Why Mammography Technologists Need Continuing Education Credits
Mammography continuing education credits online are required for radiologic technologists to maintain their certification and licensure. The FDA’s Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) mandates 15 mammography-specific CE credits every 36 months, while the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) requires 24 total credits biennially.
Where to Find Online Mammography CE Credits:
- ASRT®-Approved Providers – Look for courses approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists
- AHRA®-Approved Providers – The American Healthcare Radiology Administrators also designates approved courses
- RCEEM Recognition – Ensure providers are recognized by an ARRT® Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism
- State-Specific Approval – Verify acceptance by your state licensing board (California, Texas, Florida have specific requirements)
- MQSA Compliance – Confirm courses count toward your 15 mammography-specific credits
As one technologist with 27 years of experience shared, “I learned about new modalities” that weren’t available when they first started. This reflects a common challenge: the field evolves rapidly with technologies like digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), making regular education essential.
The good news is that online courses offer a practical solution with immediate certificate generation, self-paced learning, and the ability to study from anywhere without travel or time off work. Most include downloadable materials, online testing, and instant access to completion certificates.
Whether you’re fulfilling MQSA requirements, preparing for ARRT® renewal, or meeting state mandates, mammography continuing education credits online provide a practical solution for busy healthcare professionals.
Understanding Mammography CE Requirements
Keeping track of continuing education requirements is a critical part of being a mammography technologist. These credits are not just red tape; they ensure you are sharp, current, and providing the best possible care. Staying up-to-date on the latest techniques gives you confidence that matters to anxious patients.
The Importance of Continuing Education
Breast imaging has changed dramatically, with digital mammography, 3D tomosynthesis, and artificial intelligence becoming standard. Failing to keep up means missing critical knowledge that directly impacts patient outcomes.
Staying current with advanced modalities means you can recognize subtle differences in image quality and understand the nuances of newer equipment. This is the difference between catching something early and missing it.
Improved patient outcomes happen when we combine technical skills with current knowledge. Better positioning techniques reduce callbacks, and understanding pathology helps us communicate more effectively with radiologists. Quality control knowledge ensures every image meets the highest standards.
Finally, maintaining credentials is non-negotiable. As we covered in our guide to Mammography Technologist License Renewal: What You Need to Know, letting your credits lapse can put your career on hold.
Decoding MQSA and ARRT® Mandates
You must track two main sets of requirements with different timelines, which can be confusing.
The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) is the federal law governing mammography facilities. It requires you to complete 15 continuing education units specific to mammography every 36 months. A key detail is that you need at least 6 CEUs related to each modality you use, such as standard digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis.
The ARRT® biennial renewal works on a two-year timeline. For this, you need 24 total credits. These must be Category A or Category A+ credits, approved by a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM) like the ASRT® or AHRA®.
The good news is your mammography-specific credits can usually count toward both requirements. If you earn 15 MQSA-compliant credits in a two-year period, those can also count toward your 24 ARRT® credits. You’d just need 9 more credits in any radiologic technology topic to complete your ARRT® requirement.
Every state has its own rules too, which is why we created our comprehensive guide on Mammography Continuing Education Requirements. California and Florida, for example, have additional state-specific mandates. The key is finding courses that clearly state their approvals for MQSA, ARRT® Category A, and specific state boards.
Finding Reputable Mammography Continuing Education Credits Online
When searching for mammography continuing education credits online, you’re investing in your career and patient well-being. It’s crucial to separate reliable providers from those that might cause issues at renewal time. Choosing a CE provider is like choosing a dependable colleague: you need someone qualified and trustworthy.
What to Look for in a High-Quality Online CE Provider
Approval by recognized accrediting bodies like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT®) and the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA®) is foundational. These ARRT®-designated organizations evaluate courses, and without their approval, your credits may not be accepted.
Equally important is ARRT® RCEEM recognition. The provider itself must be recognized by an ARRT® Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism, ensuring your courses will be accepted for ARRT® renewal. At ScrubsCE, all our courses are approved by an ARRT® RCEEM.
Practicality also matters. Look for clear pricing with flexible options like individual courses, package deals, or test-only options. Instant certificate generation is a game-changer; you should be able to download your certificate immediately after passing a post-test.
Responsive customer support is essential for any questions or technical issues. At ScrubsCE, we pride ourselves on being accessible. Also, look for positive reviews and testimonials from fellow technologists for valuable insights into course quality and platform ease-of-use.
A quality provider offers course variety covering digital mammography, DBT, quality control, and patient care. Finally, look for explicit guarantees of acceptance by state licensing boards, the ARRT®, and for MQSA compliance. At ScrubsCE, we guarantee that all our mammography continuing education credits online will be accepted by these bodies.
Verifying Course Acceptance
After finding a provider, you must verify that their courses will be accepted by your state board, the ARRT®, and for MQSA compliance.
State licensing boards are the first checkpoint. Some states, like Florida, require providers to be specifically approved and to report CE activities directly to the state. At ScrubsCE, we are a Florida-approved provider and handle this reporting for you. California requires that CE courses address the application of X-rays to the human body and be approved by an ARRT® credentialing body. All ScrubsCE courses meet these criteria.
For ARRT® acceptance, ensure the provider offers Category A or A+ credits through RCEEM recognition. This designation confirms the content meets ARRT® quality standards. We guarantee all CEUs you earn at ScrubsCE are approved by an ARRT® RCEEM.
MQSA compliance is non-negotiable. Your courses must meet the 15 mammography-specific CEU requirement every 36 months, with at least 6 CEUs for each modality you use. Many of our courses at ScrubsCE are designed to fulfill these critical requirements. A reputable provider makes all this information easy to find on their website.
Navigating Your Online CE Course Experience
Once you find a reputable provider, the online course experience is designed to be streamlined and user-friendly. Modern e-learning platforms eliminate barriers like rigid schedules and travel expenses, offering an experience that fits into your life.
Common Course Topics and Formats for Mammography Continuing Education Credits Online
Available courses reflect the real-world complexity and evolution of breast imaging. You’ll find courses covering digital mammography, from image acquisition to evaluation. Essential courses on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) explain the theory, benefits, and challenges of this 3D imaging approach.
Understanding breast anatomy remains foundational, with courses diving deep into development, pathology, and hormonal influences. Quality control courses cover MQSA requirements, QC procedures, and initiatives like EQUIP. You’ll also find courses on breast biopsy targeting techniques and the importance of patient care and communication.
Beyond these, courses address emerging techniques like elastography and contrast-improved mammography. For more details, see our article on 7 Topics You Will Cover in Mammography Continuing Education.
Formats are designed to match your learning style, including e-books and downloadable transcripts, video lectures, and interactive modules with quizzes and exercises.
How Online Mammography CE Courses Typically Work
The process to earn your mammography continuing education credits online is wonderfully straightforward.
First, you’ll purchase your course, choosing from options like test-only or complete packages. You get immediate access to all materials through an online portal.
Next is self-paced learning. Study whenever and wherever works for you, on any device. Our courses remain available for 365 days from purchase, so there’s no pressure. Many courses, like Mammographic Imaging: A Practical Guide, allow you to download transcripts for offline work.
When you feel confident, you’ll take a multiple-choice post-test in the online testing center. A passing score (usually 80%) is required, but multiple attempts are typically allowed.
Upon passing, you get an immediate certificate download. No waiting for mail—just download, print, or save your certificate right away. This instant access is a lifesaver when approaching a deadline.
Maximizing the Benefits of Online Learning
Earning mammography continuing education credits online is a game-changer for professional development. It offers a smart, sustainable way to continue learning that fits your schedule and budget, going beyond simply meeting requirements.
Cost, Convenience, and Career Growth
Compared to traditional in-person seminars, online learning has striking benefits. It eliminates costs for travel, hotels, and meals, as well as the need to use vacation days or lose income from taking time off work. The money saved can be substantial.
Even more valuable is your time. Online courses offer the flexibility to learn around demanding schedules, shift work, and family commitments. You can log in whenever you want, pause as needed, and pick up where you left off.
To maximize savings, look for package deals. Our Mammography Package, for example, includes 26 credits across 8 courses at a significant discount. Some packages include comprehensive series like our Breast Imaging Case Review Series. If you already have study materials, a “test-only” option can save even more money.
The career benefits are real, too. Consistently updating your knowledge makes you more valuable to your employer and better positioned for advancement.
Meeting Specialized Requirements with Mammography Continuing Education Credits Online
Online courses are particularly effective for meeting specific, targeted requirements like Structured Education and the ARRT®’s Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR).
For initial mammography certification, the ARRT® requires 16 credits of Structured Education. Comprehensive online series are designed to fulfill this requirement by covering the prescribed curriculum in an organized way. Our Breast Imaging Essentials: The Series is built for this purpose.
For the CQR prescription, you receive a personalized list of topics needing additional education based on your assessment results. Online learning allows you to find courses that precisely match your prescribed content areas, rather than sitting through a broad conference. Many platforms offer tools to help you match courses to your CQR prescription, making the process efficient and stress-free.
By strategically choosing your mammography continuing education credits online, you’re not just maintaining credentials—you’re actively shaping your expertise in a way that respects your time and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Mammography CE
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about earning mammography continuing education credits online.
How many CE credits do I need for mammography?
You need to meet requirements from multiple bodies. The MQSA requires 15 mammography-specific CEUs every 36 months, with at least 6 CEUs related to each modality you use (e.g., digital mammography, DBT). For your ARRT® biennial renewal, you need 24 total CE credits. Your MQSA credits can count toward this total if they are Category A or A+. Always check your state licensing board for additional requirements, as states like Florida and California have specific rules. Our guide on Mammography Continuing Education Requirements covers these details.
Are online mammography CE credits accepted by the ARRT® and for MQSA?
Yes, absolutely, as long as the courses are approved by an ARRT® Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM). Organizations like the ASRT® and AHRA® serve as RCEEMs, evaluating courses to ensure they meet quality standards. At ScrubsCE, all our courses are approved by an ARRT® RCEEM, meaning they meet both ARRT® and MQSA standards. We also guarantee acceptance by state registries. Reputable providers will always clearly state their approvals.
How quickly can I get my certificate of completion?
With mammography continuing education credits online, the process is immediate. Once you complete the course materials and pass the post-test (usually with an 80% score), your certificate of completion is generated instantly. You can download, print, or save it right away. This instant access is a major benefit, especially when you’re approaching a renewal deadline and need proof of completion quickly. No more waiting for a certificate to arrive in the mail.
Your Next Step in Professional Development
Now it’s time to take action. Staying compliant with MQSA and ARRT® mandates is about committing to excellence in patient care. Earning your mammography continuing education credits online is the smartest, most efficient way to honor that commitment while respecting your schedule and budget.
Choosing an accredited provider like ScrubsCE gives you immediate access to a comprehensive library of courses designed for your real-world needs, whether you’re fulfilling MQSA, ARRT®, or specialized CQR requirements. The flexibility of online learning adapts to your life. Study when you can, take the test when you’re ready, and instantly download your certificate.
Every course you complete improves your skills, improves patient outcomes, and builds your confidence. Your professional development can be an empowering journey. Take control today and find how straightforward earning your mammography continuing education credits online can be.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our full catalog of Mammography CE Courses and find the perfect fit for your continuing education needs.




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