Mammography Technologist

The Mammography Technologist program meets the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist ("ARRT") requirements for graduates pursuing an ARRT certification. The entire program is designed to prepare students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to operate diagnostic imaging equipment and produce high-quality medical images that can help healthcare providers diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Mammography is a medical imaging technique used by radiologic technologists to capture images of the breast tissue. This technique is primarily used for detection of breast abnormalities. To capture high quality images during a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates in which a very small dose of x-ray is used. This method of medical imaging is considered one of the most effective methods for early detection of breast cancer.

Studying to obtain your certification as a Mammography Technologist requires previous certifications in primary imaging modalities such as Radiologic Technologist or Nuclear Medicine Technologist. After completing a field-related program and obtaining your license. The CT program will further provide students this essential knowledge and skill to ensure the graduate's future patients receive high-quality imaging services and that healthcare providers have the information they need to provide the best possible care to their patients.

As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, your responsibilities include:

Prepare and patients for mammograms: Mammography Technicians must explain the procedure to a patience in order to ease any anxiety or insecurities about the procedure. In addtion, they must also properly position the patient to ensure clear imaging.
Operating imaging equipment: Mammography Technicians are responsible for operating imaging equipment. This includes making setting adjustments to minimize radiation exposure.
Maintaining equipment: Technologists also ensure equipment is properly maintained and calibrated, as well as report any malfunctions.
Communicating with healthcare providers: Mammography Technicians may need to communicate with healthcare providers, such as radiologists and physicians, about the results of imaging exams and any concerns related to the patient's health.

Class Structure and Delivery:

All lectures are delivered in a blended format. Blended courses combine traditional face-to-face classroom instruction with (remote) live-streamed lectures to optimize the learning experience and offer additional time flexibility to those students with busy schedules or long commutes. It is also through in-class lab where students will gain more knowledge, skills and confidence to perform actual medical diagnostics in various settings to prepare them for real medical diagnostics during the clinical rotations.

Program Completion Time

Diploma - 6 months / 24 weeks / 416 hours

Basic Program Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age
Have a current and active certification with ARRT in the capacity of Radiography (X-Ray Technologist)

Why obtain a certification in Mammography?

Adding a Mammography certification to your existing profession in radiography or nuclear medicine will broaden career opportunities and further enhance professional skills. Many medical facilities will either prefer or require Radiologic Tecchnologists to be certified in mammography.

A certification in mammography can be right for you if:

You want to Elevate Professional Credibility: Having additional certifications than your primary license, demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge, skill sets, and experience to perform your job effectively. This will also help to stand out in highly desired employment positions.
You need to be compliant: Certification programs require candidates to complete continuing education credits regularly to maintain their main certification or license. Additional certifications can help stay up-to-date with compliance as well as learn about the latest advancements in medical imaging.
You want a Professional Growth: Obtaining a certification in mammography requires candidates to go through extensive training and education. In turn, it will expand your knowledge and skills, boot confidence, and lead to higher employment compensation.

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Q&A of Mammography Technologist Certification

Do I need at least an Associate Degree register in the Mammography Technologist program?

Beyond your academic background, you will need to be registered with ARRT in either Radiography or Nuclear Medicine.

Is a license required to work as Mammography Technologist?

This is a big YES. The certification exam is issued by ARRT. After passing the examination, registration of your certification will be required by the California Department of Public Health.

Is NPCollege accredited or approved by ARRT?

YES. Though we hold many accreditations and approvals from many registries for different fields, ARRT is one of two registries approved by (CDPH-RHB) for the Nuc Med Tech program. This is one of the most important questions you should ask any college.

How long is the program at NPC?

The length of this program is approximately 6 months.

Can I transfer credits from another college to take Mammography program at NPC?

General education credits are not required for this program. Therefore, there is no transferability of credits.

Can NPC credits transfer to another institution?

The transferability of credits you earn at NPCollege is at the complete discretion of the institution to which you seek to transfer to. Acceptance of the degree, diploma, or certificate you earn in your educational program at NPCollege is also at the complete discretion of the institution of the accepting Institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at NPCollege will meet your educational goals.

Is there financial aid available for the CT program?

Financial aid is comprised of government grants and loans, and private loans. The CT program is NOT eligible for any type of federal financial assistance or Cal Grants. You may be able to contact other local government agencies or consider applying for NPCollege's payment plans available.

How can I submit an application for NPCollege's RT program?

Before we look into any application, NPCollege does require you to schedule a meeting with the admissions office for further review your academic background, and your goals. This is important because it allows us to make recommendations for your career path with only the credits you need to achieve the coveted certification from ARRT and registrations with (CDPH-RHB) to obtain a license.

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What Would the Medical Field do Without Mammographers?

Please visit the California Code of Regulations Title 17 for additional information about Radiation Regulations.