Mammography Technologist

Mammography Technologist Training

Continuing Education Course Overview

The Mammography Technologist continuing education course offers ARRT-registered radiologic technologists the opportunity to advance their careers by specializing in mammography. This 10-week CE course, delivered through a combination of online lectures and on-site clinical experience, provides the essential knowledge and skills required for mammography.

Mammography technologists are essential healthcare professionals who specialize in the use of advanced imaging technologies to diagnose and monitor breast diseases. They play a critical role in the early detection of breast cancer and other breast-related disorders.

Their responsibilities include performing mammography examinations using specialized medical imaging equipment, ensuring patients are properly positioned for accurate imaging, and adhering to strict radiation safety regulations. By producing high-quality images, mammography technologists enable physicians to distinguish between normal and abnormal findings, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment.

Course Content

This continuing education course provides a comprehensive and structured education in Mammography, covering essential topics such as the mammography technologist's scope of practice, equipment quality assessment, image processing, breast positioning techniques, special procedures, digital mammography, and the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).

Course Length

• 10 weeks
• 140 clock hours
  • 40 hours of online synchronous lectures
  • 100 clinical hours

Mammography Course Format

The 10-week Mammography Technologist course is structured as a fully online course with an on-site clinical experience.

Synchronous online classes are held two evenings per week for five weeks. Students will participate in 6 hours of weekly lectures, covering key topics like mammography techniques, equipment quality control, and breast imaging regulations.

Weeks six through ten will include 10 hours for a mammography certification exam review and 100 hours for the on-site clinical internship.

Clinical Experience

Participants will complete 100 hours of clinical practice at an AIMS Education-affiliated clinical site. The internship provides hands-on experience, enabling students to meet the ARRT clinical competency requirements. Under the supervision of a radiologist or an ARRT-registered technologist, participants will perform a minimum of 100 mammography examinations, further solidifying their expertise in this critical imaging modality.

Course Goals/Objectives

Upon completing this program, participants will:

• Achieve proficiency in mammographic techniques and procedural workflows.
• Recognize and understand breast anatomy and its developmental stages.
• Develop and apply patient care and assessment skills specific to mammography.
• Analyze and discuss the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®).
• Define normal and abnormal breast pathology, including their classifications.
• Identify and describe the components of mammography equipment.
• Comprehend the principles of quality assurance, quality control, and relevant regulations.
• Possess the knowledge needed for the ARRT Mammography Certification Exam.

CE Credit for Mammography

The Mammography Technologist continuing education course has been approved by ASRT for category A continuing education (CE) credits. Upon successful completion of the Mammography Technologist course, participants will earn 48 CE credits that contribute to professional development and meet ARRT’s structured education requirement.

ARRT Mammography Certification Exam

Full Course with Clinical Hours

Participants who complete the full Mammography Technologist course will be eligible to sit for the Mammography Certification Exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) . This course satisfies all MSQAand ARRT education and clinical experience requirements.

Lecture Only (No Clinical Hours)

Students who select the course without clinical hours will be required to arrange their own clinical experience. All MQSA and ARRT clinical experience requirements must be met to be eligible to sit for the Mammography Certification Exam.