All About Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Occupation Description 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.
A Day in the Life of a MRI Tech
- Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
- Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
- Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
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What Every MRI Tech Should Know
These are the skills Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
- Staff Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Staff MRI Technologist)
- Medical Imaging Director
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator (MRI Quality Assurance Coordinator)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator (MRI Coordinator)
MRI Tech Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 36,600 jobs in the United States for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist. 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.

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.
Do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Make A Lot Of Money?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists make between $50,220 and $99,180 a year.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists who work in Washington, Hawaii, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists make 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
- Appointment scheduling software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Teleradiology systems
Becoming a MRI Tech
Learn what Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Are Employed

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

References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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