This course is for ARRT-registered radiologic technologists and radiography students. The theory component of the course is online, and covers the principles of breast anatomy, positioning, projections, processing, quality control and evaluation of digital images. The clinical rotations, at local imaging facilities, will be determined before the program starts. Graduates will meet the initial requirements of the Mammography Quality Standards Act, and upon completion of the required clinical rotation, may be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologic (ARRT) post-primary certification exam in Mammography. Once registered, students will be able to perform mammograms in hospitals and imaging facilities.

Course Objectives

Identify the proper patient considerations, including patient screening and the role of the technologist

Distinguish between proper and improper image quality

Identify the breast anatomy and physiologic make-up of the breast

Identify basic function and components of the mammography imaging system

Identify personnel and reporting requirements listed in the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations

Illustrate techniques for completing the MQSA Quality Control testing

Distinguish between normal and abnormal quality control readings to meet the MQSA and FDA requirements

Demonstrate the ability to produce quality images based on criteria

Evaluate digital images post-processing for image quality

Summarize the basic theory of digital breast tomosynthesis, including appropriate use

Compare digital breast tomosynthesis to 2D mammography

Review how DBT mammography is performed

Outline of instruction

Week 1
• Recognize how the history and background of mammography is pertinent to understanding the need for screening and performing exams
• Identify the early use and practices of breast imaging
• Recognize knowledge of breast diseases coupled with advances in the imaging technology
• Describe elements of breast cancer screening protocols
• Explain the benefits of early detection and screening for breast disease
• Understand the patient's emotional needs and responses throughout the breast imaging process
• Acknowledge and improve the technologist's role in breast imaging
• Demonstrate proper positioning for various breast size and additional imaging requirements
• Identify the technologist's role during the exam
• Identify and discuss common pathology, normal and abnormal tissue by their appearance in the breast
• Distinguish between proper and improper image quality

Week 2
• Understand the interdependency of positioning and compression and its effect on image quality
• Understand the descriptive terminology used to describe lesion location within the breast
• Determine the exact location of a lesion based on information obtained from mammogram images
• Determine the location of a lesion seen on only one standard mammographic projection
• Understand established image criteria for the standard mammographic projections: craniocaudal and the mediolateral oblique
• Understand the image assessment process for the standard mammographic projections: craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique
• Gain an understanding of formulating creative solutions to achieve satisfactory image quality for individual patient situations when the use of standard projections is insufficient
• Understand alternative mammography projections that resolve issues of inadequate breast tissue capture with clarity
• Understand changes seen in the mammographic image due to surgical alterations
• Understand the more common breast surgeries and how to best image these patients

Week 3
• Identify basic function and components of the mammography imaging system
• Identify the unique characteristics of mammographic X-ray tube design and distinguish between direct and indirect methods of digital image acquisition
• Select the proper components of the digital networking system
• Define and explain the key terms for Chapter 11 of the text
• Identify personnel and reporting requirements listed in the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations
• Name the agencies and list the requirements for mammography accreditation and certification
• Identify and perform recommended QA and QC testing procedures according to ACR and MQSA guidelines based on dedicated mammography equipment
• Document test results and make appropriate adjustments or recommendations to maintain patient safety
• Implement appropriate corrective measures when established QC standards are not within recommended guidelines
• Perform routine safety checks on mammography equipment and accessories
• Discuss the role of the physician, mammographer, QC technologist and medical physicist within a quality-management program
• Distinguish between normal and abnormal quality control readings to meet the MQSA and FDA requirements
• Name the agencies and list the requirements for mammography accreditation and certification
• List the mandated mammography quality control tests performed by technologists and their required frequency
• List the mandated mammography quality control tests performed by medical physicists and their required frequency

Week 4: Digital Mammography
• Discuss and define digital mammography
• Discuss image processing and the effect it has on digital mammography images
• Accessorize equipment according to the procedure being performed
• Discuss the image storage and viewing capabilities related to digital mammography
• Describe a picture archiving and communications system (PACS) and its function
• Identify components of a PACS
• Describe worklist and correct use
• Define digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM)
• Describe data flow for a DICOM image from an imaging modality to a PACS
• Identify common problems associated with retrieving/viewing images within a PACS
• Identify the primary uses of the diagnostic display workstation

Week 5: Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, Breast Cancer Diagnostic Technologies
• Explain how digital breast tomosynthesis is performed
• Compare digital breast tomosynthesis to full field digital mammography
• Describe why the transition from analog to digital imaging in mammography took 17 years
• Describe why combo-mode was created
• Explain the purpose of the synthesized image
• Identify the meaning of FDA approval and describe how it is obtained
• Define breast density
• Describe the effect of breast density on imaging
• Identify adjunctive technologies already approved by the FDA

Week 6: Interventional Procedures, Additional Breast Imaging Modalities
• Define each interventional procedure
• Recognize interventional procedure imaging
• Describe the wire localization procedure
• Identify the reason for fine needle aspirations
• Identify the rationale for breast specimen radiographs
• Describe the stereotactic biopsy procedure
• Identify the images that are taken during the stereotactic procedure
• Understand and identify the limitations of a stereotactic biopsy unit
• Describe at least three strengths for breast MR and two limitations
• List two contraindications for a patient who is referred for a breast MR
• List the three types of magnets used for clinical MR systems and state which is used for breast MR
• Explain passive shielding and active shielding
• List the four types of coils
• Identify the meaning of FDA approval and describe how it is obtained
• Define breast density
• Describe the effect of breast density on imaging
• Identify adjunctive technologies already approved by the FDA

Week 7: Capstone Review of Weeks 1-3

Week 8: Capstone Review of Weeks 4-6

CEUs

3.2

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certified in Radiology

OR

Students in their final semester of a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) approved Radiography program provide a letter from the instructor or director with recommendations, estimated program completion date, and GPA status.

Text and Supplies Needed

1. Mammographic Imaging: A Practical Guide, 4th ed. Shelly L. Lillie & Wendy J. Marshall, ISBN:978-1496352026
2. Mammography & Breast Imaging Prep, 3rd ed. Olive Peart, ISBN: 978-1264257225 (paperback), ISBN: 978-1264257232 (ebook)

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

1. Students will be required to secure an agreeable clinical site in their area and submit contact information to Wake Technical Community College instructors for approval and affiliation agreement.
2. Students will have the option of completing the clinical rotation through the Mammography Certificate program and will be assigned a clinical site.

Requirements for Successful Completion

attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Registered Radiologic Technologists or registry-eligible students interested in a career as a Mammography Technologist.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Mammographer

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment

Mammographer

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Health Science Non-Degree Programs https://cehealth.waketech.edu
919-747-0140
[email protected]