Certificate in Women’s Imaging

Certificate

Hours: 8 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Women's Imaging program available at Fort Hays State University is designed for certified technologists in the imaging field who wish to advance their expertise in women's imaging, including Mammography and Bone Densitometry. This program enhances your skills and versatility as a diagnostic technologist, meets professional continuing education requirements, and provides college credit hours to help you become registry eligible.

The program-exclusive Mammography and Bone Densitometry courses are approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as initial education requirements for the ARRT certification exam. Additionally, this certificate program offers a combination of online and on-campus learning, making it accessible and flexible for working professionals.

Why pursue a Certificate in Women’s Imaging at Fort Hays State University?

The Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Women's Imaging program stands out because of its specialized focus on mammography and bone densitometry, which are rarely covered in other imaging programs. ARRT has approved these courses, ensuring high-quality education and training aligned with industry standards.

Moreover, FHSU ensures that the curriculum remains current with the rapid advancements in imaging technology, providing students with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience equips students to meet the demands of the healthcare industry effectively.

Who is this program for?

The Certificate in Women's Imaging is ideal for certified radiologic technologists specializing in mammography and bone densitometry. This program is also a fit for those looking to advance their careers, fulfill continuing education requirements, or gain the qualifications to become ARRT-certified in these specialized imaging modalities. Examples of ideal prospective candidates include:

Certified radiologic technologists seeking specialization in women's imaging
Professionals looking to fulfill continuing education requirements
Technologists aiming to gain ARRT certification in mammography and bone densitometry
Individuals interested in advancing their careers in the diagnostic imaging field

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Women's Imaging program at Fort Hays State University is designed to equip students with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary for excellence in mammography and bone densitometry. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experience, graduates will achieve a deep understanding of imaging procedures, patient care, and the latest technological advancements, preparing them for successful certification and practice in these critical healthcare areas.

Detailed Anatomy Knowledge

Graduates will understand the anatomy and physiology relevant to women's imaging, allowing for precise imaging and diagnosis.

Technical Proficiency

Graduates will master the technical aspects of imaging procedures, including positioning and equipment settings.

Pathology Identification

Graduates will be able to identify and understand the imaging characteristics of various pathologies.

Patient Care Skills

Graduates will develop robust patient care techniques, ensuring high-quality care throughout imaging examinations.

Real-World Applications

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for real-world applications in various healthcare settings. The certificate enables you to work as a mammography or bone densitometry technologist in imaging clinics, hospitals, or as a traveling technologist. Additionally, the practical, hands-on training the program provides ensures you can apply classroom knowledge directly to patient care, enhancing your competence and confidence in the field.

Lastly, the program's focus on clinical competencies and observational learning ensures that you gain valuable experience under the supervision of seasoned professionals. This further prepares you for national certification exams and day-to-day responsibilities in clinical environments.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The Certificate in Women's Imaging program at FHSU integrates the latest advancements and trends in imaging into its curriculum. The coursework is regularly updated to reflect the newest technologies and techniques, ensuring that students are knowledgeable about current best practices and emerging innovations in mammography and bone densitometry.

Staying ahead of the curve is crucial in medical imaging, where technological advancements can significantly impact diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. FHSU's commitment to continuous curriculum updates ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

Hands-on Activities

The program emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on activities. Students in the Mammography course complete clinical competencies following their didactic training, ensuring they are proficient in practical applications. Similarly, students in the Bone Densitometry course observe and assist technologists during examinations, gaining firsthand experience in patient care and imaging procedures.

These hands-on experiences are crucial for developing the practical skills needed to succeed. Students build confidence and competence by working directly with patients and advanced imaging equipment, preparing them for their professional roles.

What You’ll Learn:

Anatomy and physiology relevant to women's imaging
Proper positioning techniques for mammography and bone densitometry
Imaging characteristics of pathologies
Technical factors for imaging examinations
Equipment physics and operations

How You’ll Learn:

Online coursework combined with clinical competencies
Observational learning from field technologists
Interactive modules and virtual simulations
Hands-on practice in imaging clinics or hospitals
Updated curriculum to include the latest advancements

Courses

The Certificate in Women's Imaging program at Fort Hays State University includes a focused curriculum that provides comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in mammography and bone densitometry. The core courses are carefully structured to cover essential topics and practical skills necessary for proficiency in these specialized areas of diagnostic imaging.

MDI 419: Mammography for Radiologic Technologists

This course provides the students with knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the performance of the major tasks typically required of a technologist employed in the specialized field of mammography. This course is designed to cover the major content areas according to the ARRT mammography certification specifications and fulfill the MQSA initial training requirements.

MDI 423: Principles of Bone Densitometry

This course presents the student with the foundation and the current status of bone densitometry techniques in the radiologic science field. Included is the history of bone densitometry, technology involved, scanning protocols, the disease processes associated with bone densitometry, and the technologist's role in bone densitometry.

MDI 424: Advanced Mammography for Radiologic Technologists

This course is designed to expand the cognitive skills of technologists in the mammography field to include a greater knowledge of the different imaging procedures used to detect breast cancer and breast diseases. Students will explore the technology and techniques involved in interventional procedures, including stereotactic breast biopsy, and additional modalities used in breast imaging.

Discover the full Certificate in Women's Imaging course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Certificate in Women's Imaging program are well-positioned to pursue various rewarding career paths in the healthcare industry. With specialized mammography and bone densitometry training, alumni can work in hospitals, imaging clinics, and private practices or be traveling technologists. The advanced skills and knowledge gained through this program open doors to numerous professional opportunities, ensuring graduates can significantly impact their field. Graduates of the Certificate in Women Imaging can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

Mammography Technologist

Mammography technologists perform breast imaging procedures to aid in the detection and diagnosis of breast diseases.

Bone Densitometry Technologist

Bone densitometry technologists conduct bone density tests to assess bone health and can support medical staff in diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis.

Clinical Educator

Clinical educators train and mentor new technologists in imaging techniques and patient care practices.

Traveling Technologist

Traveling technologists provide imaging services in various locations, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare settings.

Admission Requirements

Fort Hays State University has established specific admission requirements to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the advanced coursework and clinical training in the Certificate in Women's Imaging program. These criteria help maintain a high standard of education and ensure that all participants have the foundational knowledge and professional credentials necessary for success in the program and subsequent certification exams.

Educational Background

Applicants must hold an associate's degree or certificate in Radiologic Technology from an accredited program. This foundational education ensures that all students have the necessary background knowledge and skills in radiologic technology to succeed in the advanced coursework of the Women's Imaging program.

Professional Certification

Candidates must be registered and in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography to be eligible for program consideration. This requirement guarantees that applicants have met the rigorous standards of professional competence and ethics the ARRT sets, which is essential for advanced practice in specialized imaging fields.

Completed Application Form

Prospective students must submit a completed application form through the Fort Hays State University admissions portal. This form collects essential information about the applicant's educational and professional background. It is the first step in the admissions process.

Official Transcripts

Applicants are required to provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. These transcripts are reviewed to verify the completion of necessary educational prerequisites and to assess academic performance in relevant coursework.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $1,579.68* (on-campus) or $2,058.64* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 8 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several related programs that complement the Certificate in Women's Imaging, providing additional pathways for professional development and specialization. These programs cater to various interests and career goals, ensuring students can access comprehensive educational opportunities in radiologic technology and diagnostic imaging:

FAQ

Are all the courses online?

Yes, the program offers online courses for flexibility, along with a 4-day campus requirement for the mammography course.

Do I have to be a certified radiography technician to complete the program?

Yes, you must be a certified radiography technologist and in good standing with the ARRT to enroll in this certificate program.

Can I complete the clinical requirements in my local area?

Yes, students can arrange to complete their clinical competencies at approved imaging facilities in their local area, ensuring convenience and accessibility.

What is the duration of the program?

The duration of the program varies depending on the student's pace, but if pursued full-time, it can typically be completed within one year.

Are there any financial aid options available for this program?

Fort Hays State University offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial assistance office for more details.

Information about the Department of Allied Health

The Allied Health Department at FHSU merges health care and technology to provide contemporary on-campus and online programs that prepare students for successful careers in the medical field. Our programs equip you with the skills to operate advanced imaging technologies, enabling you to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating a wide range of health issues. Whether studying on-campus or online, you will benefit from hands-on experience and a curriculum designed to prepare you for in-demand careers in various medical imaging environments.

Our nearly 100% pass rate on national certification exams demonstrates the effectiveness of our curriculum, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for the job market. Faculty members offer personalized academic and career mentoring, helping you secure ideal job opportunities.

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