Training Option 1 is for technologists who can perform their 25 patient procedures at their facility.

Are you interested in cross-training into Mammography? With over 33 years of experience teaching mammography, we've developed our curriculum based on helping you meet the requirements and becoming a successful mammographer.  An entire day is dedicated to hands-on positioning and QC training  at our affiliate hospital.  This hands-on approach enables you to jump right in when it's time for you to start your 25 hands-on procedures on patients.  Student evaluations confirm this is a "must have" for positioning training.

ARRT certification and/or a fully unrestricted state license are required for admission to the Mammography Initial Training course.

The curriculum for “Mammography Initial Training Option 1” will provide the technologist with all of the required components of training as outlined by MQSA. The course includes: 24 hours of training on core competencies as outlined by MQSA, 8 hours of Digital Mammography Modality Specific Training, and 8 hours of Tomosynthesis Modality Specific Training. 

You will be awarded 40 hours of Category A credit for the five day course.  The course satisfies the 16 hours of structured education requirement to apply for the ARRT Post-Primary Mammography Certification Examination.  This course also meets the guidelines for states requiring special education for mammography.

Training Option 1

In April, 1999, the final rules of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) became effective that required entry level training for mammography including the performance of 25 patient procedures under the supervision of a qualified mammographer.

Training Option 1 is for technologists who can perform their 25 patient procedures at their facility.

• Facilities may supervise the MQSA required 25 patient procedures for their employees following the didactic program. The supervising clinical faculty must be a RT(R) (M) meeting MQSA requirements. Supervising clinical faculty will be required to supervise, document, and return original clinical evaluation forms for students to complete the course and receive their Initial Training in Mammography certificate.
• The credentialing paperwork required for the Supervising Clinical Faculty will be emailed after payment has been processed.  All of the credentialing paperwork for Option 1 must be provided at least two weeks prior to the start date of the course.
• If your facility is unable to supervise the required 25 procedures to complete your training, AHEC can facilitate a clinical site in Houston, Texas for an additional two days after the classroom portion of the course is complete.  This option requires an additional course fee and paperwork.  Please view the "Mammography Initial Training Option 2" course description for details.   *Clinical placement is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Individuals must register, pay in full, and turn in all required paperwork to secure a clinical placement.

Course Topics
Day 1 (Thursday)

• Introduction
• Radiation Physics and Mammography
• Risk Factors
• Signs and Symptoms
• Patient Education/Clinical History
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Skin Marking Systems for Mammography

Day 2 (Friday)

• Mammography Positioning and Compression
• Routine Views CC/MLO
• Supplemental Views
• Magnification
• Tailoring the Examination: Imaging The Augmented Breast
• Imaging The Postoperative and Reconstructed Breast
• Equipment Applications
• Technical Factor Applications

Day 3 (Saturday)

• Special Procedures
• Needle Localization/Specimenradiography
• Glactography/Pneumocystogram
• Introduction to Stereotactic Core Biopsy
• Pathology
• Review
• Hands-On Positioning Laboratory
• Clinical Imaging Film Critique

Day 4 (Sunday)

• Digital Mammography Basics
• Digital Mammography Theory and Physics
• Positioning
• Digital Artifacts
• Quality Control - What Do These QC Numbers Mean?
• Clinical Applications
• Pathology of the Breast in the Digital World

Day 5 (Monday)

• Theory and Technology Part 1 - Introduction to DBT
• Theory and Technology Part 2 - The Need for 3D Breast Tomosynthesis
• FDA Submitted Clinical Trial Information and Tomosynthesis Unit Applications
• Connectivity Information
• Site Readiness and Reimbursement
• Radiation Dose Considerations
• Technologists Quality Control
• Pathology and Beyond