MRI Technologists

Career summary

Doctors tell MRI technologists which part of the body to image. The images created by the MRI scan help doctors diagnose and treat patients' illnesses and injuries.

Technologists meet with patients before performing the MRI scan. They answer questions about MR imaging and instruct patients on what they need to do during the exam. Technologists ask patients if they have any serious health problems. They find out if the patient is pregnant or has a device such as a pacemaker.

Some MRI exams require patients to swallow contrast material or get an injection prior to the exam. Technologists administer those materials if they are needed.

Technologists help patients onto a special table. The table is positioned inside the scanner. Technologists leave the room during the MRI exam. They operate the scanner's computer from a room where they can observe and communicate with the patient.

The MRI system scans the patient's body point by point and builds a 2-D or 3-D map of tissue as it scans. The scanner can also image flowing blood that allows the technologist to view the arterial system in the body.

Technologists help patients deal with any emotional or physical discomfort during the scan. They monitor patients' safety during testing and make sure equipment is working properly. When the exam is complete, technologists ask patients to wait while they check the images. If no additional images are needed, technologists help patients off of the table and escort them out of the room.

Technologists work with a radiologist who is specifically trained to supervise and interpret MRI scans.

MRI technologists also make sure equipment is maintained in good working order.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Medical Equipment Preparers
• Medical Sonographers
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Radiation Therapists
• Radiologic Technologists
• Radiologists
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Military careers

• Radiologic (X-ray) Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to mri technologists.

• Interview patients and take brief medical histories to see if they might have conditions that would interfere with having an MRI.
• Operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners.
• Inspect images for quality.
• Position patients and attach devices to ensure good placement for imaging. Ensure patients are comfortable.
• Inject contrast dyes.
• Explain MRI procedures to patients and family members.
• Test MRI equipment to ensure it is functioning properly. Make calibrations if necessary.
• Write reports and notes for patient files and medical professionals.
• Troubleshoot technical issues. Create backup copies of images and files.
• May request sedatives or other medications for patients who are claustrophobic.
• Develop MRI film.
• Maintain and update records.

Common work activities

Mri technologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Document and record information
• Perform for or work with the public
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Handle and move objects
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Evaluate information against standards
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Process information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Perform administrative tasks
• Analyze data or information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Teach others
• Think creatively
• Coach others
• Control machines and processes
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop and build teams
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Schedule work and activities
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, mri technologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very high degree of social interaction. They talk with nurses, doctors, and patients throughout the course of their day.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of patients when they are undergoing testing.
• Sometimes must deal with rude or unpleasant people. Patients are sometimes upset or scared when undergoing procedures.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other technologists.
• Communicate via telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but far less frequently.
• Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Are exposed to the diseases and infections of patients on a daily basis.
• Almost always work indoors.
• Are frequently exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels.
• Sometimes wear protective or safety attire such as masks and surgical gloves.
• Come into close physical contact with patients.

Work performance

• Must be extremely exact and accurate when operating equipment. Errors can impact test results, which in turn can seriously impact the health of patients.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks throughout the day.
• Must sometimes match the pace of work to the speed of equipment.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They consult doctors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for the day without consulting with a supervisor.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere. Their days are structured around patient appointments.

Hours/travel

• Work a set schedule.
• Usually work 40 hours a week.
• May work weekends and nights.

Physical demands

Mri technologists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for mri technologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for mri technologists to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

Skills and abilities

Mri technologists need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Medical Imaging Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Anatomy
• Health and Medical Physics
• Physiology
• Ultrasound and Sonography Technology

Training

To work as a MRI technologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a medical imaging technology program; and
• complete training in MRI technology.

Education after high school

Most technologists have an associate degree. They earn their degree by completing a two-year program in medical imaging technology. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges, universities, and hospitals all offer these programs. Common classes are anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, and medical terminology. You also study radiation physics, radiation protection, and principles of imaging.

Upon graduation from a medical imaging technology program, you must complete one to two years of specific training in MRI technology, including clinical experience. In some cases, this training will be provided by an employer. Another option is to take courses offered by medical education companies. In this situation, you must still find a medical center where you can complete your clinical experience.

Formal educational programs in MRI scanning are available, but are not common. These programs are aimed at individuals who are not already trained in medical imaging.

Work experience

If you have experience and training as a radiologic technologist, you can become an MRI technologist by receiving on-the-job training.

On-the-job training

Most MRI technologists are radiologic technologists first. If you have experience as a radiologic technologist, you can become an MRI technologist by receiving on-the-job training. The length of this training can vary. If your goal is to become a certified or licensed MRI technologist, you will need to complete approximately 1,000 hours of training. Most employers require two years of experience in MRI technology.

Once hired, new MRI technologists may have a few months of training where they are shown the particulars of their work site.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be radiologic technicians. Training lasts 12 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care
• Physics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require applicants for MRI technologist jobs to have an associate degree and have completed a training program in MRI technology. Many employers prefer to hire certified MRI technologists.

Employers look for technologists who are reliable and are able to follow detailed instructions. They look for people with mechanical abilities, such as the ability to set up and adjust medical equipment. Employers also look for technologists who are pleasant and able to put patients at ease.

Licensing/certification

Currently only New Mexico, Oregon, and West Virginia require MRI technologists to be licensed.

#source http://www.asrt.org/main/standards-regulations/regulations/states-with-licensure-or-certification-laws 

Optional certification is available. Many employers prefer to hire certified MRI technologists. Certification can be obtained through the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT)  or the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) .

Wages

Wages vary by the technologist's level of experience.

Full-time MRI technologists usually receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Part-time technologists may not receive benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Hospitals
• Doctors' offices
• Medical laboratories

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is strong. Diagnostic imaging is increasingly being used to not only diagnose illness, but to also monitor treatment. As the population ages, there is need for more procedures. Also, new federal health law will mean that more people have access to health insurance and can get medical procedures.

Many new jobs will be created at hospitals. However, employment will grow most rapidly in medical offices, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. These jobs will result from the trend of doing more procedures outside the hospital setting.

Job prospects will be best for those with multiple certifications.

Other resources

American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists 

Health Occupation Students of America 
548 Silicon Drive, Suite 101
Southlake, TX 76092
800.321.HOSA

International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 
One Concord Center
2306 Clayton Road, Suite 620
Concord, CA 94520
925.825.7675

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312.704.5300

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 
1255 Northland Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55120-1155
651.687.0048

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (29-2035.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Special Procedures Technologist, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (078.362-058) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Social