Job summary Here at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we have an exciting opportunity for an 18-month fixed term full-time training post in Echocardiography. This is part of the Echocardiography Training Programme developed by the National School of Healthcare Science and funded by NHS England. Successful ETP trainees will be trained to BSE accreditation level 2 and will be awarded a Post-graduate Certificate in Clinical Echocardiography. For more information, please see the NSHCS website: Echocardiography Training Programme. We anticipate that the successful applicant of this role will join the team and train to become independent in standard transthoracic echocardiography, using state of the art machines (GE E95) with 4D probes and associated software. The team endeavour to drive change and service improvement. We operate in an open and welcoming environment with full support from our consultants. Main duties of the job This trainee position is part of a funded training post by the National School of Healthcare Science. The successful candidate will attend the University of the West of England to complete a PGCert in Clinical Echocardiography, whilst completing work-based competencies with Somerset Foundation Trust. The successful candidate will be expected to complete their level 2 BSE transthoracic accreditation within the 18 month period with the support of the training team within the cardiology department. Applicants will be able to demonstrate a 1st or 2:1 in either an undergraduate honours degree in cardiac physiology (PTP) or relevant subject; alternatively, a 2:2 plus relevant cardiology experience and approval from the relevant HEI to be able to apply for the position. The candidate will join a team of highly motivated and dedicated echocardiographers who provide transthoracic echocardiograms, ACHD and paediatric echos, stress echos, contrast, scientist-led heart valve disease clinics and TOE services. Within this 18 month period, the successful candidate will learn to perform a full transthoracic echocardiogram scan and be able to interpret and report the findings of a plethora of pathologies. About us Somerset Foundation Trust is split across two acute hospital sites, Musgrove Park Hospital (MPH) and Yeovil District Hospital (YDH). MPH is the largest DGH in Somerset offering services to a population of over 340,000. It has 700 beds and employs 4500 staff. It is situated in the county town of Taunton which has easy access to beautiful countryside and the coast. YDH cares for approximately 185,00 people primarily in south Somerset, North and West Dorset and part of Mendip. The Cardiology Department has 16 Consultant Cardiologists across both sites and offers a full range of diagnostics and invasive procedures including echocardiography services, device implant and follow-up, angiography and primary PCI. The echocardiography team at MPH currently consists of 12 fully accredited members of staff and 2 echo trainees who are near accreditation completion. Our YDH site has 4 fully accredited members of staff and 2 echo trainees. We achieved department BSE accreditation in 2019 for the MPH site and are an accredited NSHCS cardiac training centre for the ETP, STP and HSST programmes. We train STPs and PTPs within the department and have a strong emphasis on structured training, reproducible diagnostic imaging and accurate reports. Date posted 19 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 a year Contract Fixed term Duration 18 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 184-OL-YE-2106 Job locations Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Taunton Diagnostic Centre Blackbrook Park Ave Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX Yeovil District Hospital Higher Kingston Yeovil Somerset BA21 4AT Job description Job responsibilities The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed for a fixed term of 18 months during which time they will work through a programme of learning. In conjunction with and supported by the Designated Training Officer, the Trainee Echocardiographer will be responsible for their own progression through the training programme, completing a mixture of work based competence and experience in NHS scientific departments, completing the learning outcomes as outlined in the Curriculum Library, undertaking the complementary academic Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Echocardiography at University of the West of England and completing the BSE level 2 Transthoracic Accreditation process. At all times the Trainee Echocardiographer is expected to work within standard operating policies and procedures of the department and NHS organisation and adhere to high standards of professionalism, health and safety, risk reduction, confidentiality, patient care and dignity, and respect for equality and diversity as set out in the NHS Constitution. The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed by Somerset Foundation Trust for a fixed term of 18 months during which time they will work through a programme of learning. This will be combined with an academic programme at Post Graduate level over the first year of the programme. Successfully complete the training and assessment programme in conjunction with the local training team and designated Academic institution to achieve level 2 BSE accreditation in transthoracic echo. Undertake suitable training to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties. Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic course and problem-based learning and maintaining a personal portfolio of learning. Ensure that own learning needs, identified with the Training officer and reflected in the requirements of the curriculum, are met. Retain sufficient flexibility and adaptability in learning to ensure full contribution to improving services in response to changing health care needs. This job description outlines the main current duties and responsibilities of the training post. The job description will need to be reviewed and subsequently may be altered. Any resulting changes will be subject to consultation. IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Please ensure that you meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria for the course and can provide the certification. https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/etp/. Job description Job responsibilities The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed for a fixed term of 18 months during which time they will work through a programme of learning. In conjunction with and supported by the Designated Training Officer, the Trainee Echocardiographer will be responsible for their own progression through the training programme, completing a mixture of work based competence and experience in NHS scientific departments, completing the learning outcomes as outlined in the Curriculum Library, undertaking the complementary academic Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Echocardiography at University of the West of England and completing the BSE level 2 Transthoracic Accreditation process. At all times the Trainee Echocardiographer is expected to work within standard operating policies and procedures of the department and NHS organisation and adhere to high standards of professionalism, health and safety, risk reduction, confidentiality, patient care and dignity, and respect for equality and diversity as set out in the NHS Constitution. The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed by Somerset Foundation Trust for a fixed term of 18 months during which time they will work through a programme of learning. This will be combined with an academic programme at Post Graduate level over the first year of the programme. Successfully complete the training and assessment programme in conjunction with the local training team and designated Academic institution to achieve level 2 BSE accreditation in transthoracic echo. Undertake suitable training to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties. Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic course and problem-based learning and maintaining a personal portfolio of learning. Ensure that own learning needs, identified with the Training officer and reflected in the requirements of the curriculum, are met. Retain sufficient flexibility and adaptability in learning to ensure full contribution to improving services in response to changing health care needs. This job description outlines the main current duties and responsibilities of the training post. The job description will need to be reviewed and subsequently may be altered. Any resulting changes will be subject to consultation. IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Please ensure that you meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria for the course and can provide the certification. https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/etp/. Person Specification Qualifications Essential A 1st or 2:1 in either an undergraduate honours degree (including an integrated master's degree) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or a relevant scientific subject (examples include Pure or Applied Physics, Biology or Human Biology, or Sports Science (if significant scientific content) A 2:2 undergraduate honours degree plus relevant cardiology experience and approval from the relevant HEI. All non-UK based degrees will need the associated ENIC statement of compatibility. Experience Essential Ability to develop proficiency in the performance of routine and complex techniques currently in use where they are training (ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures accurately) Desirable Able to identify problems associated with scientific equipment, inappropriate testing, incompatible results and to investigate these, plan corrective action confirming appropriateness with senior colleagues and follow up. Ability to analyse and assess scientific technical and medical literature Additional Criteria Essential UK resident or have the right to remain in the UK and held for the past 3 years UK driving licence with the ability and willingness to travel as required as the ability to meet the travel requirements of the training role, time at the Taunton Diagnostic Centre and Yeovil District Hospital will be required. Person Specification Qualifications Essential A 1st or 2:1 in either an undergraduate honours degree (including an integrated master's degree) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or a relevant scientific subject (examples include Pure or Applied Physics, Biology or Human Biology, or Sports Science (if significant scientific content) A 2:2 undergraduate honours degree plus relevant cardiology experience and approval from the relevant HEI. All non-UK based degrees will need the associated ENIC statement of compatibility. Experience Essential Ability to develop proficiency in the performance of routine and complex techniques currently in use where they are training (ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures accurately) Desirable Able to identify problems associated with scientific equipment, inappropriate testing, incompatible results and to investigate these, plan corrective action confirming appropriateness with senior colleagues and follow up. Ability to analyse and assess scientific technical and medical literature Additional Criteria Essential UK resident or have the right to remain in the UK and held for the past 3 years UK driving licence with the ability and willingness to travel as required as the ability to meet the travel requirements of the training role, time at the Taunton Diagnostic Centre and Yeovil District Hospital will be required. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)