The National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) are pleased to announce that their Level 4 Mammography Associate Apprenticeship programme has been re-approved and accredited by the College of Radiographers (CoR) until the end of the 2030/31 academic year.
The re-approval follows a comprehensive assessment by the College of Radiographers, during which the programme was scrutinised in detail by assessors. Following this rigorous review process, the College of Radiographers’ Approval and Accreditation Board recommended that the programme be re-approved, with the recommendation subsequently ratified by the College Board of Trustees in June 2026. The programme has been approved from the start of the 2026/27 academic year through to the end of the 2030/31 academic year.
Developed by a national Trailblazer group led by Lyndsay Kinnear, NBIA Mammography Training and Education Lead, the Level 4 Mammography Associate Apprenticeship created a new route into breast imaging and has helped open up careers in mammography to a wider range of people. The accreditation awarded by the College of Radiographers relates specifically to the programme delivered by NBIA and MFT, recognising the quality of its educational provision and the standards achieved by its apprentices.
The College of Radiographers’ approval and accreditation framework is designed to provide independent assurance that education programmes meet professional standards and support workforce development. Accreditation demonstrates that a programme is delivering high-quality education and training that aligns with the needs of the profession and healthcare services.
Apprentices who have completed the NBIA and MFT accredited programme are eligible to apply for College of Radiographers accreditation as Mammography Associates, offering professional recognition of the knowledge, skills and competencies they have achieved through the apprenticeship.
Commenting on the re-accreditation, Lyndsay Kinnear, NBIA Mammography Training and Education Lead, said:
“We are delighted that the NBIA and MFT Mammography Associate Apprenticeship has been re-approved and accredited by the College of Radiographers until 2031.
“For current and future apprentices, this accreditation provides assurance that they are joining a programme that has been independently assessed and recognised by the professional body. It gives learners confidence that they are receiving a high-quality educational experience and, importantly, provides additional professional recognition and benefits on completion of the programme.”
Lyndsay added:
“This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our teaching team, employer partners, practice educators, clinical trainers, mentors and apprentices, and we are proud to continue offering an accredited programme that supports the future breast imaging workforce.”
The Level 4 Mammography Associate apprenticeship combines academic study, workplace learning and clinical experience, equipping apprentices with the skills and knowledge required to work effectively within breast screening and symptomatic breast services.
For employers, the programme offers a sustainable way to develop workforce capacity and grow talent within their own services. For apprentices, it provides a nationally recognised route into a specialist and rewarding profession.
Visit the NBIA website to learn more about the Mammography Associate apprenticeships