(left to right) Liza Velasquez, mammography coordinator at San Jacinto College Central Campus; Martha Devera, mammography program graduate; and Linda Garcia, mammography student and radiologic technologist with Christus St. John Hospital, demonstrate a procedure on the Lorad M-4 analog mammography unit, donated by the Clear Lake Regional Breast Diagnostic Center. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department

Breast Diagnostic Center donates equipment for training of future mammographers

 Jeannie Peng-Armao -- November 16, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College recently received a Lorad M-4 analog mammography unit donated by the Clear Lake Regional Breast Diagnostic Center to meet the training needs of an increasing volume of mammography students.

Mammography courses during the past two years at the College's Central Campus have reached maximum capacity, with the health sciences radiology lab housing only one mammography unit. With this second unit, an additional instructor will be utilized to help train more students. Valued at approximately $6,000, the Lorad M-4 unit has the ability to image a variety of body types for screening or diagnostic mammograms and specimen imaging. 

“This equipment helps the students practice without being under pressure in front of a patient,” said Sherri Hamilton, supervisor at the Breast Diagnostic Center. “San Jacinto College has the best radiology program around. About two-thirds of our staff is from the College. They come to us prepared for work in the field.”

Training in mammography can mean an increase in pay, according to Liza Velasquez, mammography coordinator, adding that once a San Jacinto College student finishes the radiology degree program, he or she may further pursue the semester-long mammography program for a salary raise of up to $10,000. Employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow by 28 percent over the next eight years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment remaining steady for those who specialize in mammography.

“This donation is a true blessing for the mammography lab,” said Velasquez. “Clear Lake Regional Breast Diagnostic Center has been extremely helpful since the start of the mammography program in 2011. I am thankful for all of the wonderful staff and mammographers there who help our students succeed.”

About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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