Post-Associate Certificate in Mammography

Mammography is the imaging procedure which utilizes ionizing radiation to produce images of the human breast. Its effectiveness in the early detection of medical conditions of the breast and surrounding tissues has been widely corroborated. Because of its importance in the battle against breast cancer, condition that has increase in the past ten years between women and men, Mammography is now considered an area of specialization in the field of medical diagnostic images.

The certificate intents to produce a comprehensive professional dedicated to the breast health. The didactic-practical program of the Certificate in Mammography is designed to develop in the graduates from a Radiologic Technology program, the theoretical knowledge and practical competencies required to produce optimum quality images of this anatomical region to be used in the diagnosis of medical conditions. Also, the new tendency to complement the conventional mammography with sonomammography images is taken into consideration as part of the training. This certificate comprises 14 academic credits, which are offered in a one semester long (15 weeks) period.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MAMMOGRAPHER

The Mammographer is the imaging technologist specialized in the operation of complex equipment for the production of medical diagnostic images of the female or male breast. These images are used as screening or as diagnostic tools in the determination of conditions related to this anatomical region. Other functions of the mammographer are to effectively interact with the patient to orient him/her about the procedures to be performed; the importance of the study in the early diagnosis of breast conditions; the need and importance of compressing the breast; and other aspects of breast health, so as to reduce patient anxiety. Another issue of importance to the mammographer is the quality of the images and of the services provided, as required by the certification and accreditation agencies.

CERTIFICATE IN MAMMOGRAPHY GRADUATE PROFILE

A graduate from the Post-Associate Certificate in Mammography of the Radiologic Technology Program of the Universidad Central del Caribe, will be able to:

Evaluates patient’s medical and clinical information to determine the procedure to perform, following the protocols established by his/her workplace and the accreditation agencies and according to the patient’s medical and physical condition.
Perform mammography and sonomammography procedures acquiring the anatomical information, and integrating patient’s medical and clinical information to facilitate diagnosis.
Perform any prescribe procedure, regardless of physical or mental condition of the patient and without any evidence of social, racial or cultural prejudice.
Provide comfort and support to the patient and clarify all doubts the patient might have regarding equipment and the importance of compressing the breast during the process to enhance the possibilities of early diagnosis of breast conditions.
Explain to the patient the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiologists recommendations regarding: baseline and follow-up mammographies; how to perform breast self-exam; and the need to preserve the previous studies for comparison.
Present and discuss with the Radiologists, his/her impressions about the patient’s condition and of the resulting images.
Collaborate with the Radiologist in interventional procedures.
Document any incident that might occur before, during and after the procedure, in the patient’s record and/or any form designed for this purpose.
Perform routine quality assurance procedures to evaluate: darkroom, processor, mammography equipment and accessories, image Beijing conditions and others require by the certifying and accrediting agencies.
Apply discretion and critical thinking to the performance of all procedures and the operation of the equipment.
Assume responsibility for his/her personal and professional development and enhancement through his/her participation in continued education activities and new procedures capacitating workshops.

Post-Associate Certificate in Mammography

DESCRIPTION OF THE MAMMOGRAPHER

CERTIFICATE IN MAMMOGRAPHY GRADUATE PROFILE

A graduate from the Post-Associate Certificate in Mammography of the Radiologic Technology Program of the Universidad Central del Caribe, will be able to:

Evaluates patient’s medical and clinical information to determine the procedure to perform, following the protocols established by his/her workplace and the accreditation agencies and according to the patient’s medical and physical condition.

Perform mammography and sonomammography procedures acquiring the anatomical information, and integrating patient’s medical and clinical information to facilitate diagnosis.

Perform any prescribe procedure, regardless of physical or mental condition of the patient and without any evidence of social, racial or cultural prejudice.

Provide comfort and support to the patient and clarify all doubts the patient might have regarding equipment and the importance of compressing the breast during the process to enhance the possibilities of early diagnosis of breast conditions.

Explain to the patient the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiologists recommendations regarding: baseline and follow-up mammographies; how to perform breast self-exam; and the need to preserve the previous studies for comparison.

Present and discuss with the Radiologists, his/her impressions about the patient’s condition and of the resulting images.

Collaborate with the Radiologist in interventional procedures.

Document any incident that might occur before, during and after the procedure, in the patient’s record and/or any form designed for this purpose.

Perform routine quality assurance procedures to evaluate: darkroom, processor, mammography equipment and accessories, image Beijing conditions and others require by the certifying and accrediting agencies.

Apply discretion and critical thinking to the performance of all procedures and the operation of the equipment.

Assume responsibility for his/her personal and professional development and enhancement through his/her participation in continued education activities and new procedures capacitating workshops.