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Radiologic Technologist Mammography Specific Training

Citation: 900.12(a)(2)(ii)(A)(B) and (C): Mammography requirements. All mammographic examinations shall be performed by radiologic technologists who meet the following mammography requirements: Have, prior to April 28, 1999 qualified as a radiologic technologist under paragraph (a)(2) of this section of FDA’s interim regulations of December 21, 1993, or completed at least 40 contact hours of documented training specific to mammography under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The hours of documented training shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

(A) Training in breast anatomy and physiology, positioning and compression, quality assurance/quality control techniques, imaging of patients with breast implants;

(B) The performance of a minimum of 25 examinations under the direct supervision of an individual qualified under paragraph (a)(2) of this section; and

(C) At least 8 hours of training in each mammography modality to be used by the technologist in performing mammography exams.

Copies of certificates earned or other documentation from the training provider will suffice for initial mammography specific training.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
Following the third anniversary date of the end of the calendar quarter in which the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section were completed, the radiologic technologist shall have taught or completed at least 15 continuing education units in mammography during the 36 months immediately preceding the date of the facility’s annual MQSA inspection or the last day of the calendar quarter preceding the inspection or any date in between the two. The facility will choose one of these dates to determine the 36-month period.
Units earned through teaching a specific course can be counted only once towards the 15 required in paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A) of this section, even if the course is taught multiple times during the previous 36 months.
At least six of the continuing education units required in paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A) of this section shall be related to each mammographic modality used by the technologist.

REQUALIFICATION. Radiologic technologists who fail to meet the continuing education requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A) of this section shall obtain a sufficient number of continuing education units in mammography to bring their total up to at least 15 in the previous 3 years, at least 6 of which shall be related to each modality used by the technologist in mammography. The technologist may not resume performing unsupervised mammography examinations until the continuing education requirements are completed.
Before a radiologic technologist may begin independently performing mammographic examinations using a mammographic modality other than one of those for which the technologist received training under paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(C) of this section, the technologist shall have at least 8 hours of continuing education units in the new modality.

CONTINUING EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.
Following the second anniversary date of the end of the calendar quarter in which the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section were completed or of April 28, 1999, whichever is later, the radiologic technologist shall have performed a minimum of 200 mammography examinations during the 24 months immediately preceding the date of the facility’s annual MQSA inspection or the last day of the calendar quarter preceding the inspection or any date in between the two. The facility will choose one of these dates to determine the 24-month period.

REQUALIFICATION. Radiologic technologists who fail to meet the continuing experience requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(iv)(A) of this section shall perform a minimum of 25 mammography examinations under the direct supervision of a qualified radiologic technologist, before resuming the performance of unsupervised mammography examinations.

ARRT Continuing Education Requirements:
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists®
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul MN 55120
(651) 687-0048, ext. 8540
www.arrt.org

BIENNIUM REPORTING CYCLE
The CE requirements are linked to a two-year cycle
(biennium) that is defined in relation to a registrant’s birth
month. The biennium begins on the first day of the registrant’s
birth month. The biennium extends for two years to the end of
the month prior to the birth month.

OPTIONS FOR SATISFYING CE REQUIREMENTS DURING A BIENNIUM
There are three options for meeting the CE requirements. Only one option must be met to satisfy the requirements. The options are:
1. Earn 24 CE credits that meet the criteria set forth by the ARRT;
2. Pass a primary examination in a discipline not previously passed and for which the individual is eligible;
3. Pass one of the post-primary examinations not previously passed and for which the individual is eligible.