Mammography Certificate Program
Duration of the Program
The Mammography Certificate Program is structured as an intensive one-semester (16-week) curriculum designed to efficiently equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for excellence in mammographic imaging.
Overview
The Mammography Certificate Program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) prepares licensed Radiologic Technology Professionals for advanced roles in mammographic imaging. Integrating rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences at CDU’s affiliate medical centers, the program enhances patient care and prepares graduates for national and state mammography certification examinations.
Program Objectives
- Enhance Professional Competence: Advance the professional standards of practicing radiologic technologists through superior education.
- Continuing Education Integration: Enable professionals to apply their mandatory continuing education credits toward earning a specialized certificate.
- Promote Excellence in Healthcare: Elevate the quality of healthcare services through premier education in mammographic imaging.
- Specialized Skill Development: Offer comprehensive coursework in breast anatomy, physiology, pathology, and mammographic imaging techniques.
- Clinical Expertise: Provide extensive clinical internships to cultivate hands-on skills and real-world experience in mammographic imaging.
- Career Advancement: Prepare technologists for new roles or enhanced responsibilities in mammographic imaging.
- Certification Readiness: Prepare students for national and state advanced imaging mammography certification examinations.
Program Coursework
| Course No. | Course Title | Units | Clinical Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | RADM 100 | Mammographic Imaging | 3 | |
| RADM 102 | Mammography Clinical Practicum | 3 | ||
| Total Program Units/Hours | 9 |
Criteria for Admission
- Professional Licensure: Must provide copies of their certification in Radiography with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and certification in Diagnostic Radiologic Technology with the California Department of Public Health’s Radiologic Health Branch (CRT).
- Academic Excellence: A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is required. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all previous college-level coursework.
- Observation Experience: Applicants who complete a minimum of 8 hours of observation in their chosen modality will be viewed more favorably during the admissions review process, as it demonstrates a proactive understanding of and commitment to the field. Applicants are asked to complete a minimum of 8 hours of observation in Mammographic procedures to gain initial exposure and a basic understanding of the Mammography environment. As part of the application process, applicants must provide the contact information of their Clinical Observation Supervisor, who will receive an email from CDU with a secure ‘Submit Recommendation’ link. The supervisor will use this link to verify the number of hours the applicant observed Mammographic procedures at their facility.
Clinical Internship Requirements
- Placement Approval: Mandatory acceptance for a clinical internship at an affiliate medical center, requiring a commitment of at least 16 hours per week during the internship.
- Clinical Competencies: Fulfillment of designated competencies for each clinical placement is required.
- Occupational Clinical Placement: Applicants wishing to complete their clinical internship at their current place of employment must submit a clinical affiliation agreement at least 2 weeks before the start of the program. This ensures adequate preparation time and alignment with the program’s clinical objectives.
- Program Continuation: Maintain a minimum grade of C in each course within the program. (Note: A grade of C- is not acceptable).
Clinical Mammography Rotation Policy
Our program offers clinical mammography rotations that follow each partner site’s policies and procedures. Student placement depends on site availability and site approval, so specific locations and dates are not guaranteed. We work to secure a variety of high-quality placements to give students comprehensive, hands-on experience in mammography.
Completion of the Program
- Didactic and Clinical Requirements: Successful completion of all coursework and clinical internships with a minimum grade of C in each course and satisfactory completion of clinical competencies.
- Clinical Internship Placement: Acceptance for clinical internship by at least one clinical affiliate medical facility is required.