Having a mammogram is a stressful situation. It's an uncomfortable procedure that can uncover a frightening disease: breast cancer. The person who conducts a mammogram---a mammography technologist---is not only the professional responsible for taking the mammogram image, she also is a comforter and an educator.
Function
A mammogram is an x-ray done to detect tumors in the breast. Mammograms are common medical procedures; the National Cancer Institute recommends yearly screening mammograms for women over the age of 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer or who are otherwise at special risk of the disease may start having screening mammograms at a younger age. If a possible tumor is detected during a screening mammogram or a woman has symptoms of breast cancer, the technologist does a more thorough diagnostic mammogram to get a better picture of breasts.
Duties
A radiological technologist operates a mammography machine and helps women through the mammography process. This specialist, called a mammography technologist, positions the patient's breasts for the specific images needed, then compresses the breasts in the mammography machine, using a special paddle. (Compression is necessary to get the clearest view of breast tissue.) She then takes the images of the breast from a separate room or from behind a glass shield.
Lifestyle
Most mammography technologists work full-time, on a reliable schedule: Emergency mammograms are rare. Salary is approximately $50,000, although this figure can vary greatly, depending on the area and the technologist's experience.
A mammogram can be a painful process, and many women feel uncomfortable when having their breasts handled by a stranger. If you want to become a mammography technologist, you should be compassionate and able to communicate well with patients, as a woman's state of mind during the mammogram greatly impacts their satisfaction with the process.
Requirements
To become a radiological technologist, you can either get a bachelor's degree in the subject or take a course to obtain a certificate or an associate's degree. In order to specialize in mammography, a radiological technologist can be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). To earn a mammography certification, she must undergo at least 40 hours of training, perform 100 mammograms, and pass various quality control examinations, along with other requirements (see Resources). Some states require mammography technologists to obtain a license before practicing.
Future
Digital mammography, which replaces the x-ray film of the conventional mammogram with digital images, can be clearer than conventional mammography and also makes images easier to share and store. Digital mammography is still a comparatively uncommon form of mammography---a 2005 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 8% of breast imaging units had digital mammography equipment---but it should become more common in future. At that point, the ability to work with computers will become even more important for mammography technologists.
Tags: breast cancer, mammography technologists, radiological technologist, Digital mammography, mammography machine, mammography technologist
