Job overview

This post is for an 18 month, full-time integrated training scheme to deliver the Academic and work place training based at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital leading to both a post-graduate certificate in Echocardiography and Level 2 BSE Accreditation in Transthoracic Echocardiography. The programme will start in October 2025.

Trainees, funded at A4C Band 6, are required to complete a variety of competencies and assessments for each module within the workplace and these are recorded on an e-portfolio (Onefile).

Applicants with an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or relevant scientific subject or equivalent experience and appropriate underpinning knowledge and skills in cardiology are welcome to apply. A 2:2 honours degree in a suitable subject may be considered by the Universities for candidates with significant prior cardiac knowledge/experience. Further information on this process will be available to employers in our recruitment advice.

Main duties of the job

The Trainee Echocardiographer will be responsible for their own progression through the training programme, for completing the learning outcomes as outlined in the Learning Guides, progressing through a mixture of work based competence and experience in NHS scientific departments and undertaking the complementary PGCert Program in Echocardiography at the designated Higher Education Institution.

The post holder will be expected to undertake a range of demanding scientific and clinical functions initially under supervision, as well as occasional duties in response to specific elements of the curriculum. A major part of the training and development will take place within a designated organisation and is integrally linked to the knowledge and applied learning that forms part of the nationally commissioned academic PGCERT programme.

At all times the Trainee Echocardiographer is expected to work within standard operating policies and procedures of the Trust.

The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed by the host department for a fixed term of 18 months. A permanent contract may or may not be offered at the end of the training programme. 

This will be combined with an academic programme at PGcert level over the 18 month programme. 

Further information about the Echocardiography Training Programme can be found on the National School of Healthcare Science website (About the Echocardiography Training Programme — Echocardiography Training Programme).

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton.  Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

 

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.