Perinatal Sonographer Transition Program - Fall 2026

Scripps Health•San Diego, CA

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Perinatology Sonographer Transition Program offers full-time positions for sonographers seeking to specialize in the perinatology field. This program aims to enhance skills in high-risk obstetric imaging, with a potential focus on fetal echocardiography. The role involves working across the Scripps system, including multiple hospitals (Scripps Encinitas, Scripps La Jolla, Scripps Mercy San Diego, Scripps Mercy Chula Vista) and San Ysidro Health Center Clinics. The program itself is up to 24 weeks long, combining didactic learning with hands-on, department-precepted experience. Upon completion, participants are required to obtain specific certifications: RDCS (Fetal Echocardiography) within two years, Nuchal Translucency Certification within three to six months, and CLEAR (Cervical Length Education and Review) within six months of entering the program. The curriculum is outpatient-based, featuring in-person classroom sessions and precepted hours. It is divided into two phases: Phase I focuses on orientation, ultrasound didactics covering fetal structural anomalies, imaging protocols, and practice guidelines, with trainees paired with clinical preceptors. Phase II encourages independent work under preceptor oversight, with competencies used to track progress.

Requirements

Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential, specializing in OB/GYN, awarded by American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Experience in a similar setting or directly related to role as an OB/GYN Sonographer.
Ability to perform detailed and complex obstetric ultrasounds on a varied patient population.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and congenital/acquired pathology as they relate to the use and interpretation of ultrasound diagnostic procedures.
Excellent communication skills.
Must be available to start on September 14, 2026.
Must be willing to travel to all Scripps hospitals and clinics.
Must be available to complete the entire program - class attendance is mandatory.

Nice To Haves

MFM Experience
Completion of formal training/educational program in a school that is accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs)
Nuchal Translucency (NT)
Cervical Length Education and Review (CLEAR) certificate
RDCS Fetal Echocardiogram

Responsibilities

Advance skills in high-risk obstetric imaging.
Specialize in fetal echocardiography.
Work across the Scripps system, including hospitals and clinics.
Complete didactic sessions and department precepted time.
Obtain RDCS (Fetal Echocardiography) Certification within 2 years.
Obtain Nuchal Translucency Certification within 3 to 6 months.
Obtain CLEAR (Cervical Length Education and Review) within 6 months.
Participate in department orientation.
Engage in ultrasound didactics focusing on fetal structural anomalies, imaging protocols, and practice guidelines.
Develop skills as a Perinatology Sonographer with a clinical preceptor.
Work independently with oversight by a clinical preceptor.
Meet program competencies and benchmarks.