Breast imaging is advancing rapidly, bringing new technologies, updated practices, and expanding responsibilities for mammography technologists. Staying informed is essential—not only for producing quality images, but also for supporting patients and contributing to an effective breast-imaging team.
Beyond the Mammogram: Emerging Trends in Breast Imaging examines the developments shaping the future of breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Participants will explore evolving screening practices, breast density and individualized risk, BI-RADS updates, artificial intelligence, contrast-enhanced mammography, and other emerging technologies.
Throughout the course, each topic is considered from a practical perspective: What is changing, why is it changing, and what does it mean for the mammography technologist? Designed for professionals who want to look beyond routine image acquisition, this course connects industry developments with the technologist’s changing role in image quality, patient care, clinical workflow, and the future of breast imaging.
*All webinars are held in Central Standard Time and hosted through Zoom.
Topics
Introduction: The Changing Landscape of Breast Imaging
- Current developments in breast cancer detection
- Why emerging trends matter to mammography technologists
Evolving Screening Practices
- Changes in screening recommendations
- Screening versus diagnostic pathways
- Moving toward individualized screening
Breast Density and Risk-Based Screening
- Breast density and mammographic sensitivity
- Patient risk factors
- Supplemental screening considerations
BI-RADS Updates
- Updated terminology and assessment guidance
- Standardized reporting and patient management
- Effects on technologist workflow and documentation
Artificial Intelligence in Breast Imaging
- Current applications
- Workflow and decision-support opportunities
- Benefits, limitations, and clinical oversight
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
- Basic principles and clinical applications
- Patient preparation and contrast considerations
- Image acquisition and workflow
Other Emerging Breast-Imaging Technologies
- Supplemental and advanced imaging options
- Benefits, limitations, and clinical considerations
The Evolving Role of the Mammography Technologist
- Expanding technical and patient-care responsibilities
- Education, competency, and collaboration
Future Directions and Course Summary
- Preparing for continued changes in breast imaging
- Practical takeaways for daily practice
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
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Identify current trends influencing breast cancer screening, detection, and diagnostic imaging.
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Explain how breast density, individual risk factors, and evolving screening recommendations affect patient care.
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Describe significant updates and emerging considerations related to BI-RADS assessment and reporting.
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Discuss current and potential applications of artificial intelligence in breast imaging.
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Explain the role of contrast-enhanced mammography and other emerging technologies in evaluating breast abnormalities.
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Recognize how advances in breast imaging are changing the responsibilities, skills, and patient-care role of the mammography technologist.
This program provides AHRA Category A continuing education credit for radiologic technologists recognized by the ARRT and various licensure states. You must attend the entire program to receive your certificate of completion.
This program provides AHRA Category A continuing education credit for radiologic technologists recognized by the ARRT and various licensure states. You must attend the entire program to receive your certificate of completion.
This live, instructor-directed course meets the Texas Medical Board requirements for all registered Medical Radiologic Technologists. Please refer to the TMB website for more information.
Erica Yanez , MBA, BHA, RT(R)(M), ARDMS (OB/GYN)(BR)
Erica Yanez, MBA, BHA, RT(R)(M), ARDMS (OB/GYN)(BR)rnrnErica Yanez is an accomplished healthcare professional and educator with more than 30 years of experience in diagnostic imaging, mammography, sonography, healthcare administration, and academic instruction. A registered Radiologic Technologist and Mammography Technologist, as well as an ARDMS-registered sonographer in OB/GYN and Breast, Erica brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, educational leadership, and healthcare administration to her work.rnrnThroughout her career, Erica has held leadership positions in both military and civilian healthcare settings, overseeing clinical operations, staff development, curriculum development, and training programs. Her academic experience includes serving as Director of Personnel and Curriculum Developer for the Diagnostic Imaging Training Department at the Medical Education and Training Campus in San Antonio, where she helped lead a $22 million training division serving approximately 6,500 students annually across 65 courses. She also served as Diagnostic Imaging Director and Instructor at Michael O’Callaghan Military Medical Center, overseeing training programs for Radiologic and Ultrasound Technologists.rnrnIn the civilian sector, Erica has served in regional leadership roles with Solis Mammography and Houston Medical Imaging, managing staffing, budgeting, professional development, and regulatory compliance across multiple women’s imaging centers. Her expertise includes MQSA, ACR, and The Joint Commission standards, and she has extensive experience developing and implementing staff training programs and quality improvement initiatives. She has also established professional relationships with the Mammography Branch of the Texas Department of State Health Services.rnrnIn September 2025, Erica transitioned from the corporate healthcare sector to focus more directly on education and currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the Mammography Program at Houston City College. She is passionate about connecting real-world clinical experience with effective education and preparing imaging professionals to provide high-quality patient care.rnrnErica holds a Master of Business Administration from Trident University and a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration from Ashford University. Her professional accomplishments include being recognized as the U.S. Air Force Outstanding Diagnostic Imaging Senior Manager of the Year and Regional Diagnostic Imaging Senior Manager of the Year.
