Mammography

~ Advanced Certificate in Mammography ~

DESCRIPTION

  Mammography is an advanced level specialty imaging procedure that employs specialized x-ray equipment to produce images of the breast for screening and diagnosis of breast cancer and other pathologies. The academic program seeks to develop in a radiologic technologist theoretical knowledge and practical training in the modalities of mammography. The program is designed following the ASRT curriculum, the competency requirements of the ARRT and the Federal Drug Administration MQSA requirements. The program will be offered during spring semester and comprises of one semester of study. Students should have off-campus Internet access in order to complete online course activities. Weekday clinical hours are required. Students will be scheduled after the second week of study. The students will have the flexibility to perform the clinical practicum at their work site as long as the affiliate hospital provides the required time to be completed. Students must achieve a “C” or better in all courses. The program follows the College’s established grading policy for letter grade determination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal background check may be required while they are enrolled in the program, or as a condition of employment in the field; certain internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record; and certain licensing boards may refuse to issue a license to practice based upon prior or current criminal offense(s). To learn more about whether the program or profession in which you are interested has such requirements or limitations, please see the Department Chair.

PROGRAM MISSION

   The mission of the Radiologic Technology program at KVCC is to educate and train qualified personnel to provide direct service to patients using radiation, to produce the required image needed for medical diagnosis from an integral perspective. We also offer students experiences in the most recent imaging advancements and the new technological modalities in the production of images in the medical field.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

   A graduate from the Advanced Certificate in Mammography will be able to:

1. Evaluate the patient’s medical and clinical information to determine the procedure to perform, following the protocols established by his/her workplace and the accreditation agencies and according to the patient’s medical and physical condition.
2. Perform mammography procedures integrating patient’s medical and clinical information to facilitate diagnosis.
3. Perform any prescribed procedure, regardless of physical or mental condition of the patient and without any evidence of social, racial, or cultural prejudice.
4. Provide comfort and support to the patient and clarify all doubts the patient might have regarding equipment and the importance of compressing the breast during the process to enhance the possibilities of early diagnosis of breast conditions.
5. Explain to the patient recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiologists regarding baseline and follow-up mammographies, how to perform breast self-exams, and the need to preserve the previous studies for comparison.
6. Present and discuss with the Radiologist his/her impressions about the patient’s condition and of the resulting images.
7. Collaborate with the Radiologist in intervention procedures.
8. Document any incident that might occur before, during, and after the procedure in the patient’s record and/or any form designed for this purpose.
9. Perform routine quality assurance procedures to evaluate darkroom, processor, and mammography equipment and accessories, image Beijing conditions and others required by the certifying and accrediting agencies.
10. Apply discretion and critical thinking to the performance of all procedures and the operation of the equipment.
11. Assume responsibility for personal and professional development and enhancement through participation in continued education activities and new procedures capacitating workshops.

Program of Study Lasts 1 Semester

FIRST SEMESTER		CREDIT HOURS
RAD240	Fundamentals Of Mammography	2
RAD241	Anatomy, Physiology And Pathology Of The Breast	2
RAD242	Basic Positioning And Special Procedures In Mammography	3
RAD243	Physics And Quality Assurance In Mammography	2
RAD244	Clinical Practicum	5
	TOTAL SEMESTER CREDITS	14

   After the student completes all didactic and clinical requirements they will receive a post certificate in mammography and will be eligible to sit for the certification examination of the ARRT’s examination in mammography.

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