Career Development

Mammography associates are essential to the breast imaging workforce. As a mammography associate, you will work in a multi-disciplinary team alongside radiographers within a hospital and may also work in a community setting (e.g. mobile breast screening units, medical centres). In addition to performing mammograms (X-rays of the breast), you will prepare individuals, equipment and work environments for mammograms to detect cancers.

Life as a Mammography Associate

You will work in a multi-disciplinary team within a hospital or in a community setting (e.g. mobile breast screening units, medical centres), performing routine mammography for clients attending screening, and individuals with symptoms of breast disease. You will have a good understanding of breast anatomy, physiology and pathology, including clinical signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and be able to apply knowledge of ionising radiation regulations.  You will be technically skilled in operating specialised mammography equipment and be responsible for monitoring equipment function and performance.  You will have responsibility for producing mammography images of consistently high quality. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and provide high-quality care for individuals attending for mammography.  You will work under the supervision of a radiographer. (copy found here: Mammography associate / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education )

Since 2019, it is advised that mammography associates hold a level 4 apprenticeship certificate as a mammography associate 12604-CoR-ECF-Interactive-v9a (sor.org)

Benefits of the role

A range of career options are available to those who specialise in breast radiography. As a mammography associate, you can make a real difference to patients’ lives, whilst pursuing a worthwhile, challenging and varied career. There is a Level 5 assistant practitioner in health apprenticeship programme and work is now ongoing to develop a Level 5 assistant practitioner in mammography. This will provide progression for current mammography associates. Mammography associates may also choose to progress their careers in radiography with a diagnostic radiographic apprenticeship or diagnostic radiographic degree (entry requirements may differ).

Real life stories

Andrea Jones, Mammography Associate Apprentice

Karen Coates, Mammography Associate

How to become….

• Level 4 apprenticeship – Mammography associate / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education / Mammography Associate Apprenticeship – National Breast Imaging Academy
• More information on support workforce careers can be found here: Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce | SoR

Courses and Training

• Level 4 apprenticeship – Mammography associate / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education / Mammography Associate Apprenticeship – National Breast Imaging Academy

Radiographers registered with HCPC and specialising in mammography for the national breast screening program must attain a postgraduate qualification. As a radiographer specialising in mammography you will work within a multidisciplinary team that deals with breast-related issues in a hospital environment. Your role involves performing mammograms on individuals who are part of the national breast screening programme and, in many departments, performing mammograms on patients with symptoms of breast disease, including breast cancer. You may work in a community setting (e.g. mobile breast screening units, medical centres) preparing individuals, equipment and work environments for mammograms (X-rays) to detect cancers.

Life as a specialist radiographer

Specialist radiographers are part of the wider multi disciplinary team supporting further assessment of those with suspicious changes on their screening mammogram or attending via a direct referral to exclude breast cancer.

As a specialist radiographer you will perform advanced or adapted imaging, assist with interventional procedures, support the education and training of others, supervise other staff and actively contribute to the quality assurance programme through performing quality control tests and auditing their practice.

You will consistently produce images of a high quality and use enhanced communication skills to provide excellent care within a sensitive clinical area. You will have a pivotal role in public health, promoting and delivering the screening programme and other health initiatives.

Benefits of the role

A range of career options are available to those who choose to specialise in breast radiography. As a radiographer working in breast imaging, you will use high level technical, caring and communication skills to support individuals through a possibly life-changing diagnostic intervention. Some radiographers undertake additional education and training to become enhanced or advanced practitioners, or with doctoral level study may become consultant radiographers. Roles in mammography education and training or service management are also available and provide their own rewards.

As a mammographer, you can make a real difference to patients’ lives, whilst pursuing a worthwhile, challenging and varied career.

Real life stories

Satcha Magorimbo, Trainee Mammographer

Steph Rickman, Mammographer

How to become….

• You’ll need to be a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered radiographer to apply for a postgraduate qualification in mammography. You are able to apply immediately after your radiography qualification should you wish or later in your career.
• The training programme is typically a one-year postgraduate certificate or diploma at level 7 that combines academic learning with clinical training. You’ll apply for your postgraduate training in mammography via an employer who will sponsor your course at their preferred training provider e.g. the local university. Your employer will also ensure you have access to the clinical practice in mammography needed for the course.
• More information on careers in radiography can be found here: Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce | SoR

Courses and Training

• King’s College Hospital Breast Radiology & Education Department in partnership with London South Bank University
• Nottingham Breast Institute in collaboration with Birmingham City University
• St George’s National Breast Education Centre in collaboration with St George’s University of London
• University of Salford in collaboration with the National Breast Imaging Academy, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
• Post Graduate Mammography Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Medical Imaging – National Breast Imaging AcademyRadi

Enhanced radiographic practitioners working in breast imaging are HCPC registered radiographers who have specialised in mammography and undertaken further post-graduate training. As an enhanced practitioner you will make a significant and essential contribution to patient care and clinical services. You will continue to contribute to all four pillars of practice, but particular emphasis is placed on clinical expertise.

You will have enhanced knowledge, skills and attributes underpinned by completion of individual modules at level 7, for example; breast intervention, mammography reporting or breast ultrasound. You will combine specialist knowledge and skills with your existing clinical skills in mammography for a fulfilling job role.

Life as an Enhanced Level Practitioner

Enhanced practitioners are part of a multidisciplinary breast imaging team. You will work closely with all mammographers (mammography associates, radiographers, advanced and consultant radiographers), breast clinicians and radiologists supporting clients and patients through imaging examinations that will confirm or exclude breast cancer.

You will possess excellent communication skills and work autonomously to maintain high standards. You will provide effective leadership and support for the training and development of others while ensuring high-quality patient care.

Benefits of the role

Enhanced practice breast radiographers specialise in a range of diagnostic interventions for patients and clients. You will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality care for breast patients and can develop their skills to become advanced or consultant practitioners. As a breast radiographer, you can make a real difference in patients’ lives as they go through the diagnostic process. Pursuing a career in this field can be worthwhile and challenging, offering various opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Real life stories

Under construction – we will be updating this content soon!

How to become….

• You’ll need to be a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered radiographer and have completed a postgraduate qualification in mammography before you can complete training as an enhanced practitioner.
• Enhanced practitioners will train in at least one of the following: breast intervention, mammography reporting, breast ultrasound. This postgraduate training is at level 7 and combines academic learning with clinical training.
• You’ll apply for your postgraduate training via your employer who will either sponsor your course at their preferred training provider or arrange for you to join the enhanced practitioner apprenticeship programme Enhanced clinical practitioner (level 6) – apprenticeship training course (education.gov.uk).
• Your employer will also ensure you have access to the clinical practice needed for the course.
• More information on careers in radiography can be found here: Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce | SoR

Courses and Training

• King’s College Hospital Breast Radiology & Education Department in partnership with London South Bank University
• Nottingham Breast Institute in collaboration with Birmingham City University
• Jarvis Breast Centre in partnership with St George’s, University of London
• University of Salford

Advanced practitioners are HCPC registered radiographers who will have developed advanced clinical competence in breast imaging. You will have a high degree of autonomy and complex decision-making skills that are underpinned by a wider foundation of knowledge, skills and expertise from your previous roles.

As an advanced practitioner you will meet the criteria for advanced practice defined by the NHS. You will possess a full master’s degree and work across the four pillars of advanced practice (clinical practice, education, leadership and management and research and development).

Life as a Mammographer – Advanced Level Practitioner

As an advanced practitioner you will hold a crucial clinical and leadership role, collaborating across professional boundaries. You will actively participate in practice and service development, as well as research by critically appraising evidence to improve your practice and implement innovative services. You will use advanced skills in breast diagnosis such as image reading, performing biopsies and ultrasound underpinned by educational qualifications. You will support patient diagnosis as part of the multi disciplinary team and colleagues with professional direction and leadership.

Benefits of the role

As an advanced practitioner you contribute significantly to the capacity of the multidisciplinary team for making diagnoses. As a core member of the MDT you will work alongside expert colleagues contributing to improving patient outcomes and service quality.

Real life stories

Clare Keevil – Advanced Practitioner Radiographer

How to become….

• You’ll need to be a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered radiographer and have completed a postgraduate qualification in mammography before you can complete training as an advanced practitioner.
• Advanced practitioners complete a full master’s degree and training in more than one of the following: breast intervention, mammography reporting, breast ultrasound.
• You’ll apply for your postgraduate training via your employer who will either sponsor your course at their preferred training provider or arrange for you to complete the Level 7 apprenticeship Advanced clinical practitioner (integrated degree) (level 7) – apprenticeship training course (education.gov.uk)
• Your employer will also ensure you have access to the clinical practice needed for the course.
• More information on careers in radiography can be found here: Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce | SoR

Courses and Training

• King’s College Hospital Breast Radiology & Education Department in partnership with London South Bank University
• Nottingham Breast Institute in collaboration with Birmingham City University
• Jarvis Breast Centre in partnership with St George’s, University of London
• University of Salford

Consultant practitioners are HCPC registered radiographers with considerable experience in breast imaging as advanced practitioners. As a consultant practitioner, you will have completed a Master’s degree or the equivalent and hold or are working towards a doctoral level qualification. You will demonstrate expert clinical capabilities that are built on previously developed experience and learning. You will meet the criteria defined by the NHS for the highest level of practice for allied health professionals making a significant contribution to patient care and service provision.

Consultant practitioners must work across all 4 pillars of practice. As a leader, you will play a crucial role in driving strategic change within your team. Through your advanced research and analytical skills, you will be able to navigate complex situations with ease. In addition to your high-level clinical duties, you may have educational responsibilities in both clinical and academic settings. You will work independently and possess extensive knowledge of breast imaging and diagnosis including policies, guidelines, and procedures.

As a consultant practitioner you will support your own case load as an expert in advanced breast medical imaging techniques and diagnostic procedures. You will dedicate a portion of your time to teaching and research.

Life as a Consultant Radiographer

What would a typical day involve?

Consultant practitioners work autonomously and provide expertise that supports appropriate clinical decision-making in interdisciplinary teams while promoting patient and service user advocacy.

As a consultant practitioner you will work closely with colleagues in the multi disciplinary team, managing your own case load of patients in a clinical setting and contributing to the diagnosis and management of all clients and patients within the service. Your excellent leadership qualities allow you to successfully negotiate, persuade, influence and inspire others in the pursuit of improved professional and clinical outcomes for all. You should inspire others through your role modelling and provide professional support to the radiographic team.

Benefits of the role

As a consultant practitioner you will work within the highest tier of the multi-disciplinary team alongside expert medical colleagues. You will use your expert knowledge, skills, and attributes to strategically lead and provide innovative and effective person-centred care. You will provide professional support and leadership in breast imaging and should influence the wider organisation and system.

Real life stories

Under construction – we will be updating this content soon!

How to become….

Minimum requirement

Master’s degree (FHEQ level 7; SCQF level 11), with expectation of completing a doctoral qualification (FHEQ level 8; SCQF level 12),if one is not already held

Expected requirement

Doctoral qualification (FHEQ level 8; SCQF level 12)

More information on careers in radiography can be found here: Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce | SoR

Courses and Training

• King’s College Hospital Breast Radiology & Education Department in partnership with London South Bank University
• Nottingham Breast Institute in collaboration with Birmingham City University
• Jarvis Breast Centre in partnership with St George’s, University of London
• University of Salford