Certificate in Women’s Imaging
Hours: 8 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Women’s Imaging at Fort Hays State University is intended for certified imaging technologists aiming to expand their expertise in specialized fields such as mammography and bone densitometry. This certificate enhances diagnostic skills and professional versatility, fulfills continuing education requirements, and provides college credit hours supporting professional certification eligibility.
It includes focused courses in mammography and bone densitometry, approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as meeting the initial education requirements for ARRT certification exams. Delivered through online and on-campus instruction, the certificate offers flexible and accessible options for working professionals.
Why pursue a Certificate in Women’s Imaging at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Women’s Imaging is distinguished by its specialized focus on mammography and bone densitometry, areas often underrepresented in other imaging certificates. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) approves the courses, ensuring that the curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
FHSU prioritizes maintaining an up-to-date curriculum that reflects the rapid advancements in imaging technology. This approach ensures that certificate recipients acquire the most current knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the evolving healthcare environment. The certificate equips technologists to confidently and competently meet professional demands by integrating theoretical instruction with practical application.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is well-suited for those seeking professional growth, meeting continuing education requirements, or pursuing eligibility for ARRT certification.
- 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
Real-World Applications
Students who complete the certificate are well-prepared to apply their skills in a variety of healthcare settings. The certificate qualifies technologists to work in mammography or bone densitometry roles within hospitals, imaging clinics, or as traveling technologists.
Through practical, hands-on training, participants are able to translate classroom knowledge into real-world patient care, building competence and confidence. The certificate’s emphasis on clinical competencies and observational learning provides valuable experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. This comprehensive preparation supports success on national certification exams and ensures readiness for the demands of clinical practice.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University integrates the latest advancements and trends in medical imaging into the curriculum. Courses are regularly updated to reflect new technologies and techniques, ensuring participants stay current with best practices and emerging innovations in mammography and bone densitometry.
In a field where rapid technological progress directly influences diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes, staying up to date is essential. FHSU’s ongoing commitment to curriculum improvement ensures that individuals who complete the certificate are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
Hands-on Activities
The Certificate in Women’s Imaging emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on training. In the Mammography course, participants complete clinical competencies following their didactic instruction, ensuring proficiency in practical applications. In the Bone Densitometry course, students gain direct experience by observing and assisting technologists during examinations, enhancing their understanding of both patient care and imaging procedures.
These hands-on experiences are vital for developing the practical skills essential to the field. Participants build the confidence and competence necessary to succeed in professional clinical environments by working closely with patients and operating advanced imaging equipment.
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
This certificate offers a focused curriculum that combines comprehensive knowledge with practical experience in mammography and bone densitometry. Core courses are carefully designed to cover key concepts and essential hands-on skills, ensuring participants develop the proficiency needed to excel 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 in the specialized mammography field. It 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.
Students who complete the Certificate in Women’s Imaging are well-equipped to pursue a variety of rewarding career opportunities in healthcare. With specialized training in mammography and bone densitometry, they qualify to work in hospitals, imaging centers, private practices, or as traveling technologists. The advanced knowledge and skills acquired through the certificate prepare participants to contribute meaningfully to their profession and advance in their careers.
Mammography Technologist
Mammography technologists perform breast imaging procedures to assist in the detection and diagnosis of breast diseases.
Bone Densitometry Technologist
Bone densitometry technologists perform bone density tests to evaluate bone health and assist medical staff in diagnosing conditions such as osteoporosis.
Clinical Educator
Clinical educators train and mentor new technologists in imaging techniques and patient care practices.
Traveling Technologist
Traveling technologists deliver imaging services across multiple locations, offering flexibility and experience in diverse healthcare environments.
Fort Hays State University has established specific admission requirements for the Certificate in Women’s Imaging to ensure participants are prepared for the advanced coursework and clinical training. These criteria maintain high educational standards and verify that individuals possess the foundational knowledge and professional credentials necessary for success in the certificate and related certification exams.
Educational Background
Applicants must hold an associate degree or certificate in Radiologic Technology from an accredited program. This foundational education ensures that all participants possess the essential knowledge and skills in radiologic technology needed to succeed in the advanced coursework of the Certificate in Women’s Imaging.
Professional Certification
Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography to be eligible for the certificate. This requirement ensures that participants have met the ARRT’s rigorous professional competence and ethics standards, which are 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 and is the first step in the admissions process.
Official Transcripts
Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. These transcripts are reviewed to verify the completion of required 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 $1,629.84* (on-campus) or $2,120.40* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 8 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/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?
Applying to the Women’s Imaging program requires you to complete two applications, one for FHSU and one for the program.
Applicants must be accepted to Fort Hays State University before official admittance to the Women’s Imaging program.
Please submit your Certificate in Medical Diagnostic Imaging Application Form
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 a variety of interests and career goals, ensuring participants have access to comprehensive educational opportunities in radiologic technology and diagnostic imaging:
Yes, the certificate offers online courses for flexibility, along with a 4-day campus requirement for the mammography course.
Yes, you must be a certified radiography technologist and in good standing with the ARRT to enroll in this certificate.
Yes, students can arrange to complete their clinical competencies at approved imaging facilities in their local area, ensuring convenience and accessibility.
The duration of the certificate varies depending on the student's pace, but if pursued full-time, it can typically be completed within one year.
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 Department of Allied Health at FHSU integrates healthcare and technology to offer modern on-campus and online programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the medical field. These programs provide students with the skills needed to operate advanced imaging technologies, supporting physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health conditions.
Whether studying on-campus or online, students gain valuable hands-on experience through a curriculum tailored to meet the demands of various medical imaging environments. The department’s nearly 100% national certification exam pass rate reflects the strength and effectiveness of its programs, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the workforce.
Faculty members provide personalized academic and career mentoring, guiding students toward securing optimal job opportunities in their field.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Association of Radiologic Technology Students (ARTS): This organization helps students build and strengthen professional connections within the healthcare field while offering opportunities to participate in events such as Radiologic Technologist Week.
- Society of Student Sonographers (SSS): This organization provides students with opportunities to connect with professionals in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and participate in a range of professional and educational activities.
- Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists (KSRT): Radiologic Technology students are encouraged to become members of this statewide professional organization, engage in its annual convention, and pursue leadership opportunities within the society.
- Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS): Sonography students are encouraged to join this national professional organization, participate in its national convention, and utilize a wide range of valuable resources related to the field.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
