The mammographers at the clinical affiliates will act as the students' immediate supervisors. Any problems with the clinical schedule or rotation should be discussed with the Dean or Clinical Coordinator. The Dean, Clinical Coordinator, and clinical staff are available as resources or in the event of a problem in the clinical area. The mammographer determines the level of supervision required for each student following the guidelines of Direct and Indirect supervision below. Regardless of the level of supervision, all student images must be approved by a technologist before the patient leaves the medical imaging department. The technologist may take over the exam at any point if they think it is in the best interest of the patient.
Direct supervision: A mammographer must be in the same room as the student. The mammographer must be able to observe the student at all times and assist or intercede immediately in the mammography examination if, in the opinion of the mammographer, the examination is being performed improperly or the continuation of the exam will be potentially harmful to the patient or student.
Students must be under direct supervision when performing the following mammography examinations:
- First 25 mammograms performed for MQSA documentation
- Additional 75 mammograms performed for verification
- Exams being performed for verification of clinical experience
- Exams before successful documentation of clinical competency
- Repeat examinations
- Interventional/Special Procedures
- Critical care examinations
Indirect Supervision: A mammographer must be in the adjacent area, within shouting distance of the student. The mammographer must be able to free themselves from any other responsibilities to offer immediate consultation or direct supervision to a student who, after re-evaluation of the tasks involved in the mammography examination, requires additional assistance.
Students are permitted to perform mammography examinations under indirect supervision if:
- The exam is not restricted by the preceding paragraph dealing with direct supervision.
- The student has performed 100 mammograms for verification under direct supervision.
- The exam is not being performed for verification of clinical experience.
- The patient's condition is non-critical, and it is a screening mammogram.