Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

Find Schools Near

What Does it Take to Be a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?

Job Description & Duties 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.

Daily Life Of a MRI Tech

  • Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
  • Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
  • Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient’s finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
  • Take brief medical histories from patients.
  • Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.

MRI Tech Required Skills

These are the skills Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

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

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

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
  • Imaging Technologist
  • Staff Technologist
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Director
  • Technologist

MRI Tech Job Outlook

There were about 36,600 jobs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,900 new jobs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,500 yearly job openings in this field.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for MRI Tech are Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Illinois, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Salary

The typical yearly salary for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists is somewhere between $50,220 and $99,180.

undefined

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists who work in Washington, Hawaii, or California, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in different U.S. states.

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

What Tools & Technology do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Teleradiology systems

How do I Become a MRI Tech?

What education is needed to be a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?

undefined

How Long Does it Take to Become a MRI Tech?

undefined

Where Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Work

undefined

The table below shows the approximate number of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists employed by various industries.

undefined

References:

Image Credit: via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.