Mammography Technologist
Program Description
The Mammography Technologist program provides Certified ARRT Radiological Technologists with CPR certification specialized training in the field of mammography. This course will cover the fundamentals of mammography, breast imaging equipment and techniques for ensuring image quality. Breast anatomy and pathologies are also discussed along with strategies for communicating with patients. This program will consist of classroom hours and clinical hours. Classroom content will include breast anatomy, breast pathology, equipment and positioning. Students will complete clinical rotations at a surrounding hospital where they will collaborate with Mammographers and Radiologists to gain Mammogram experience. Students will gain hands-on experience with specialized technology while completing a series of Mammograms and various interventional procedures and quality control inspections. Following completion of this program, students may pursue the ARRT National Certification Exam in Mammography.
- Classroom location: Southfield Campus
- Clinical location: Surrounding hospitals
- Schedule: Varies
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Format: In-person
Module Descriptions
Fundamentals of Breast Imaging
This module describes the radiographic principles essential to mammography, the purpose
of regulations and licensing regarding the performance of mammography, and techniques
that produce quality mammographic imaging with minimal radiation exposure. Students
will also learn about the development and purpose of digital mammography in addition
to other breast imaging modalities.
Digital Equipment and Image Production
With this module students will gain an understanding of the basic functions and components
of mammography equipment. The direct and indirect methods of digital image acquisition
are discussed, along with the requirements for displaying the resulting images. Methods
for storing mammographic images, and the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA)
requirements for performance, operation, and qualifications will also be covered.
Digital Image Evaluation
This module describes the technical variables that affect image quality and how to
alleviate problems that could reduce the quality of a mammogram. Students will learn
how to evaluate mammograms for positioning, compression, and technique. Digital artifacts
and digital image display systems also are discussed.
Breast Anatomy
This module explains the stages of human breast development and defines important
terminology for describing the internal and external anatomy of the adult female breast.
Students will also learn about the vascular supply and venous and lymphatic drainage
systems, the hormonal influences of menstruation and pregnancy, and common breast
anomalies.
Pathology
In this module students will learn imaging terminology for breast pathology and how
to recognize examples of breast disease in both men and women. Students will gain
an understanding of how benign and malignant breast diseases and conditions appear
on mammographic images, and the various treatment options for those diseases.
Digital Quality Control Principals
This module explains the requirements for mammography accreditation and certification
and the agencies involved. Students will learn about the reporting requirements listed
in the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and the mandatory mammography quality
control tests performed by both technologists and medical physicists.
Patient Care
This module describes the modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer,
and the difference between screening and diagnostic mammography. Students will also
learn how to obtain a thorough patient medical history and teach patients to perform
breast self-examination. Common signs and symptoms of breast self-examination and
clinical breast examination also are discussed.
Digital Procedures and Techniques
The module explains the requirements for image labeling, projections and positions
used for mammography, and the criteria for evaluating digital mammograms. Students
will also learn localization techniques used in breast procedures, how to handle difficult
patient situations, and the process for various interventional breast procedures.
Breast Ultrasound
In this module students will learn the basic principles of ultrasound physics, sonographic
terminology relevant to breast imaging, and the role of ultrasound in characterizing
breast pathology. The steps of the ultrasound examination and methods to recognize
benign and malignant pathology are also discussed.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
This module explains the origin and theory behind tomosynthesis systems, how DBT images
are acquired and displayed, and the benefits and challenges of the modality for both
patients and staff. Students will also learn about the training and certification
requirements for digital breast tomosynthesis.
Clinical Rotation
The clinical experience is a MANDATORY program component that provides students the
opportunity to gain hands-on experience. ARRT requirements include performing a total
of 100 Mammograms, with 25 supervised by a Certified Mammography Technologist and
20 reviewed by a Radiologist. Per the ARRT, students will also maintain a checklist
of quality control tests and observe at least 4 interventional procedures. Students
will be assigned a clinical rotation at an area hospital and are required to complete
the determined number of mammograms and assigned shifts.