Mammography Technologist
Surgical Technician
A program that prepares registered radiographers to become registered mammographers.
What Mammography Technologists Do
A program that prepares registered radiographers to become registered mammographers.
Common Tasks
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 2Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 4Supervise laboratory sessions.
- 5Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
What You'll Learn
Types of Mammography Technologists
Work Environment
Locations
- • Hospitals
- • Outpatient imaging centers
- • Women’s health clinics
- • Breast care centers
- • Mobile mammography units
Schedule
Most work full time on a set schedule, with some early, evening, or occasional weekend shifts depending on the facility.
Physical Demands
The job involves long periods of standing and walking, frequent patient positioning, and repetitive movements while operating imaging equipment. You’ll regularly handle and move equipment and may assist patients with limited mobility while maintaining radiation-safety practices.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 517,600 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand may rise as the population ages and more people need routine breast cancer screening and follow-up imaging. Expanded access to preventive care and improved imaging technology can also increase the volume of mammograms performed.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Direct impact through early cancer detection
- • Specialized skill set within medical imaging
- • Typically stable, clinic-based work environments
- • Clear protocols and quality standards to guide work
- • Opportunities to advance into lead or educator roles
Cons
- • Frequent standing, lifting, and repetitive motions
- • Emotionally challenging patient interactions
- • Strict compliance and documentation requirements
- • Exposure risk requires constant radiation-safety vigilance
- • Time pressure to keep exams on schedule
Common Questions About the Mammography Technologist Trade
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