Mammography

Department: Mammography

Program Type: Health Professions

Overview

Working in a mammography department at a hospital is a rewarding career for highly trained professionals. Once you have completed your radiography certification and want to take your career to the next level, consider working with breast imaging and mammograms. This one-semester post-radiography advanced certificate is available to accredited radiography graduates. Adding this credential to your resume may give you an additional opportunity to work in outpatient clinics.

Our Training Standards

ECC's curriculum incorporates the standards established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the guidelines set forth by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The curriculum includes the initial Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) training and education requirements. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification examination in Mammography. This highly sought-after and competitive certification admits approximately ten part-time and ten full-time applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Full-time students will be given priority for clinical placement.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The employment outlook for mammography technologists is expected to be positive in the coming years. Growth is attributed to an aging population and an increase in the use of medical imaging for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Additionally, advancements in technology and the use of digital mammography are expected to increase the demand for mammography technologists. Roughly 16,600 job openings are projected each year over the next decade.

Refer to Career Coach for information on similar x-ray technologist occupations and compensation.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the mammography plan of study and course descriptions.

Basic Vocational Certificate

Mammography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT) - application deadline 6/15

Associate of Applied Science

Radiography - application deadline 12/15

What is Mammography?

A mammography technologist is a person who has gone through training to become a licensed X-ray technologist. This specialty involves learning how to use machines to take pictures of a person's breasts for medical purposes, like checking for health issues. The training follows the rules outlined in the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).

Mammography has been around for 30 years and has improved with new technology. Although mammograms can't say for sure if something abnormal is cancer, if it looks suspicious, doctors may need to take a small piece of tissue for testing.

What does a Mammographer do?

You'll work with sophisticated low-dose X-ray equipment to produce breast screening and diagnostic images. Professional duties include:

Performing breast imaging procedures.
Recording a patient's clinical history.
Preparing patients for procedures.
Operating and evaluating breast images for technical quality.
Assisting with interventional procedures and quality control tests.

How do I become a mammography technician?

Mammography is an advanced certification option for Associate of Applied Science in Radiology graduates. The program accepts candidates for admission in the fall semester. All classes are offered online or in a hybrid format. In hybrid courses, students must participate in occasional face-to-face sessions and attend scheduled laboratory experiences at the college and clinical experiences at various locations.

How much do mammographers make?

The average Mammography Technologist's salary in the United States is $78,447, but the range typically falls between $71,199 and $85,489.

Is mammography technologist a good career?

Adding mammography certification to your radiographer's resume can significantly enhance your qualifications to perform mammography procedures. Many employers mandate professional certification, and with ECC's program, you'll acquire the advanced credentials needed to secure a position in your field.