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All About Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Position 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.
MRI Tech Responsibilities
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.
- Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
- Inject intravenously contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
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Qualities of a MRI Tech
When polled, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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:
- Medical Imaging Director
- MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator (MRI Quality Assurance Coordinator)
- Technologist
- MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist)
Job Demand for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
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. There will be an estimated 2,500 positions for MRI Tech per 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.
Salary for a MRI Tech
The salary for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists ranges between about $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 each U.S. state?
| 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 |
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 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
What education or degrees do I need to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
How Long Does it Take to Become a MRI Tech?
Who Employs Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.