All About Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

MRI Tech Definition Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

What do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists do On a Daily Basis?

• Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
• Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
• Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
• Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
• Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
• Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a MRI Tech?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Related Job Titles

• Technologist
• MRI Supervisor (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Supervisor)
• Staff Technologist
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator (MRI Quality Assurance Coordinator)
• Staff Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Staff MRI Technologist)

Job Opportunities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

There were about 36,600 jobs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in 2016 (in the United States).

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.7% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,500 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are Florida, California, and Texas.

Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Wyoming, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

MRI Tech Average Salary

The average yearly salary of a MRI Tech ranges between $50,220 and $99,180. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist median salary is $71,670.

How much do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Washington	$91,290
California	$90,890
Hawaii	$88,620
Nevada	$87,960
Oregon	$87,480
Alaska	$85,730
Massachusetts	$84,880
District of Columbia	$84,800
New Jersey	$81,650
Vermont	$81,030
New York	$81,010
Arizona	$79,120
Colorado	$79,100
Connecticut	$78,840
Minnesota	$78,740
Rhode Island	$77,060
Delaware	$75,080
Illinois	$74,010
New Hampshire	$73,400
Maine	$72,750
New Mexico	$71,850
Maryland	$71,620
Texas	$70,510
Virginia	$70,370
Idaho	$70,320
Montana	$69,940
Georgia	$68,090
Wisconsin	$68,080
Kentucky	$67,980
North Carolina	$67,260
Nebraska	$67,210
West Virginia	$66,430
Utah	$66,420
Pennsylvania	$65,460
Ohio	$65,100
Kansas	$64,960
Indiana	$64,710
Wyoming	$64,430
Missouri	$63,400
Oklahoma	$63,330
Florida	$63,190
North Dakota	$62,900
Michigan	$62,300
South Carolina	$60,700
Louisiana	$60,520
Iowa	$60,280
South Dakota	$60,000
Mississippi	$59,960
Tennessee	$59,860
Alabama	$59,420
Arkansas	$58,240

Tools & Technologies Used by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Excel
• MEDITECH software

Where do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Work?

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons