MRI TECH: Meaning, School, Jobs, Salary & How To Become One

An MRI tech or magnetic resonance imaging technologist is in charge of operating MRI machines. They position patients, monitor them during procedures and ensure the machines work properly. If you’re interested in becoming an MRI technologist or love to care for patients by helping doctors view their organs, then you will enjoy this career. Yeah! Here we share how to become an MRI tech, including the school, jobs, salary, and more. So, continue reading!

What Is MRI Tech?

An MRI tech is a medical professional who uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines to create diagnostic images. MRI techs or technologists are specially trained in the use of these machines and must be able to maintain them in peak operating conditions.

MRI technologists must be able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise during an MRI procedure. In addition, they work closely with radiologists and other medical professionals to ensure patients receive the best possible care.

Do MRI Techs Go to Med School?

No, MRI techs do not go to med school. MRI techs typically have a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science, and many have completed a one- or two-year MRI program. Some MRI techs may have a master’s degree in radiologic science. They may have a degree in radiologic technology, but they are not medical doctors.

In other words, MRI techs must complete an accredited radiography program and obtain licensure or certification to practice. Additionally, they complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in radiologic technology for career advancement opportunities.

For instance, most new MRI technologists have a college diploma (particularly, a bachelor’s degree) in MRI technology and certification from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Meanwhile, the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) also offers certification, but it is not so popular.

MRI Tech School

To become an MRI tech, you need to enroll in school to get a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science and earn jobs with a higher salary.Hence, below are the top 5 MRI schools:

#1. Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College is one of the top MRI tech schools in the country. The school offers a two-year Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology degree, as well as a one-year certificate program. The tuition ranges from $2,389 to $4,705.

#2. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) is another top MRI tech school. The school is fully virtual and the course lasts twelve (12) months. It is appropriate for employed technologists who want to learn a new technique to broaden their marketability. Additionally, it is for MRI-experienced techs who require initial certification and the fee is $415 per credit unit.

#3. Casa Loma College

Casa Loma College is an online MRI tech school in Van Nuys, California. Their program for MRI technologists leads to an Associate of Science degree. The school has an accredited 22-month curriculum from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Also, their fee is $35,772.

#4. Galveston College

Galveston College is also an online MRI tech school. You can enroll in its two-semester course online or at the Galveston campus in Texas. In addition, their tuition is between $160 to $420 per credit unit.

#5. East Tennessee State University

You can also enroll at East Tennessee State University. But before sitting for the ARRT exam, you must finish at least 312 hours of clinical MRI technician education. Their fee ranges from $11,220 to $12,810.

How To Become An MRI Tech

Here are five simple steps to becoming an MRI technologist:

#1. Get A Degree

You’ll need at least an associate’s degree in radiologic technology, although many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

#2. Complete A Training Program

If you want to become an MRI tech, you will need to complete a training program. Most MRI technologist programs last between 12 and 24 months and include both classroom and clinical components.

During your training, you will learn how to operate the MRI machine and interpret the images it produces. You will also learn about the different types of MRI scans and how to choose the right scan for each patient. You will also learn about the safety procedures involved in MRI scanning.

#3. Earn Certification

While certification is not required, it can make you more attractive to employers and can help you advance in your career. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers certification in MRI technology.

#4. Get License

Most states require MRI techs to be licensed by the state they work. The requirements vary by state but generally include passing an exam and completing a set number of continuing education credits.

#5. Find MRI Tech Jobs

Once you have all the necessary credentials, you can start searching for MRI tech jobs. MRI tech jobs are in high demand due to the large aging population. Hence, you can find job postings on online job boards, such as Monster, ZipRecruiter, and others.

MRI Tech Salary

The MRI tech salary is one of the highest in the medical field. With an average salary of $82,743 per year, an MRI tech can earn a great wage while helping people. Therefore, the job outlook for MRI Techs is expected to grow by 14% in the next ten years, making it a great career choice for those looking to enter the medical field.

Pros And Cons Of Being An MRI Tech

Some people may view working as an MRI technologist as a good career choice while others may view it as a not-so-desirable job. Here are some pros and cons of being an MRI tech:

Pros

Below are some of the pros:

An MRI technologist career is a stable job with good pay and other benefits.
You can help people or make a difference in people’s lives
There are opportunities to work with different patients.
You will also receive on-the-job training to learn how to operate the MRI machine and other new things.

Cons

Here are some of the cons:

Most MRI techs have to work long hours.
They deal with difficult patients.
In most cases, they are exposed to radiation, infectious diseases, and so on.

Is MRI Technology Hard?

MRI technology is quite hard. It requires a lot of training and experience to be able to operate an MRI machine. MRI technicians must be able to understand and follow complex protocols and be able to troubleshoot problems that may arise during an MRI scan. MRI technology is also constantly evolving, so MRI technicians must be able to keep up with new developments in the field.

How Do I Become A MRI Tech In Arizona?

To become an MRI tech in Arizona, you should do the following:

Firstly, you must complete an accredited radiology program.
Secondly, you must obtain a state license from the Arizona Board of Radiologic Technicians.
Lastly, you must pass a national certification exam, such as the one the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers. After all of these, you will be able to work as an MRI tech in Arizona.

Meanwhile, the job outlook for MRI techs in Arizona is positive. The state is expected to see a 15% growth in the occupation from 2016 to 2026. This is due to an aging population and an increase in the number of people with chronic conditions that require imaging. As a result, there will be a need for more MRI techs in Arizona.

How Long Does It Take To Become An MRI Tech?

You can become an MRI tech in as little as 1-2 years. However, most MRI tech programs are two years in length and will prepare you to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

What Is The Highest Pay For MRI Tech?

The highest pay for MRI tech depends on the location, employer, and experience level. Generally speaking, the highest-paid MRI techs are those who work in large hospitals in major metropolitan areas. They make over $100,000 per year, with the top 10% making over $120,000.

Additionally, these MRI technologists typically have many years of experience and are highly skilled. You can get some of the highest-paying MRI tech jobs in California, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.

Where Do MRI Techs Make The Most Money?

MRI techs make the most money in highly populated areas with high demand for their services. The top five states for MRI tech salaries are California, Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon

First, the average MRI tech salary in California is $108,580. Second, the average MRI tech salary in Alaska is $104,040. Third, the average MRI tech salary in Hawaii is $101,700. Fourth, the average salary in Washington is $95,160. And lastly, the pay in Oregon is $92,820.

However, the reason for the high salaries in these states is the high cost of living and the high demand for MRI techs. Many large hospitals and medical centers in these states require the services of MRI techs.

NOTE: An MRI tech school will provide the education and training you need to become an MRI technologist. This type of technologist uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create diagnostic images of the body.

To be able to do this, you will need to have strong math and science skills. The program will last about two years, and during that time you will take classes such as human anatomy, physiology, and medical imaging. You will also learn how to operate the MRI machine and create clear and diagnostic images.

Conclusion

Overall, MRI tech is a great career choice for those interested in the medical field. The job outlook is good, and the salary is relatively high. The biggest downside of this career is the amount of schooling required, but it is worth it in the end. If you are interested in becoming an MRI technologist, you should consider attending a school that offers a program in this field.