Graduate Diploma of Mammography
Graduate Diploma of Mammography - Charles Sturt University
Interested in a career change? If you have an undergraduate degree in a Health or Science related field, you may be eligible for the Graduate Diploma of Mammography at Charles Sturt University, supported by BreastScreen WA. There are six places available in WA for intake in January 2026.
This course will take place over 42 weeks plus a one-week face-to-face intensive course located at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
The practical component of this course will involve you to undertake mammograms under the supervision of highly experienced BreastScreen WA staff, who will guide you through the process until you are able to perform mammograms with minimal supervision, and then on your own.
At the completion of your Graduate Diploma of Mammography, the intention is to offer you the opportunity to work at BreastScreen WA at a minimum of 0.5FTE.
Working at BreastScreen WA
BreastScreen WA is highly renowned for its caring and woman-centred approach to mammography screening, resulting in countless lives saved through the early detection of breast cancer, under the BreastScreen Australia Program.
Why work at BreastScreen WA?
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State-of-the-art, modern equipment.
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Family-friendly hours, no night-shifts, no public holidays, no being on-call.
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Saturday overtime available but not compulsory.
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Various locations across the Perth metro area, as well as opportunities to work across rural and remote WA.
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Attractive salary (P-1) $88,411 - $119,660 p.a. ($91,726 - $124,147 as of 1 July 2026) pro rata, plus 12% super; starting pay based on prior experience.
When do applications close?
Applications are expected to close in January 2026.
When does the course commence and finish?
The course commences 2 February 2026 and runs until 26 February 2027.
Is it a full-time course?
Students must complete at 0.5FTE (e.g. 2 days one week 3 days the next).
Is this available to international students?
The course is not CRICOS registered so international students are unable to enrol.
How many places are there?
There are a total of six places offered to WA-based post-graduates.
Is there any travel required?
Other than the initial 1-week intensive component in Wagga Wagga, NSW (2 February 2026 - 6 February 2026), the rest of the course is online. On-campus accommodation may be available to you for the Intensive School period.
Is the travel cost covered?
The cost of the travel is not covered as part of the course fees, however, BreastScreen WA is exploring options to contribute towards travel and accommodation expenses.
Is there a practical component and is it paid?
There is a practical component. You will be required to undertake a minimum of 50 supervised mammograms over a period of 42 weeks with real clients in our BSWA clinics (unremunerated).
Do I need to be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident to complete this course?
The course is not CRICOS registered so international students are unfortunately not eligible.
I am male, can I complete this course?
No, you must be female to undertake this course.
How much does it cost to complete the course?
The course is $36,400 and is eligible for FEE-HELP Study Assist. If you are interested in finding out more, we suggest you see the following link: FEE-HELP - Study Assist.
Are flights and accommodation costs to Wagga Wagga included as part of the course fees?
No, however, BreastScreen WA is exploring options to contribute towards travel and accommodation expenses from WA to Wagga Wagga NSW for the one-week intensive course component.
What are the undergraduate prerequisites?
A Health or Science degree.
Hear from our previous graduates...
Natasha
What is your previous qualification? Honours Degree in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology and a Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
What prompted you to complete the Graduate Diploma of Mammography? I had been working at BreastScreen WA for approximately five years when the previous Chief Medical Imaging Technologist informed me about the Graduate Diploma of Mammography. I’ve always loved working at BreastScreen WA and have a passion for science, so completing the Graduate Diploma of Mammography felt like a natural and exciting next step.
What was your favourite thing about the Graduate Diploma of Mammography? I found learning about breast physiology and pathology particularly interesting—the course gave me a thorough understanding of breast disease. I also loved the hands-on clinical experience, both in the screening clinics and the assessment centre at Royal Perth Hospital. Being able to apply what I learned in real-world settings made the program incredibly valuable and rewarding.
Were there any challenges in completing the Graduate Diploma of Mammography? Yes, one of the challenges was adjusting to the online delivery format. In my previous university studies, I had classmates and lecturers readily available to ask questions and discuss topics, which made learning more interactive. With the course being delivered online, it required more self-discipline and independence to stay on track. However, the course was well-structured, and support was available when needed.
What opportunities did Graduate Diploma of Mammography create for you? Completing the Graduate Diploma of Mammography opened up new career opportunities for me within BreastScreen WA. It enhanced my clinical skills and knowledge, allowing me to take on more advanced responsibilities and contribute more confidently to client care.
How long have you been working at BreastScreen WA as a mammographer? I’ve been working at BreastScreen WA as a mammographer for 5 and a half years now.
What are the most rewarding things about the role? The most rewarding aspect of my role is knowing that the work I do plays a vital part in early detection of breast cancer, which ultimately saves lives. Helping women feel comfortable and supported during what can be a stressful experience is incredibly fulfilling.
What are your mammography career highlights so far? Some of career highlights have included working at BreastScreen WA’s first dedicated assessment centre, which is separate to the existing hospital breast clinics. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to take on a senior role within the team, allowing me to further develop my leadership skills and contribute more to client care and clinic operations.
How is the work-life balance of being a mammographer compared to your previous role? Being a mammographer has an excellent work life balance. BreastScreen WA has 12 clinics located throughout Perth and greater WA, this means often you are rostered closer to home, and get to avoid the commute into the city. The hours are very family friendly, with different shifts ranging from 7:15am to 6:00pm.
What would your advice be to someone considering doing the Graduate Diploma of Mammography? Do it! BreastScreen WA is a great place to work, and what we do really makes a difference to the women of Western Australia.
Fiona
What is your previous qualification? BSc (Medical Science), MSc (Clinical Chemistry).
What prompted you to complete the Graduate Diploma of Mammography? Having more autonomy in my role, no shift work, optional weekend work. I was attracted to being in a role that is integral in the early detection of breast cancer and therefore reducing the morbidity and mortality.
What was your favourite thing about the Graduate Diploma of Mammography? Meeting the other students (we still keep in contact to this day).
Were there any challenges in completing the Graduate Diploma of Mammography? Initially it was balancing the requirement of the online study with part-time placement.
What opportunities did Graduate Diploma of Mammography create for you? A better work-life balance.
How long have you been working at BreastScreen WA as a mammographer? Nine years.
What are the most rewarding things about the role? I have enormous job satisfaction in knowing that my role as a mammographer can be integral to saving a woman’s life. I meet ladies from all walks of life and to be able to make a difference to their day through kindness and empathy is rewarding.
What are your mammography career highlights so far? Many! Being thanked for what we do; having a client thank me for making an unpleasant experience a pleasant one; having a client personally thank me because the radiologist had said they were able to find their small breast cancer because the images were so good; the opportunity to work at different clinics with different clientele and different staff; the option to work additional hours on weekends; the opportunity to travel around the state & work on mobile units.
How is the work-life balance of being a mammographer compared to your previous role? In my previous role, I worked a 24/7 shift work roster. Currently, I work part-time (four days per week) at clinics of my preference. I can pick extra shifts on my RDO if I want & it is optional to be included in weekend work (4 hours on a Saturday morning). I find I have a much healthier work-life balance, not having to do shift-work.
What would your advice be to someone considering doing the Graduate Diploma of Mammography? If you’re looking for a rewarding career change that complements your existing education and you have a passion for women’s health, mammography will give you that.
Expressions of interest
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