ARRT Mammography study plan

Label a blank breast diagram from memory with at least 12 structures, including skin, nipple-areola complex, subcutaneous fat, glandular lobes and lobules, lactiferous ducts and sinus, Cooper suspensory ligaments, retromammary space, pectoralis fascia, and the axillary tail of Spence.

Describe in writing how breast tissue composition changes across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause, and state the imaging implication of each change.

List every quality control test required in a mammography facility and sort them into daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual frequency columns.

State the pass/fail limit or acceptance criterion for each QC test you listed, and name who may perform and interpret it.

Explain how kVp, mAs, target/filter combination, and focal spot size trade off against contrast, glandular dose, and spatial resolution.

Trace the x-ray beam path from tube to detector and write the function of each component, including filtration, collimation, compression paddle, anti-scatter grid, AEC chambers, and image receptor.

Explain how changes in kVp, added filtration, compressed breast thickness, and grid ratio alter mean glandular dose and subject contrast.

Describe automatic exposure control operation, chamber selection logic, and a step-by-step troubleshooting sequence for underexposed and overexposed images.

Differentiate screen-film, computed radiography, and direct digital mammography by detector design, and describe how each affects processing, calibration, and repeat analysis.

Describe the QC procedures for compression force, paddle alignment, beam alignment, and automatic exposure control, including the tool used and the measurement recorded.

Classify at least 15 breast findings as benign, probably benign, suspicious, or malignant using standard descriptor vocabulary for calcifications, masses, asymmetries, and architectural distortion.

Differentiate benign from suspicious calcifications by describing size, shape, distribution, and number.

Describe the typical imaging appearance and clinical behavior of invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, DCIS, fibroadenoma, simple cyst, intraductal papilloma, fat necrosis, and intramammary lymph nodes.

Correlate each BI-RADS assessment category from 0 through 6 with its recommended management and the documentation required.

Explain how pregnancy, lactation, hormone therapy, prior surgery, radiation therapy, and implants alter both normal anatomy and pathologic appearance.

Demonstrate the standard craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique positioning sequence aloud, naming each patient-handling and machine-handling step in order.

Verify a technically adequate craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique image against acceptance criteria, including nipple in profile, adequate pectoral muscle to nipple line, open inframammary fold, and absence of motion or skin folds.

List the additional views and techniques used for problem solving, including spot compression, magnification, exaggerated craniocaudal, cleavage, axillary, and implant-displaced views, and state when each is indicated.

Evaluate a described positioning or exposure error and propose the specific corrective action for the next attempt.

Explain how to modify positioning and technique for the patient with implants, prior mastectomy, limited mobility, or skin breakdown.

Assess a patient history for factors that change technique or interpretation, including implants, prior surgery, hormone use, family history, symptoms, and lactation.

Explain compression rationale and coaching language to a patient in plain terms, then write a teach-back script of 150 words or fewer.

Describe the components of a complete pre-examination patient interview and the documentation required for each element.

Describe how to communicate screening recommendations, recall results, and BI-RADS outcomes without inducing unnecessary alarm, including the limits of breast self-examination.

Explain radiation risk communication, including how to frame dose comparisons and benefit-risk for a screening-age patient.

Order the steps of the patient encounter from identification and history through positioning, exposure, image review, and dismissal, and state the safety check at each step.

Describe the assessment and accommodation required for patients with physical, cognitive, sensory, or language barriers, and for the transgender or male patient presenting for mammography.

List the elements of informed consent and patient confidentiality as they apply to mammography, including release-of-records and results notification.

Explain how to recognize and respond to a vasovagal reaction, skin reaction, or fall risk during positioning.

Analyze your error log from prior weeks and rank the four domains from weakest to strongest by percentage missed.

Re-teach your two weakest subtopics by writing a one-page summary of each without referring to notes.

Re-drill every missed objective from Weeks 1 through 6 until each is answered correctly twice in a row.

Recite the QC frequency and pass/fail grid and the BI-RADS categories from memory in a single timed sitting.

Complete two timed full-length practice sets of self-written questions weighted 25 percent per domain, and score each.

Review every missed item to the level of naming the underlying concept, not just the correct answer.

Reconstruct from memory the QC grid, the BI-RADS table, the CC and MLO acceptance criteria, and the positioning sequence.

Simulate exam-day logistics by rehearsing timing, break strategy, and a final 24-hour review sheet.