What does a mammography technician do?
A mammography technician is primarily in charge of operating an imaging machine to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Their responsibilities include greeting patients, reviewing their identification and request documentation, explaining the extent of procedures, answering inquiries, operating machines, performing adjustments, and conducting the study in adherence to the protocols, making sure the patients feel comfortable every step of the way. Furthermore, as a mammography technician, it is essential to practice every safety technique during the procedures, all while enforcing the facility's policies and regulations.
Mammography technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real mammography technician resumes:
- Identify, prepare and position patients for procedure by using establish diagnostic imaging protocols to achieve the highest quality image.
- Analyze images, FRAX, form DXA reports, send exams to PACS, transfer complete reports to RIS.
- Perform DXA scans, including LVA.
- Perform MRI and mammography exams.
- Enter data daily for RIS system.
- Perform DEXA scans for osteoporosis testing.
- Assist by positioning patient for breast MRI.
- Show compassion, concern and respect for patient's well-being.
- Train numerous technologists on the machines and computer RIS systems.
- Gather, organize and conduct FDA inspection passing with no citations.
- Perform mammography; assist in stereotactic bx; u/s bx.Breast cyst aspirations
- Test density of the laid asphalt paper work and working with v-dot to meet there expectations
- Develop a SharePoint web parts to extract, and FTP files to a third-party vendor.
- Create a UNIX script base software programs for directorate printing and plotting of electronic documents.
- Acquire offsite training provide at Hologic and used this to further train hospital technologists in that modality.
Mammography technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 22% of Mammography Technicians are proficient in Patients, ARRT, and Patient Care. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Interpersonal skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Mammography Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 22%
Identified, prepared and positioned patients for procedure by using established diagnostic imaging protocols to achieve the highest quality image.
- ARRT, 13%
Performed, evaluated and recorded all digital quality control tests as part of the Mammography Clinical Experience required by ARRT.
- Patient Care, 11%
Provide high quality patient care to each individual ensuring a positive experience and encouraging return visits.
- Mammography Technologist, 7%
Completed MQSA-certification qualifications for Mammography Technologist
- Customer Service, 4%
Provided excellent customer service to a broad customer/patient demographic.
- Pacs, 3%
Mastered radiology/hospital information systems PACS.
"patients," "arrt," and "patient care" are among the most common skills that mammography technicians use at work. You can find even more mammography technician responsibilities below, including:
Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a mammography technician to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role because "radiologic and mri technologists must follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses." Additionally, a mammography technician resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "detail orientated, performed all quality control actions--instrumental in passing eight fda inspections; zero citations received. "
Interpersonal skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling mammography technician duties is interpersonal skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "radiologic and mri technologists work closely with patients who may be stressed or in pain." According to a mammography technician resume, here's how mammography technicians can utilize interpersonal skills in their job responsibilities: "lead technologist: perform diagnostic mammography examinations and breast biopsy procedures using superior interpersonal skills to reassure and guide nervous patients. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for mammography technicians to perform their duties. For an example of how mammography technician responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "radiologic and mri technologists may need to calculate the proper amount of radiation or magnetic resonance emitted in imaging procedures." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a mammography technician: "monitor vitals statistics inventory supply trauma cat-scan department prep patients patient interaction".
Physical stamina. For certain mammography technician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "physical stamina." The day-to-day duties of a mammography technician rely on this skill, as "radiologic and mri technologists often work on their feet for long periods during their shift and must be able to lift and move patients who need help." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what mammography technicians do: "assessed patient's condition and adjusted equipment to varied techniques to accommodate immobile and physically handicapped patients. "
Technical skills. Another crucial skill for a mammography technician to carry out their responsibilities is "technical skills." A big part of what mammography technicians relies on this skill, since "radiologic and mri technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery." How this skill relates to mammography technician duties can be seen in an example from a mammography technician resume snippet: "document and notate technical and clinical data, obtain patient history, and work effectively with radiology information systems. "
The three companies that hire the most mammography technicians are:
- RadNet149 mammography technicians jobs
- Solis Mammography81 mammography technicians jobs
- Onsite Health52 mammography technicians jobs
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Compare different mammography technicians
Mammography technician vs. Radiation therapist
A radiation therapist is a medical professional who works in hospitals or cancer treatment centers and treats cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments. Radiation therapists are required to explain the treatment plans to patients as well as conduct x-ray tests on patients to determine the exact location of the area that requires treatment. They must examine radiation machines to ensure that they are safe and working properly. Radiation therapists must also follow safety procedures to protect patients and themselves from overexposure.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between mammography technicians and radiation therapist. For instance, mammography technician responsibilities require skills such as "arrt," "mammography technologist," "customer service," and "pacs." Whereas a radiation therapist is skilled in "radiation oncologist," "patient treatment," "dosimetry," and "treatment planning." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, radiation therapists reach similar levels of education than mammography technicians. Radiation therapists are 1.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Mammography technician vs. Pet/ct technologist
A Pet/CT Technologist performs examinations of patients of all ages for the purpose of assisting in the diagnosis of illnesses. They maintain a clean environment inside and outside of the mobile coach/facility.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real mammography technician resumes. While mammography technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "arrt," "mammography technologist," "customer service," and "radiography," pet/ct technologists use skills like "pet," "radiology," "radiation safety," and "patient safety."
In general, pet/ct technologists achieve similar levels of education than mammography technicians. They're 1.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Mammography technician vs. Mri and ct technologist
A diagnostic radiologic technologist specializes in operating radiologic equipment such as X-rays and CAT scans, vital in helping physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions among patients. They function under the supervision of a radiologist, and their responsibilities often include assisting patients by giving them instructions, answering inquiries, helping them understand the procedures, preparing them for what they are about to feel, and making them feel comfortable during the entire process. Moreover, a diagnostic radiologic technologist must maintain an active communication line with team members to deliver efficient and quick results.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a mammography technician is likely to be skilled in "mammography technologist," "customer service," "radiography," and "mqsa," while a typical mri and ct technologist is skilled in "radiology," "iv," "magnetic resonance," and "cpr."
Mri and ct technologists typically earn similar educational levels compared to mammography technicians. Specifically, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Mammography technician vs. Diagnostic radiologic technologist
Even though a few skill sets overlap between mammography technicians and diagnostic radiologic technologists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a mammography technician might have more use for skills like "mammography technologist," "customer service," "radiography," and "mqsa." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of diagnostic radiologic technologists require skills like "radiologic technologist," "diagnostic radiology," "radiographic procedures," and "cpr. "
The government industry tends to pay the highest salaries for diagnostic radiologic technologists, with average annual pay of $57,393. Comparatively, the highest mammography technician annual salary comes from the health care industry.In general, diagnostic radiologic technologists hold similar degree levels compared to mammography technicians. Diagnostic radiologic technologists are 0.6% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of mammography technician
Updated January 8, 2025
