Mammography Certification for X-Ray Techs

You can work as a mammographer when you are a radiologic technologist, but you need to be certified. The mammography certification from ARRT is intended to ensure that you have the required knowledge to work with X-rays and handle the equipment carefully. To become a mammography technologist, you need at least an associate degree as a radiologic technologist, along with an ARRT certificate. In addition, most states require candidates to have specialized training to become a mammography technologist, and earn continuing education credits.

Basic requirements for certification in mammography:

• An associate degree as a radiologic technologist
• Accredited ARRT certification

It’s not required to have an advanced degree, but it may give you an edge over other candidates who are in competition for the job.

The Process

To get your mammography certificate, you will need to complete a 40-hour course and training specifically designed for mammography. You need to complete 25 mammography examinations under an ARRT-certified mammography technologist. You do not necessarily have to enroll in a full-time course. The ARRT certification model also accepts part-time courses and training that you can complete alongside your job as a radiologic technologist. Some universities and schools offer full-time and part-time courses for candidates, and guide them to complete their training under certified mentors. The course outlook contains specific ARRT-approved topics, including:

• Breast physiology and anatomy
• Breast MRI
• Positioning and compression
• Imaging, etc.

In total, you have to earn 24 CE credits in two years from the day of your ARRT certification as a general radiologic technologist. The certification is not complete until you take the ARRT board examination, rolled out once every month. You are allowed to perform mammography before taking your board exam as long as you meet the standards set by the MQSA. After you are legally certified to be a mammography tech, you need to perform at least 200 mammograms documented in 2 years, and earn 15 credits every 3 years in order to maintain your license. There are 40 states in America that only hire certified mammography technologists who keep their credit scores updated on the ARRT website.

Requirements

To become eligible to take the board, you have to complete the clinical requirements mentioned in the ARRTs mammography certification handbook. The requirements include performing at least 100 mammograms, reviewing a minimum of 10 mammographic examinations with radiologists, and many more. Once you complete the requirements, you are eligible to take the board. You get three chances to take your board exams after you are eligible. You need to pass the exams within 3 attempts; otherwise, you get rejected. Failing to earn the required credits in the given time leads to rejection in getting certified. You would then have to requalify and re-apply to complete your certification.

Why is continuing education important for X-ray techs?

Continuing education credits are necessary for medical workers to maintain their professional license. The medical industry is advancing, and there is always something new to learn in every field. Radiologic technologists have the provision for earning continuing education credits in order to specialize as a particular technologist. They can become a CT scan specialist, a fluoroscopy technologist, or a mammography technologist, among many other available options. X-ray techs need to fulfill the eligibility requirements to earn Continuing Education Credits For Mammography.

Professionals need to keep upgrading their knowledge and skillset in order to provide the best services professionally. The Mammography Quality Standard Act requires radiologic techs to keep earning CE credits so that they are eligible to pass the MQSA inspection that occurs every three years. This article will discuss the importance of mammography CE credits for X-ray techs to earn continuing education credits in mammography.

Continuing education is a requirement for staying active in your radiology career. You have received a degree and taken many exams to become a certified radiologic technologist. Still, your profession has a plethora of information you can grab, along with many more skills to learn. Continuing education is an opportunity for you to grow professionally and personally. Employers worldwide appreciate employees who hone different skills, and have the vision to always learn more to serve more.

The state requires you to earn credits to renew your license and prepare for the periodic evaluation to retain your license. In addition, continuing education helps you further prepare for your medical career paths. For example, one of the many advanced paths for a radiologist is a mammography continuing education course.

Earning CE credits in mammography after getting your general radiologic tech certificate from ARRT proves beneficial to many candidates. Mammography technologists operate equipment that is specifically designed to diagnose breasts and detect early cancer and other breast-related issues. Earning credits allows you to sharpen your skills and broaden your knowledge, in addition to having your patients put their trust in you.

Mammography and Education Credits

Mammography is becoming advanced; new techniques and technologies are emerging now and then. Continuing education in mammography will help you get a hold of the latest technology. The exposure to new technology and skills opens the scope for you to choose from many job titles within the mammography department. Check your state rules and ARRT guidelines and regulations before selecting your mammography course.

When you are hired as a general radiologic technologist, it becomes important for you to continue your education in order to raise your chances of promotion. Continuing education in mammography teaches you ways to make your patients feel more comfortable. In addition, mammography technologists get to be a part of the latest advancements and treatment plans related to breast cancer. No one is ever perfect, but learning is the best way to reduce your mistakes. With continuing education, you get to practice more and more under certified mammography techs and learn many new things.

Final Words

Becoming a mammography technologist is beneficial for you as it carries a higher salary than a general radiologic tech, and you are also exposed to the latest technology. Many mammographers have also said that they find it amazing to be a part of the field where they can assist with treatment plans, partake of further education, and become more specialized within the mammography department. The requirements mentioned above are also available on the ARRT website. You can opt for online and offline courses at your convenience to earn CE credits.

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