Page 69 - Radiography Flipbook

Position Statement on Breast Imaging Clinical Rotations

Adopted by the JRCERT Board of Directors (April 2016)

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Standards for an
Accredited Educational Program are designed to promote academic excellence, patient safety, and quality
healthcare. The JRCERT accreditation process offers a means of providing assurance to the public that a
program meets specific quality standards. The process helps to maintain program quality and stimulates
program improvement through program assessment.

Standard Four - Objective 4.4 of the JRCERT Standards requires a program to document that it “provides
equitable learning opportunities for all students.”

The JRCERT does not provide legal advice to program officials. Nevertheless, the JRCERT has received
numerous inquiries regarding the placement of students in clinical rotations/procedures involving breast
imaging. The JRCERT understands that there have been significant concerns regarding the interpretation of
the JRCERT Standards regarding equitable learning opportunities for all students. As a point of clarification,
the JRCERT notes that equitable means dealing fairly with all concerned. It does not necessarily mean equal.

The JRCERT has analyzed statistical data that indicates current imaging practices in mammography have
resulted in minimal employment opportunities for males. Certification demographic data indicates that less
than 1% of the approximately 50,000 technologists registered in mammography by the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) are males. Overwhelmingly, clinical site policies prohibit male students
from participation in breast imaging procedures. Such participation is limited due to liability concerns, as well
as consideration for the interests of the patient. These policies are established not only for mammography
exams, but also for other gender-specific examinations performed by professionals who are the opposite
gender of the patient.

With regard to breast imaging, the JRCERT has determined programs must make every effort to place a male
student in a breast imaging clinical rotation/procedure if requested; however, programs will not be expected to
attempt to override clinical site policies that restrict breast imaging rotations/procedures to female students.
Male students should be advised that placement in a breast imaging rotation is not guaranteed and, in fact,
would be very unlikely. To deny breast imaging educational experience to female students, however, would
place those students at a disadvantage in the workforce where there is a demand for appropriately educated
professionals to address the needs of patients. It is noted that the same clinical site policies that are in place
during the breast imaging educational rotations are most likely applicable upon employment, thus limiting
access for males to pursue careers in breast imaging.

The JRCERT reiterates that it is the responsibility of each clinical site to address any legal challenges related to
a program’s inability to place male students in a breast imaging rotation. All students should be informed and
educated about the various employment opportunities and potential barriers that may affect their ability to
work in a particular clinical staff position.

Adopted by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology: 04/16
Revised: 08/20