Course Description

This course will provide the comprehensive knowledge required to perform as technologists in the specialty of mammography. This course is intended for current radiographers pursuing basic training in mammography, but is also open to any Radiologic Technology student in their 2nd year of training. This course provides didactic instruction that fulfills the 16 hours of "structured education" by the ARRT. This course may also be used to fulfill a portion of the 40 hours of training required by the MQSA (a minimum of 28.5 hours will be provided by this course). This course does NOT include clinical experience.

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the course an attendee will be able to:

1. Educate patients on breast cancer risk factors, current ACS recommendations for breast health care, and general information regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for common pathologies of the breast;
2. Identify and correlate mammographic anatomical structures with breast anatomy when presented with a mammographic image;
3. Recognize clinical and mammographic breast changes that may indicate common pathologies;
4. Document clinical findings according to the clockface, quadrant, or other acceptable documentation procedures;
5. Identify major common components of digital mammographic units and common ancillary equipment;
6. Explain benefits vs. risks of mammography;
7. Describe basic concepts of mammographic physics and radiation safety;
8. Identify the main differences between screen-film, digital, and digital breast tomosynthesis mammography;
9. Explain the purpose of the quality control tests monitored by the QC technologist and the frequency at which those tests are done;
10. Critique mammographic images for proper positioning, density, contrast, detail, and common artifacts;
11. Identify and analyze mammographic CC and MLO images using standard critique criteria;
12. Understand BIRADS reporting, and the implications of the BIRADS categories with regard to follow up imaging;
13. Explain the importance of MQSA with regard to mammographic quality, and be able to identify the key personnel responsible for ensuring mammographic quality.

Notes

If you are a student with a documented disability and have not voluntarily disclosed the nature of your disability so that we may coordinate the accommodations you need,  you are invited to contact the Disability Support Services Office (DSSO) in `Ilima 107, ph.734-9552 , or email kapdss@hawaii.edu for assistance. For students whose primary disability is Deaf or hard of hearing, contact the KCC Deaf Center in Manono 111C, ph. 734-9210 (V) or 447-1379 (videophone).  

Please note:  you will need to contact Kapi‘olani CC's DSSO or Deaf Center to request accommodations in a Kapi‘olani CC course even if you've already registered or receiving services at another UH campuses disability support program.