Mammography
The Mammography program is offered to registered radiographers.
Program Information
The Mammography program at Catawba Valley Community College is a short-term weekend program that will provide the registered radiographer the initial training experience to perform mammograms. All coursework is on campus, and it will be the student’s responsibility to seek clinical opportunities to complete the required mammographic exams needed for certification on their own. Completion of the program will meet the structured education requirement to sit for the ARRT exam. Students must be present for the entire course to receive credit for the course.
At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Obtain the didactic knowledge necessary to prepare for the ARRT Mammography exam.
- Demonstrate basic positioning skills mammography exams.
- Explain advanced positioning techniques for supplementary views, difficult patients and implant patients.
- Review knowledge of anatomy, disease processes and pathology of the breast.
- Describe breast augmentation, identifying the types of breast implants and changes that occur to breast augmentations.
- Identify physical changes to the breast due to pathology.
- Describe how various physical characteristics of the x-ray tube affect mammographic imaging.
- Demonstrate an understanding of mammographic quality control testing procedures per MQSA guidelines.
- Discuss the proper use of compression devices, filtration devices, magnification set up, the use of grids and automatic exposure controls.
- Select appropriate kVp, mA and exposure time or AEC controls for mammographic exams.
- Describe the differences between imaging systems used to perform Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) examinations.
- Describe and develop a comprehensive quality assurance program for digital mammography.
- Understand the differences between regulatory bodies, such as MQSA, ACR and the ARRT.
- Describe the parameters in digital imaging that control resolution and contrast.
- Describe newly emerging technologies used with digital mammographic imaging.
- Explain breast tissue manipulation into proper placement by adjusting the patient, equipment and correct marker placement.
Admission Requirements
- ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologist) registered in Radiography
- Individuals entering this course must be registered or registry-eligible radiologic technologist, radiation therapist, or nuclear medicine technologist.
Admission Process
- Please complete the Instant Online Enrollment.
Textbook
Mammographic Imaging, A Practical Guide 4th Ed. by Lille, Shelly and Marshall, Wendy, 2018 (ISBN 9781496352026)
Class Offerings
Classes meet for two consecutive weekends and will have a one-hour lunch break. (32-contact hours) Individuals entering this course must be registered or registry-eligible radiologic technologist, radiation therapist, or nuclear medicine technologist.
Contact Information
For more information about admissions for Mammography or the Radiography programs, contact:
Department Head, Radiography, Computed Tomography and Mammography
Radiography
Email:
Scott Vandevander
Phone: 828-327-7000
x4075
Office Number: REP 229
Central Sterile Processing
Certified Nurse Assistant: CNA1, CNA2, & Refresher
Community Dental Healthcare Coordinator
Community Health Worker
Computed Tomography
Dental Anesthesia
Dental Assisting
EKG-Cardiology Technician
Mammography
Medical Assisting
Medical Coding Outpatient:Basic and Advanced
Medical Office Assistant
Medical Terminology
Medication Aide
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomy
Registration
Course Schedules