A mammography technician is a licensed health-care professional who specializes in using diagnostic imaging equipment to perform breast exams. He or she is in charge of greeting patients, setting up machines, explaining procedures, and ensuring that tests are completed properly. Test results are given to a radiologist after the procedure so that they can be interpreted and reported to patients. Mammography technicians work in a variety of settings, including general hospitals, women’s health clinics, and private doctors’ offices.
A mammography technician must have excellent communication skills and a friendly personality. Although mammography procedures are usually painless and quick, many women are concerned about the screening process or the results that will follow. A mammography technician’s job is to make his or her patients as relaxed and comfortable as possible. A professional should be able to fully explain the procedure ahead of time and assist the patient in remaining still during the screening. Following the mammogram, the technician can give the patient an estimate of when her results will be ready, as well as what she needs to know about payment plans and follow-up appointments.
A mammography technician must be well-versed in x-ray equipment as well as the technical aspects of the procedure. To keep machines in good working order, professionals are expected to know how to perform minor troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Although a technician is not responsible for interpreting mammogram results, he or she must be able to recognize when images are not clear or complete so that the test can be repeated.
Radiography training programs are available at local universities, community colleges, and allied health schools for those interested in becoming a mammography technician. The majority of aspiring technicians opt for associate’s degrees or two-year certificates in the field, though bachelor’s degrees are also available at many institutions. Following the completion of a college program, an individual can research regional licensing requirements. In most areas, licensure requires several hours of supervised on-the-job training and passing a written exam.
In both urban and rural areas, there is a high demand for licensed mammography technicians. New technicians usually start as assistants and work their way up to more responsibilities and higher salaries as their experience grows. In addition to performing breast exams, a successful mammography technician may be able to advance to a supervisory position in the future, overseeing other employees and performing administrative duties. Some employees choose to teach part-time or full-time at local schools in order to help new radiography professionals get started in the field.