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Life As 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.
Life As a MRI Tech: What Do They Do?
- Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
- Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
- Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
- Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
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Qualities of a MRI Tech
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
- Medical Imaging Director
- Imaging Technologist
- Staff Technologist
- Chief Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chief MRI Technologist)
- MRI Supervisor (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Supervisor)
Is There Going to be Demand for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists?
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. 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 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 average yearly salary of a MRI Tech ranges between $50,220 and $99,180.
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 do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists:
- 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 to Become a MRI Tech
Learn what Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a MRI Tech?
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.