Mammography Technologist Profession

The Mammography Technologist Profession

Mammography is a medical imaging modality that uses ionizing radiation to produce images of the breast. Graduates of the Mammography Program will be known as Mammographers or Mammography Technologists. The Mammographer is educated in physics, radiation safety, breast anatomy and pathology, and patient care. Duties of the Mammographer may include the performance of breast imaging procedures, corroboration of patient’s clinical history, patient preparation for procedures, operation of breast imaging equipment and associated devices, evaluation of breast images for technical quality, and assistance with interventional procedures and specific quality control tests.

About the Program

The Malcolm X College – Mammography is a one-semester program and provides a complete academic and clinical education for a career in Mammography. The clinical component requires students to obtain a minimum of 12 hours per week at an assigned clinical affiliate. Students already working in a Radiography or Mammography department may be allowed to use their work location for their clinical experience. Working students should not take jobs that will interfere with this schedule.

The program 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 requirement. Upon successful program completion, students may be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification examination in Mammography.

Before a student enrolled in the Malcolm X College Mammography program can be considered eligible to apply for ARRT certification, he or she must fulfill the following requirements:

• Successful completion of the academic and clinical requirements of the program
• All fees and other program charges paid in full
• All Malcolm X College and clinical site property in their possession must be returned, or else remit payment(s) for lost, stolen or damaged property 

Admission Requirements

Technical Standards for Acceptance

• ARRT (R) certification (completed or currently enrolled in a radiography program)
• BLS certification
• IEMA license

To participate in the clinical education portion of the Mammography Program, the student must possess additional nonacademic skills. These technical standards are consistent with the duties of the entry-level Mammographer in a professional position. The applicant should have the ability to: 

• Move, adjust and position patients for mammography exams 
• Move, adjust and manipulate equipment to perform mammographic procedures 
• Possess visual acuity to review and evaluate images to determine image quality 
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with patients, doctors and other personnel, and have the ability to follow written and verbal directions

To Apply: Application will open on September 22, 2025 and closes on November 14, 2025.

• Submit official college transcripts.
• Calculate admissions cumulative GPA.
• Submit your application via our Student Portal (my.ccc.edu). Please follow the steps listed below:
• Under "My Academic Plan"
• Within "Academic Planning"
• Click "Selective Application"

Job Outlook

Students who complete the Basic Certificate in the Mammography Program will have the opportunity to obtain a position as a Mammographer, with a median earning potential of $58,440 annually. To learn more about earning potential and employment opportunities, visit www.onetonline.org.

Earnings

According to the Radiologic Technologist Wage and Salary Survey – 2016, conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, full-time salaries in Illinois for Mammographers average $71,488. As with most professions, the length of time in the profession increases the salary accordingly.