Mammographers are highly trained radiographers who work with sophisticated low-dose X-ray equipment to produce screening and diagnostic images of the breast. Mammographers are essential members of the medical imaging team performing breast imaging procedures, which are vital to the diagnosis of a variety of breast conditions, including early detection of breast cancer. Graduates of the advanced certificate program at ECC are highly skilled and qualify to sit for advanced certification examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
There is no mechanism for accreditation of mammography programs at this time.
Each applicant must be a graduate of a JRCERT-accredited radiography program and have passed the ARRT certification examination.
Approximately ten part-time and ten full-time applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Full-time students will be given priority for clinical placement.
Admission into the program is selective. For more information, please see admission requirements.
Students must complete all required courses with grades of C or better and meet graduation requirements in order to be eligible to apply to sit for the ARRT national certification exam in mammography offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Any student demonstrating a positive background check will be denied admission to any health professions program.
Before attending clinical training, students must submit documentation through the Castlebranch portal including: completed medical form which includes proof of immunizations/titer results, COVID vaccine required, proof of health insurance coverage, TB test, and proof of healthcare provider CPR certification. Background checks and drug testing are also conducted through Castlebranch.
Health professions students will be required to update their drug test, TB test/TB survey, and flu vaccine on information an annual basis. Any student demonstrating a positive drug test will be dismissed from the Health Professions Division.
The standards, policies, and procedures of the medical imaging programs are published in the advanced medical imaging student handbook. Copies of the student handbook may be obtained online at Medical Imaging.
Advanced Medical Imaging Programs
Mission Statement
Elgin Community College's advanced imaging programs in magnetic resonance, computed tomography and mammography provide accessible and relevant education in accordance with the highest professional standards. The programs, in partnership with its clinical affiliates, will provide the healthcare community with competent advanced imaging technologists who provide high-quality images and excellent patient-centered care to the diverse populations within the community.
Program Goals and Expected Outcomes
The program will graduate competent imaging technologists.
Expected outcomes: Students/graduates will demonstrate competency by:
- Producing quality images.
- Practicing safety for the patient, him or herself and others.
- Demonstrating overall competence in clinical practice.
The student/graduate will develop and practice proficiency in problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Expected outcomes: Students/graduates will demonstrate proficiency in problem-solving and critical thinking skills by:
- Modifying standard procedures to accommodate patient conditions and other variables.
- Determining the need and adapting exposure factors and/or protocol for various patient conditions, equipment, accessories and contrast media to maintain appropriate image quality.
- Evaluating image quality and to make appropriate adjustments to obtain diagnostic images.
The student/graduate will practice effective communication skills in the clinical setting.
Expected outcomes: Students/graduates will practice effective communication skills in the clinical setting by:
- Demonstrating effective communication skills.
The student/graduate will conduct him or herself in a professional manner.
Expected outcomes: Students/graduates will conduct him or herself in a professional manner by:
- Demonstrating professional values and behavior in clinical practice.
- Demonstrating professional growth through participation in lifelong learning.
The student/graduate will provide excellent patient care for a diverse population of patients.
Expected outcomes: Students/graduates will provide excellent patient care for a diverse population of patients by:
- Demonstrating increased understanding of the importance of cultural competence in clinical practice.
- Demonstrating increased awareness of current trends and changes in healthcare affecting the global population.
The program will provide the healthcare community with qualified practitioners of advanced medical imaging modalities.
Expected outcomes:
- A retention rate of 75% percent or higher.
- The 5-year average employment rate of graduates within one year of graduation will be 75 percent or greater. A positive outcome is defined as employment in the field for those graduates who declare they are actively seeking employment in the field or pursuing continued education in the field.
- First-time pass rates of graduate cohorts on the ARRT credentialing exam will be consistent with or above the national passing rates each year of the exam, with a minimum pass rate of 75%.
- Mean scores of graduate cohorts on the ARRT credentialing exam will be consistent with or above the national mean scores each year.
- The mean score on the employers' satisfaction survey of the graduates' preparation for employment will be 3.0 (meets expectations) or higher on a 5.0 (exceeds expectations) point scale.
