Why Mammography Is Essential in Women’s Healthcare
Modern medicine provides so many advantages. From medications for many of the world’s diseases and conditions to the latest technology that helps detect issues as soon as they arise, you can trust you’re in good hands when you see a medical professional. Mammography is a field that is growing in importance, meaning the need for mammography technologists is as high as ever. Let the team at National Polytechnic College in Lakewood, California, help you understand why this field is on the rise.
What Is Mammography?
Mammography is the technique of using X-ray imaging to examine the breasts. Mammography can be used for screening to help with early detection or as a diagnostic tool if an issue is suspected. Mammograms are performed by specialists known as mammography technologists.
Mammograms involve placing the breast on a flat support plate and then compressing it with a parallel plate known as a paddle. The X-ray machine sends a small burst of X-rays through the breast to a device called a detector. There are solid-state detectors, which offer electronic signals to create a digital image, and photographic film detectors, which produce X-ray images on film.
Mammography is incredibly important because it is primarily used for early detection of breast cancer. It is also relied upon to diagnose a number of different breast diseases. The X-rays allow radiologists to get a comprehensive view of the tissue of the breast without any invasive procedures. This is especially helpful for breast-related issues, which may not be accompanied by noticeable pain or swelling. Using this medical imaging technique as a screening tool helps doctors identify any abnormalities early, which can help save lives.
How Mammography Technologists Make a Difference
Mammography technologists are counted on to carry out mammograms on patients. These medical professionals are essential members because they work closely with both patients and physicians. Some of the duties you can expect to undertake as a mammography technologist are:
- Prepping patients for mammograms and helping them understand the procedure
- Performing mammograms and making adjustments as needed
- Reviewing the images to ensure they are usable
- Keeping the equipment calibrated and in working order and reporting any issues
- Communicating with other healthcare professionals about the results
- Helping to ensure safety precautions are taken
Why Should You Become a Mammography Technologist?
With so much at stake when it comes to patient health, mammography techs are a staple in today’s doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. These critical members of a healthcare team not only help patients by aiding physicians in diagnosing potential medical problems but they also help address patient concerns and can connect with them at a time when patients may be nervous about their health.
Aside from the fulfilling nature of the job, mammography techs are also a position that is becoming more and more sought after. This means that you can expect some job security and stability, and the more jobs there are available, the more likely wages are to increase. The extensive knowledge and training that goes into certification as a mammography technologist also opens up more career opportunities, giving you room for advancement and professional growth.
Our Mammography Technician Program
National Polytechnic College has a mammography technologist school, helping aspiring medical professionals get the insight they need to confidently head into the medical field. Our Mammography Technician program takes roughly six months to complete and features a hybrid learning experience, providing both in-person lectures and remote learning opportunities. This makes it easier to fit your education around your schedule.
Not only do we offer passionate and knowledgeable instructors willing to help each student make the most of their potential, but our in-class lab also allows students to get practical, hands-on experience. And because our program meets the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) requirements, graduates will enjoy ARRT certification, proving to employers that they’ve put in the work. All you need to do to enroll is to be at least 18 years old and have a current and active ARRT certification in the capacity of radiography (X-ray technologist). This makes our school a great choice for those recently out of high school or those looking for a career change later in life.
Reach Out to Us Today
If you’re interested in helping patients, a mammography technologist is a great career choice. At National Polytechnic College in Lakewood, CA, we provide students with the instructors and tools they need to find success in the medical field. We have obtained plenty of accreditations and approvals, so you can trust you’re getting a great education.
We also feature a Career Services department that is dedicated to helping students find employment and a Financial Aid office that works hard to make education affordable for incoming students. If you’re interested in learning more about us or would like to take the first step in your professional journey, call us today at 888-379-4090.