With the American medical industry growing rapidly, supportive staff is in high demand. Mammography technologists are licensed radiology technicians who specialize in performing mammograms, helping doctors identify cancer for prompt and successful treatment. National Polytechnic College (NPCollege) in Lakewood, California, provides healthcare training programs, including mammography technician training. Here, we explore a career as a mammographer, the career outlook and income, and how to become a mammographer in California.
What Is a Mammography Technologist?
Mammography units are specialized X-ray machines used to capture images of breast tissue, which are used for diagnostic purposes. By examining them, doctors may identify tumors, masses, and other anomalies. Mammography is an essential part of breast cancer detection and treatment since the sooner cancer is identified, the better the patient’s chance for a complete recovery.
A mammography technologist, also sometimes called a mammography technician or a mammographer, is a fully licensed X-ray technologist who specializes in mammography. They are responsible for performing both routine and diagnostic mammography scans and are specially trained to operate the equipment safely to create clear images for diagnosis. They are also the patient’s primary point of contact throughout the process.
Job Duties to Expect
Mammographers work in medical settings. More than half of them can be found in hospitals, though they may also find work in doctor’s offices, clinics, and other types of facilities. They usually work full-time and spend most of the day on their feet. Workdays may be fast-paced and packed with duties, with everyday responsibilities including:
- Explaining mammography procedures to patients
- Responding to and easing patient fears
- Immobilizing the patient’s breast to ensure a clear image
- Operating mammography scanning equipment
- Monitoring the scanning process
- Adjusting video settings to improve picture quality
- Determining whether images are satisfactory for diagnosis
- Communicate with attending physicians and radiologists
At every stage of the process, mammography technologists must also follow radiation safety measures and use the appropriate protective equipment. Not only is this essential for compliance with government regulations, but it also ensures the technologist’s safety and that of their patient.
Career Outlook and Satisfaction
The American healthcare system is currently undergoing significant growth. Supportive medical staff of all kinds, from medical assistants to technologists, are in higher demand than ever. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) currently predicts a 6% growth in employment for radiology technologists over the next 10 years – faster than average. This amounts to over 16,000 job openings nationwide.
With this positive outlook, becoming a mammographer may open the door to many opportunities. High demand helps individuals find jobs more easily. It also contributes to better job stability – helping you hold onto jobs with less risk of layoffs.
As workers in the medical industry, mammography technologists can also look forward to competitive salaries. According to BLS, their nationwide average income is over $76,000 per year or $36 per hour. These numbers are even higher in California. CA is among the highest-paying states for mammography technologists, at over $88,052 per year or $43 per hour.
How to Become a Mammographer at NPCollege
To become a mammographer, you must first become a nuclear medicine or radiologic technologist. This step requires earning an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certificate through a diploma or associate degree program such as the ones offered at NPCollege. Training involves a combination of hands-on laboratory work, clinical hours, and classroom lectures on topics such as:
- Radiology theory
- Anatomy and physiology
- Algebra
- Medical terminology
After earning an ARRT certification, students may then pursue a program in mammography. These programs, including the one at NPCollege, are designed for students who have already completed a radiologic technologist program and understand the basics of radiology technology. They take only around 6 months to complete and offer a variety of benefits:
- More opportunities: Many facilities either prefer or require radiologic technologists to be trained in mammography. Completing a program opens these positions.
- Improved outlook: Specialized roles are more difficult for employers to replace so they often come with better job security and income.
- Education compliance: Continuing education is required for radiologic technologists to maintain their certification. A mammography program fulfills this requirement.
- Boost confidence: By expanding your knowledge and skill set, you’ll boost your confidence and become better at performing your job duties.
Kickstart Your Mammographer Career at NPCollege
Do you think you have what it takes to become a mammographer? Start training today at National Polytechnic College. Located in Lakewood, we serve residents of CA with outstanding training programs in medical imaging, including radiology and mammography. We also offer career services and excellent financial aid opportunities for students who qualify, making it easier to invest in your future. To learn more about how to become a mammographer or about our admissions, contact us at 1-888-379-4090.