Pediatric Echocardiography

Pediatric Echocardiography Training

Continuing Education Course Overview

The Pediatric Echocardiography Continuing Education (CE) course is designed for registered and certified sonographers seeking advanced training in pediatric cardiac imaging. Pediatric echocardiography is a critical diagnostic tool used to evaluate congenital heart defects, acquired heart disease, and other cardiovascular conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.

This comprehensive course provides in-depth instruction on pediatric cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and echocardiographic imaging techniques that differ significantly from adult cardiology. Students gain advanced knowledge in transthoracic and Doppler echocardiography, image interpretation, and emerging technologies such as 3D imaging, supporting accurate diagnosis and informed clinical decision-making in pediatric cardiology.

Course Content

The Pediatric Echocardiography course delivers an in-depth study of pediatric cardiac ultrasound, beginning with a review of ultrasound physics and instrumentation to ensure students understand image formation and optimization. Instruction progresses through the phases of the cardiac cycle and a detailed examination of normal pediatric cardiac anatomy, emphasizing how pediatric cardiovascular structure and physiology differ from adult systems.

Students learn to evaluate cardiac function and blood flow through qualitative and quantitative assessment techniques, including hemodynamic analysis and Doppler ultrasound applications. Significant focus is placed on recognizing and interpreting congenital heart defects and acquired pediatric cardiac pathologies, preparing participants to accurately assess a wide range of clinical conditions.

The course also addresses special procedures and surgical interventions encountered in pediatric cardiology, along with safety standards and scanning protocols specific to pediatric patients. A structured certification review is included to reinforce knowledge and support students pursuing specialty credentialing.

Course Length

The didactic portion of the Pediatric Echocardiography course consists of 80 hours of online, synchronous lectures delivered over 10 weeks. Classes meet two evenings per week, four hours per session, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Pediatric Echocardiography CE Course

• 10 weeks
• 80 hours of online, synchronous lectures
  • 2 evenings per week, 4 hours per session
  • Classes are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The optional clinical internship includes 120 clinical hours, completed over 5 weeks, with training scheduled 4 days per week, 6 hours per day.

Pediatric Echocardiography CE Course + Clinical Internship

• 15 weeks
• 200 clock hours
  • 80 hours of online, synchronous lectures
    • 2 evenings per week, 4 hours per session
    • Classes are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • 120 clinical hours
    • 4 days per week, 6 hours per day

Pediatric Echocardiography Course Format

This course is delivered fully online for the didactic component, allowing working professionals to complete coursework in a structured evening format. Instruction includes live, synchronous lectures, case-based learning, and guided review of pediatric echocardiographic principles and pathology.

An optional clinical internship is available for participants who do not currently have access to pediatric echocardiography clinical training.

Clinical Experience

The optional clinical internship is available following completion of the didactic portion of the course. This clinical component is intended for participants who need supervised pediatric echocardiography experience.

AIMS will coordinate clinical placement and scheduling. During the clinical experience, students must demonstrate clinical competency in pediatric echocardiographic scanning and interpretation. Clinical performance and attendance are monitored by both a clinical preceptor and the course instructor.

Course Goals/Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Pediatric Echocardiography course, participants will be able to:

• Understand pediatric cardiovascular anatomy and physiology and distinguish differences from adult systems
• Perform and apply pediatric echocardiographic imaging techniques
• Analyze, identify, and interpret congenital and acquired pediatric heart conditions
• Utilize Doppler ultrasound for pediatric blood flow analysis
• Apply pediatric echocardiography safety standards and scanning protocols

Certification Exam

This course includes a structured certification review to support participants pursuing a pediatric echocardiography specialty credential. Eligibility for credentialing is determined by the appropriate credentialing agency. Completion of this course alone does not guarantee eligibility to sit for a certification exam.

For pediatric echocardiography specialty eligibility, participants must be registered or certified in Adult Echocardiography and provide required clinical verification to the credentialing agency.