Frequently Asked Questions

Sections:

What is Mammography?
Mammography is a medical imaging modality that uses ionizing radiation to produce images of the breast for screening, diagnosis and treatment purposes. Graduates of the Mammography program are known as Mammographers.

What does a Mammographer do?
Mammographers are educated in physics, radiation safety, breast anatomy and pathology, and patient care. Duties include the performance of breast imaging procedures, corroboration of patient's clinical history, patient preparation for procedures, operation of breast imaging equipment and associated devices, evaluation of breast images for technical quality, and assistance with interventional procedures and specific quality control tests. Excluding cancer of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women, accounting for one in three cancers diagnosed in women each year. Most doctors feel that early detection tests for breast cancer save many thousands of lives each year.

Where do Mammographers work?
Members of this profession mainly work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and FDA/ACR-accredited diagnostic imaging centers under the supervision of board-certified radiologists. Most full-time mammographers work about 40 hours per week. They may, however, have evening and weekend hours. Opportunities for part-time and shift work also are available.

What is the current job outlook for this profession?
The need for individuals with Mammography certification has grown tremendously in recent years due to increased awareness and the need for early detection of tumors and other abnormalities in the breast. According to the 2006-2007 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics report, Radiologic Technologists held about 182,000 jobs in the United States in 2004, with approximately 45,000 of those professionals specializing in Mammography. Employment in this profession is expected to grow much faster than average – or more than 27 percent – through the year 2014. Someone with an associate's degree in Radiologic Science can move into a career at a hospital, healthcare clinic, or managed-care facility and earn a comfortable living. Others can obtain additional certification (such as Mammography) and training to advance their careers or to move into another specialty.

Can you provide some general information on the Mammography program at COD?
The Mammography advanced certificate is a one-semester, seven-credit program that includes the core clinical procedures necessary to establish eligibility for ARRT Mammography certification The program has a limited enrollment, with a July 1 deadline for fall semester admission and a Nov. 15 deadline for spring semester admission. In order to be considered for admission to this program, students must be graduates of an accredited Radiography program.

Is there a separate application process for the Mammography program?
Yes, in addition to enrolling at College of DuPage, a student must also complete a separate admissions process for this program. For details about this process, see the Mammography Admissions Packet.

Is the Mammography program at COD accredited?
Yes, the COD Mammography program is accredited by the North Centeral Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). In addition, the program policies and procedures have been designed to meet or exceed those established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) and those set by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Upon successful completion, students receive an Advanced Certificate in Mammography from the college and are eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the ARRT.

Who can I contact for more information?
For questions about the program, contact program coordinator Pam Jankovsky at (630) 942-2349. For information about Mammography, visit the following web sites: