CERTIFICATE IN MAMMOGRAPHY
16 SEMESTER HOURS
The online Certificate in Mammography program is a one semester advanced imaging program for registered Radiologic Technologists or students preparing to graduate from an accredited Associates degree in Radiology program.
Technologists working in Mammography use low-dose x-rays to help identify masses and other abnormalities in and around the breast. Mammographers must be highly accurate in their positioning and exposure techniques in order to optimize the image and maintain radiation safety standards. These images, called Mammograms, aid physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease.
Applicants to the program should be caring and exhibit a commitment to lifelong learning. They must be able to accept responsibility, follow orders precisely, and determine when consultation is required. Threaded throughout this curriculum are the components of work ethic, communication, patient care, integrity and self-discipline.
The overall purpose of the online Mammography program is to prepare Radiologic Technologists for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Mammography Post-Primary Certification exam and an entry level position as a Mammography Technologist by providing a comprehensive didactic and clinical education.
The program goals are:
- The student will possess problem solving and critical thinking abilities needed to function in the changing healthcare environment.
- The student will demonstrate academic and technical competence as an entry-level Mammographer.
- The student will communicate effectively.
- The student will demonstrate professional attitudes, behavior and ethics in the clinical and virtual environment.
The one semester program includes both online and clinical applications and begins in August of each year. The didactic courses are taught online. Students are required to obtain approval from their desired clinical education center. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Mammography exam. This program accepts a limited number of students.
Students will be required to submit copies of the following as part of the admissions process: valid South Carolina Driver’s License or Birth Certificate, current ARRT card and SCRQSA card. A Criminal Background Check, current 10 panel Drug Screening, proof of current CPR certification. Students will be required to have a Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen through facilities specified by the College only. Proof of CPR should include infant, child, adult, and AED-BLS for healthcare providers. Online CPR classes are not accepted. All students are required to get all immunizations/vaccinations and titers as required by each clinical site. (Details are provided in the acceptance packet.)
Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography. New registry eligible applicant acceptance is contingent upon passing the ARRT exam within one month of graduation. Applicants preparing to graduate from an Associate Degree Radiology program must submit a letter of recommendation stating that they are in good academic standing from their current program director in order to be considered for acceptance.
If you are considering becoming a mammography technologist, you are entering a field that is likely to grow over the next several years. An aging population and the diagnostic and screening benefits of Mammography are two factors likely to result in an increased demand for mammography technologists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). The BLS predicts that, overall, the employment of Mammographers, will grow by approximately 9% during 2014-2024.