Mammography (Certificate E0398)

Technology and Health Division
Radiologic Technology Department
The Mammography program is designed to prepare competent and professional mammographers equipped to meet the needs of the healthcare community. A primary responsibility of technologists is to create images of patients’ breasts using medical imaging equipment, which helps doctors screen, diagnose, and treat diseases. The program provides a complete educational experience. Students will have the opportunity to develop competence in patient care, communication skills, critical thinking, and technical skills, preparing them to become proficient mammographers. The curriculum includes the didactic and clinical competency requirements set forth by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), Mammography Quality  Standards Act (MQSA) training requirements, and the educational standards established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Educational activities include lecture, discussions, group activities, and hands-on clinical training. 

Upon completion of the program, technologists certified and registered by the ARRT in a supporting discipline are eligible to apply for ARRT certification in mammography, as well as certification by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Required Courses

Mammography Website

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting Mt. San Antonio College academic standards for admission, applicants must be in good  standing and satisfy the following requirements prior to program admission:

1. Submit a Mammography Program application. The application can be accessed on the program website.
2. Must be currently enrolled in Mt.SAC’s Radiologic Technology AS Degree program, in accordance with California state regulations.
3. Meet the following Essential Functions for Success in the program:

Communication Skills

• Possess effective English communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing)

Physical Demands

• Perform prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking, lifting positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients
• Possess the ability to perform fine motor movements with hands and fingers
• Possess the ability for extremely heavy effort (lift/carry 50 lbs. or more) 
• Perform considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching
• Respond rapidly to situations involving the health and safety of patients
• Function adequately under stressful situations

Sensory Demands
(May be corrected with adaptive devices)

• Color vision: ability to distinguish and identify colors
• Distance vision: ability to see clearly 20 feet or more
• Depth perception: ability to judge distance and space relationships
• Near vision: ability to see clearly 20 inches or less
• Hearing: ability to recognize a full range of tones

Work Environment
Students must function in an environment with potential exposure to

• Infectious and contagious diseases
• Blood borne diseases
• Hazardous agents, body fluids and wastes
• Odorous chemicals and specimens
• Products containing latex
• Hazards of flammable, explosive gases
• Burns and cuts
• Contact with patients having different religious, culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, psychological and physical disabilities, and under a wide variety of circumstances
• Emergency or crisis situations
• Judgment/actions related to end-of-life issues

Selection Procedure

1. A physical examination, including specific immunizations and a passing drug test, is required prior to entering the clinical education phase. Physical examinations are required by the program’s clinical affiliates. Procedures will be provided upon admission.
2. A background check, indicating a passing clearance, is required prior to entering the clinical education phase. A valid Social Security number (SSN), or ITIN, is required to complete this process. Background checks are required by the program’s clinical affiliates. Procedures will be provided upon admission.
3. Radiologic Technology is a licensed profession. Applicants must possess a valid SSN, or ITIN, to apply for state certification and complete clinical education requirements.
4. CPR certification is required prior to entering the clinical education phase. Certification must be American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

1. Students will produce diagnostic quality radiographs.
2. Students will develop the necessary skills to provide patient centered care.
3. Students will develop knowledge of effective communication.
4. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills using various types of communication channels.
5. Students will critique images to determine diagnostic quality.
6. Students will determine corrective measures for non-diagnostic images.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.