Mammography continuing education courses cover a lot of ground. Here are just a few of the topics you will cover.
If you’re a Radiologic technologist who performs mammograms, there are specific continuing education (CE) requirements you’ll need to meet. Keeping track of everything can be a challenge, and you definitely don’t want to fall short of your requirements.
Failing to meet your CE requirements can result in being put on a probationary status, additional fees for reinstatement, and possible loss of your license.
Not sure exactly what you’ll need to do to maintain your license? Wondering which topics are covered during mammography continuing education?
No worries, we’ve got you covered! Read on for everything you need to know.
Minimum Continuing Education Requirements
In addition to maintaining your primary license through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®), you’ll also need to meet the compliance requirements of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Your state could have additional requirements.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets forth the requirements for the MQSA. It requires each licensed professional to have a minimum of 15 continuing education units (CEUs) focused on mammography in the 36 months preceding the annual MQSA inspection.
The ARRT® also requires you to earn 24 hours of general CE credits every two years. Your mammography continuing education credits can count towards your general credits. This means that in years when you do your 15 mammography credits, you only need nine more general credits.
Reporting and Tracking Your Credits
Mammographers who are ARRT® certified will report their CE credits on the CE Report Form that’s included in the renewal application. You’re required to keep track of your own CE credits. You may, however, need to submit proof of completion during the MQSA exam.
CE Credit Types
Continuing education credits are divided into both category A and category A+. If you’re a Registered Radiology Assistant® (R.R.A.®) or another type of specialist, you’ll need category A+ CEs. Otherwise, the regular category A ones are all that’s necessary.
If you have A+ credits they’ll still count towards your requirement.
Topics Covered in Mammography Continuing Education
For your continuing education credits to count for your mammography license, they must pertain to breast cancer, mammography, or a modality you use to perform your mammograms.
There are several popular mammography CE credit bundles. Following are some of the most common.
Breast Imaging 1: Digital Mammography
This course offers 6.75 category A credit hours. It covers digital mammography topics including:
- How the equipment works ‘
- Basics regarding positioning
- Image evaluation
- Computer-aided detection
The course also addresses best practices regarding techniques and quality control.
Breast Imaging 2: MRI and Ultrasound
This course provides you with 6.5 Cat A+ credits. It covers:
- Ultrasound and MRI equipment basics
- Information regarding technique
- Protocol, interpretation, and indications
Breast Imaging 2 also addresses patient care and safety issues.
Breast Imaging 3: Percutaneous Stereotactic Biopsy
The Breast Imaging 3 course provides 4 Cat A+ credits. It covers image-guided percutaneous stereotactic breast biopsy in detail.
Breast Imaging 1, 2, and 3 are also available in an economical combo pack.
Mammography and Breast Imaging Prep
This 32-hour category A credit course provides a comprehensive look at breast imaging practices. It covers:
- Patient care
- Analog and digital equipment
- Pathology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Intervention techniques
- Treatment options
- Quality control
The course also meets the state of California’s 4-hour digital requirement.
Breast Imaging Case Review Series
The Breast Imaging Review Series covers 11.5 ARRT® category A+ credit hours. It covers clinical scenarios and issues in breast imaging. The primary focus is on breast imaging and the discovery of masses found with ultrasound. The course includes many mammographic images for evaluation.
Breast Imaging: The Requisites
This 27.25-hour ARRT® category A mammography course covers a full range of topics. It also includes over 700 images to help illustrate a variety of mammography approaches.
Topics covered include digital mammography, imaging best practices for patients with breast disease and high-risk patients, and information about ultrasound imaging.
Breast Ultrasound
The 19-credit Breast Ultrasound packet covers the basics as well as complex situations like capturing images in male breasts or those that have been augmented or reconstructed. It also covers several invasive diagnostics and therapies.
Breast Imaging Radiology Review
The Breast Imaging
Radiology Review offers 15.25 category A credits. It challenges students to
improve their knowledge about the pathology behind their images.
This review includes 200 case studies and a deep coverage of the following
topics:
- Fundamental principles of radiology
- Cutting-edge imaging techniques
- Latest advances in equipment.
There are several other topics you can choose to study as part of your continuing education. These may include any of the following.
Legal and Ethical Issues Surrounding Breast Imaging
These courses would cover topics like patient confidentiality, radiation exposure, malpractice risk, the importance of pregnancy testing, the standard of care, and patient advocacy.
The Patient Experience
Courses covering the patient experience will delve into topics including building rapport with patients, mammogram scheduling, and following the regulations of important regulatory agencies.
Breast Anatomy and Physiology
Breast anatomy and physiology courses include education about breast development, lactation, mammary glands, and breastfeeding.
Abnormal Breast Conditions
These courses may cover benign conditions like cysts, abscesses, and swelling. They may also cover high-risk conditions like calcifications, radial scar, and atypical hyperplasia.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer courses can cover a wide variety of topics. This may include types of breast cancer, prevention, and treatment options.
Your Mammography CE Specialists
Are your mammography continuing education requirements coming up soon? Don’t stress out about getting them done! Our courses are ARRT® Category A and A+ and each course includes all required books and tests. You can take your tests online or fax or mail in your answer sheets.
Check out our mammography continuing education page for more information and to get started!
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