/certification must be obtained within 12 months of hire. BLS certification.