Perinatal Sonographer Transition Program - Fall 2026

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla has served the greater San Diego community since 1924. For more than a century, we continue to provide distinguished care, including several nationally ranked specialty programs. Scripps La Jolla was the first in San Diego to be designated a Magnet Hospital by the American Nursing Association.

Scripps La Jolla shares a campus with the Barbey Family Emergency and Trauma Center, a Level I Trauma Center, and the renowned Prebys Cardiovascular Institute. We're also home to notable specialty programs, including cancer care, heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, labor and delivery services (including a Level III neonatal intensive care unit) and a nationally designated Comprehensive Stroke Center.

The Perinatology Sonographer Transition Program will offer full time positions to sonographers interested in transitioning into the perinatology field. Trainees will advance their skills in high-risk obstetric imaging and will have the opportunity to specialize in fetal echocardiography. The Perinatology Sonographer works across the Scripps system. This will include the four hospitals, Scripps Encinitas, Scripps La Jolla, Scripps Mercy San Diego and Scripps Mercy Chula Vista as well as San Ysidro Health Center Clinics. The program will be up to 24 weeks in length, including didactic sessions and department precepted time.

Those completing the program will be required to complete the following certifications:

• RDCS (Fetal Echocardiography) Certification within 2 years from date of entering the transition program
• Nuchal Translucency Certification within 3 to 6 months from date of entering the transition program
• CLEAR (Cervical Length Education and Review) within 6 months from the date of entering the transition program

Curriculum: This 24-week training program is an out-patient based training program, which includes both in-person classroom and precepted hours. The high-risk comprehensive obstetric ultrasound training consists of 2 phases: Phase I includes department orientation, ultrasound didactics focusing on systemic review of fetal structural anomalies, imaging and procedure protocols, and practice guidelines. The trainee will be paired with a clinical preceptor at all sites to develop the concept and skills as a Perinatology Sonographer. During Phase II, the trainee will be encouraged to work independently with oversight by a clinical preceptor. Competencies will be provided to evaluate progress and ensure benchmarks are met.

Important Dates:

• Program: September 14, 2026 - February 27, 2027
• Application Period: May 24, 2025 - June 6, 2026
• Interview Period: June 15, 2026 - July 10, 2026

Selected Candidates:

• New hires/rehires 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
• No paid time off (PTO) allowed during the program

Program Eligibility 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

At Scripps Health, you will experience the pride, support and respect of an organization that has been repeatedly recognized as one of the nation's Top 100 Places to Work.

You'll be surrounded by people committed to making a difference in the lives of their patients and their teammates. So if you're open to change, go ahead and unlock your potential.

Position Pay Range: $59.81-$86.71/hour