What Do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Do?
Job 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
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
- Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
- Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
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What Every MRI Tech Should Know
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of MRI Tech Jobs
- Staff Technologist
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator (MRI Quality Assurance Coordinator)
- MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)
- Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (CT/MRI Technologist)
- Chief Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chief MRI Technologist)
Are There Job Opportunities 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.
MRI Tech Salary
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists 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?
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
How to Become a MRI Tech
What education or degrees do I need to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Sector
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists work in the following industries:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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