Mammo Technologist

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.

As our Mammography Technologist (Mammo Tech), you will be vital in early breast cancer detection, performing high-quality mammographic imaging with precision and compassion.

Every day, you will expertly operate equipment, meticulously position patients, ensure comfort, perform quality control, and maintain accurate records. You'll collaborate with radiologists and adhere to safety and regulatory standards for comprehensive breast health.

To be successful in this role, you will possess current mammography certification, exceptional technical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a compassionate demeanor, ensuring accurate diagnostics and positive patient experiences.

• Prepares equipment for imaging tests in accordance with established standards, safeguards and protocols to ensure quality results; performs quality assurance checks to ensure all parameters are within appropriate limits and the diagnostic quality of the images produced.
  
  
  • Verifies proper operation of equipment prior to use; sets imaging parameters for procedure; performs computer processing and displays images in accordance with internal protocols.
  • Utilizes equipment/accessories and employs techniques/procedures to ensure that results are consistent.
  • Selects appropriate protocols to tailor scans of each patient while producing superior image quality; ensures that sufficient supplies are on hand to perform procedures.
  • Cleans equipment after each use.
    
    
• Explains procedure(s) to patient in preparation for the examination to reduce anxieties and obtain patient cooperation; ensures that all questions/concerns are addressed prior to beginning the exam; monitors and documents physiological condition of the patient prior to, and during, the procedure.
  
  
  • Identifies patient in accordance with established guidelines using two unique identifiers; verifies preparation procedures are proper and in order.
  • Assesses physical and emotional comfort of the patient at regular interval throughout the procedure.
    
    
• Operates imaging equipment to perform mammography screening/diagnostic protocols based on physicians’ orders and in accordance with professional imaging standards/protocols and regulatory requirements.
  
  
  • Positions and immobilizes the patient’s breast in unit so that anatomy/pathology is correctly visualized in the field of view, making the necessary slice selections for the requested examination; selects the length and intensity of radiation exposure by adjusting equipment on an individual basis; moves imaging equipment to specific positions and adjusts controls to set exposure factors based on knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques and protocols; Interprets unusual tissue contract patterns and alters or adds protocols as necessary to enhance diagnosis.
  • Observes the scanning process by continually monitoring the video display of the area being scanned and adjusting the density or contrast to improve picture quality; reviews and evaluates the film or image recording plate to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
  • Protects patients by following established pre-screening policy and procedures; practices radiation protection techniques by using beam restrictive devices, patient shielding skills as necessary; follows prescribed patient safety standards in operating all required equipment.
  • May assist a physician in performing stereotactic breast biopsies to develop additional information with respect to suspected abnormalities; may use a special automated biopsy needle placed by computer guidance using stereotactic mammogram images.
  • May performs basic nursing functions in regard to patient care; responds to emergency situations consistent with scope of authority.
    
    
• Maintains records and documentation as required by department protocols and licensure requirements.
  
  • Prepares cases for immediate interpretation; assembles patient's records; prepares previous cases for physician review.
  • Maintains daily records of exams.
  • Prepares hard copies from multi-format laser images; transfers images to magnetic tape for archival and storage.
    
    

Education/Work Experience 

Graduation from an accredited school of Radiological Technology, and two years of related work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities. Some designated positions may require successful completion of accredited coursework for stereotactic breast biopsy, or willingness to be trained on-the-job to perform this procedure. A minimum of fifteen continuing education credit hours in a 36-month period specific to mammography is required. Or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position and that meets the qualifications of any required certification or licensure. 

Licensure/Certification 

American Registry of Radiological Technologist (ARRT) (M) (R) Current State of Washington licensure as a Radiology Technologist – Certified. Washington Society of Radiological Technologist (WSRT) recommended. Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS Certification