Find Trade Colleges
What Do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Do?
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.
Daily Life Of a MRI Tech
- 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.
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
- Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a MRI Tech?
When polled, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist)
- MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
- Chief Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chief MRI Technologist)
- Technologist
- Medical Imaging Director
Are There Job Opportunities 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. 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.
Salary for a MRI Tech
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
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
Becoming a MRI Tech
What education or degrees do I need to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
What work experience do I need to become a MRI Tech?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Sector
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.
Featured Schools
Request Info | Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |