The Advanced Certificate Program in Mammography will provide a pathway of professional growth for radiographers to advance their studies in medical imaging. The program will provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities in mammography for graduates to work as mammographers and function as vital members of the healthcare team. The program will include academic and clinical courses and will be tailored to meet the needs of the working technologist. Graduates will obtain the didactic information and clinical procedures required to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists post primary certification examination in Mammography.
The mission of the Mammography Program is to:
- Encourage motivated individuals who are dedicated to pursuing excellence in Mammography.
- Educate individuals to be competent mammographers who demonstrate critical thinking and effective communication skills, highlighting interprofessional collaboration.
- Provide an outstanding education in Mammography.
- Offer educational experiences in the classroom and in a variety of clinical settings with emphasis on exceptional patient care.
Goals
- Students will successfully complete the program.
- Graduates will pass the ARRT examination.
- Graduates will be satisfied with their education.
- Graduates who are actively seeking employment will be employed in Medical Imaging.
- Employers will be satisfied with the quality of graduates.
Learning Outcomes
- Integrate patient-centered care, advanced imaging principles, quality assurance data, and regulatory requirements to make informed clinical decisions that ensure safe, ethical, and diagnostically sound mammographic practice.
- Evaluate mammographic images, positioning outcomes, and quality-control results to determine clinical acceptability, identify sources of error, and support continuous quality improvement consistent with MQSA and professional standards.
- Synthesize anatomical knowledge, pathology recognition, and procedural expertise to adapt mammographic examinations across diverse patient populations, complex clinical indications, and interventional settings.
- Exercise independent professional judgment and accountability in mammography practice, demonstrating ethical decision-making, effective interdisciplinary communication, and adherence to confidentiality and professional standards.
- Critically assess personal readiness for professional mammography practice, including the completion and documentation of structured education and clinical experience required for eligibility for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists post-primary certification in Mammography
Program Requirements
Notes
The curriculum plan is subject to change.
The curriculum plan with specific courses required for graduation will be distributed upon acceptance.
Students currently working in Mammography may enroll in the didactic portion of the curriculum only.
The Maine Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners requirements for licensure are:
Completion of an approved high school diploma or its equivalent; and
Completion of a course of study in radiologic technology and an examination that is approved by the board.
A certified Mammographer is educated in the “art and science” of creating x-ray images of the breast used to look for early signs of breast cancer. Mammography is the “gold standard” for early detection of breast cancer. Mammographers work closely with physicians, particularly physicians who specialize in radiology, and play an important role as part of professional healthcare teams.
Mammographers work in hospital medical imaging departments, clinics, doctors’ offices, and imaging centers. Mammographers are often vital members of the healthcare team in women’s health.
Due to the strong demand for Mammographers, a career in the field can lead in many directions. Mammographers may earn a bachelor’s degree in pursuit of a career in education, management, or research. Career options in medical imaging continue to grow, providing job opportunities with competitive salaries and benefits.