To support patients with medical needs, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist works with advanced scientific technology. Among the higher-paid occupations in the allied health sector—the sector concerned with the detection and analysis of medical disorders—MRI technicians are among the highest. What does an MRI tech do? Here we’ll go over their various jobs, salaries, how to become one, the skills one should acquire, and the career prospects for MRI tech right now.
MRI Tech
A medical specialist who uses an MRI scanner to capture pictures of a patient’s internal organs and tissues is known as an MRI tech. MRI scans provide images of the patient’s internal organs and tissues by combining radio waves with magnetic fields. Typically, patients get magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) upon their doctor’s recommendation. Medical issues, including cysts and tumors, can be better diagnosed with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What Does an MRI Tech Do?
Typically, patients undergo MRI scans at medical facilities run by MRI technicians. They reassure patients by talking them through each step of the MRI process as it unfolds. Additionally, an MRI tech is responsible for:
- Arranging patients so that crisp pictures are captured
- Listening carefully to the physician’s instructions on the necessary imaging studies
- Improving scan quality by adjusting image characteristics
- Making sure patients are comfortable throughout the MRI process
- Injecting contrast media into patients’ veins to improve the clarity of their imaging
- Helping doctors make diagnoses by analyzing the photos
Salary MRI Tech
The salary range for an MRI tech in the US is normally $63,954 to $87,428 per year, with an average of $76,792 as of 2024. Education, certificates, supplementary abilities, years of experience in the field, and a host of other factors can have a significant impact on salary ranges.
MRI Tech Jobs
Here are a few examples of job titles that are now hiring for the role of MRI Tech.
#1. Remote MRI Tech Jobs
Salary range: $83,500–$135,000 per year
Many different types of jobs allow you to work from the comfort of your own home. Many different types of work-from-home opportunities are available. Working remotely for part or all of the workweek is an option for some traditional job categories offered by some firms.
Meetings, assignments, and teamwork in these roles frequently include technological means. Working remotely is known as telecommuting. Some firms even allow remote workers to handle customer support or manage tasks that don’t require an office presence. Another option is to work as a virtual assistant, which allows you to accomplish some of the same work from the comfort of your own home.
#2. Virtual Mri Tech Job
Salary range: $83,500–$135,000 per year
A “virtual job” does not require the employee to physically be present at the workplace. These occupations have grown in popularity due to the rise of technology, which allows for easier communication between employers and employees. Some names for these positions are remote work, work from home, or telecommuting.
#3. Full Time Mri Tech Job
Salary range: $83,500–$135,000 per year
The company usually decides how many hours a worker must put in to be considered full-time. There is no single definition that applies to all eligibility and statuses, even though they are all subject to various laws and policies. For instance, although the FLSA does not specify what constitutes full-time employment, it does mandate that non-exempt workers receive overtime compensation after 40 hours worked in a week.
#4. Entry Level Medical Mri Technologist
Salary range: $83,500–$135,000 per year
Jobs at the entry-level do not often call for any sort of relevant work experience. The majority of entry-level positions are designed to serve as stepping stones for recent high school or college graduates looking to launch their careers. No matter what a college student’s major is, they will still need to have experience in the sector by working their way up from an entry-level job.
#5. Mri Technologist Night Shift
Salary range: $83,500–$135,000 per year
Jobs that are available during the night, sometimes known as the graveyard shift, are those that do not occur during regular business hours. Jobs with this schedule are available at businesses that are open late or all day. Night shift jobs include a wide variety of occupations, including bartending, security driving, and delivery driving.
#6. Union Mri Technologist
Earning potential: $83,500–$135,000 year
Researchers, organizers, administrators, attorneys, communicators, and secretaries are just a few examples of the specific roles that people play in unions. One of your responsibilities will be to visit workplaces to talk to employees about unions, offer them encouragement and assistance if they want to join one, or negotiate with employers for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for union members.
#7. Mri Technologist (Independent Contractor)
Earning potential: $83,500–$135,000 year
The route to becoming an independent contractor differs greatly across the many diverse industries where they are prevalent. Typically, you’ll need a solid background in your subject and a history of accomplishments to be considered. The work you do should also be suitable for a consulting or contract position. If you’re an IT consultant or a freelance writer, you can offer a service that businesses need on an as-needed basis because of your specialized knowledge or the specific experience you possess.
#8. In-House Medical Device Specialist
Earning potential: $83,500–$135,000 year
employment that is paid by the day is known as per diem employment. Jobs in nursing, pediatrics, hospice, and midwifery make up the bulk of the medical industry’s per diem openings. Per diem work is also an option for phlebotomists, pharmacists, and operating room (OR) assistants. Assistants, admissions coordinators, and recreation coordinators are common roles for temporary workers.
#9. Temp Mri Technologist
Earning potential: $83,500–$135,000 year
Although it’s a bit of a stretch, searching for “Temp Mri Technologist” could still turn up some intriguing work opportunities. Temp MRI technologist salaries typically range from $83,500 (25th percentile) to $135,000 (75th percentile) per year.
#10. Internship Mri. tech
Pay scale: $62,500–$109,500 year
If you are looking for a way to obtain experience in your subject of interest without taking on any debt, consider applying for an internship. When you look for a job in the future, this can be an asset. Employers often look for internships as an entry-level candidate’s required qualification.
How to Become an MRI Tech
The six-step process to become an MRI technologist begins with the following:
#1. Earn an Associate’s Degree.
An associate’s degree is usually required to enroll in or become certified in an MRI program. An associate degree may be earned in virtually any academic discipline. Aspiring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists typically choose to study physics, biology, anatomy, or a closely related field.
#2. Get Credentialed as an MRI tech
Candidates must have completed an MRI technician program before they may apply for MRI certification programs. Prospective MRI technologists should apply to a recognized and approved school. In the field of radiologic technology, several organizations have been established to ensure that programs meet certain standards for accreditation. These include AMRIT, JRCERT, and CAAHEP.
The majority of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technician programs include both classroom learning and hands-on experience with MRI equipment and techniques. Students learn about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the context of physics, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care, and MRI picture processing.
#3. Get Some Clinical Experience.
Aspiring MRI technologists can obtain practical experience in a healthcare setting through MRI clinical experience. While some MRI programs include clinical apprenticeships for their students, others encourage students to seek out clinical experience independently. Participants in clinical apprenticeships get hands-on experience in the field while learning from a certified MRI technician.
#4. Obtain a Credential
A valid certification from an authoritative body is required of all MRI technologists. The majority of radiologic technologists hold certification from the ARRT. Nevertheless, ARMRIT also awards MRI certifications. After gaining experience in the field and finishing an MRI tech program, professionals have the option to pursue this certification.
#5. Obtain a License From the State
An MRI technician’s license may be necessary in certain states. Before applying for MRI employment, make sure you know what the laws are in your state.
#6. Go for More Degrees or Credentials.
Professional development options should be seriously considered by MRI technologists who are interested in advanced or supervisory roles. Sonography and radiography are two subspecialties of medical technology that some people may choose to study for and become certified in. Still others may decide to further their education by getting a degree in nuclear medicine technology, imaging sciences, chemistry, radiologic technology, or a similar discipline.
Skills for MRI Techs
In addition to having expert knowledge of imaging sciences, MRI equipment, and related fields, MRI technologists should place a high priority on the following skills for professional development:
#1. Communication Skills
At each stage of an MRI, the tech must make sure the patient understands what to expect and how the operation will be carried out. It is expected that MRI technologists can provide patients with straightforward answers to their inquiries regarding procedures and tools.
#2. Painstaking Precision.
When taking MRI scans, technologists must be very precise. The MRI technician is responsible for controlling the image’s resolution, orientation, and color, among other aspects that impact the accuracy of the doctor’s diagnosis. It is common for MRI technologists to assist doctors in deciphering MRI scans.
#3. Empathy.
Some MRI patients may experience anxiety either before the operation or over the potential outcomes of their exam. On the other hand, some patients may already be experiencing physical pain, which is why their doctor suggested an MRI. In any situation, MRI technicians should do their best to put themselves in the patient’s shoes.
#4. Mathematical skills
It is occasionally necessary for MRI technicians to inject contrast material into patients’ IVs to enhance the visibility of an image. An MRI technician’s mathematical acumen determines the appropriate dosage of contrast material for each patient.
#5. Thinking Critically.
Imaging the patient’s internal organs and tissues is a decision that MRI technicians make. When determining the optimal technique for capturing high-quality images, they need to be able to consider several elements, including the physician’s requirements and the area’s anatomical structure.
Job Responsibilities
An MRI technician or expert is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to, meticulously monitoring each detail of each scan and communicating with other clinically experienced specialists (such as radiologists). An MRI technician’s typical day consists of:
- The radiologist should be consulted.
- Get all of your gear in sync for every shot.
- Engage in conversation with the patient to review medical history and address any concerns
- Using immobilization or support devices, ensure that the patient gets into and stays in the correct position.
- Put the contrast agent in the IV.
- Protect patients, coworkers, and yourself from radiation as much as possible.
- Ensure the patient’s safety throughout the scan
- Assess the quality of the MRI scan
- Keep imaging tools in working order
- Help out with administrative tasks
Is MRI Technology Hard?
A career as an MRI technologist requires commitment and perseverance. Time commitments might range from twelve to twenty-four months, depending on factors including program type and geographic location. Additionally, students should be ready to work with professors who have experience with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology during clinical rotations.
Do MRI Techs Go to Med School?
Certification from ARRT and a degree (either an associate’s or a bachelor’s) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology are requirements for most new MRI technicians. The American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) also offers certification, but it is not as widely used.
How Long Does It Take To Become an MRI Tech?
It typically takes between three and five years of study to become completely qualified in the tech field, though this can vary greatly depending on the programs you enroll in and your previous education. Degrees or certifications in the following areas are usually required of an MRI tech: Degree in Radiography with MRI (AAS or BS)
Where Do MRI Techs Make the Most Money?
Washington ($91,000), California ($90,800), Hawaii ($88,600), Nevada ($88,000), and Oregon ($87,500) are the five states in this region that pay the most for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists. This is great news for those looking for a job in the field.
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