What is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
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
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient’s finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
- Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
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Things a MRI Tech Should Know How to Do
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
- Medical Imaging Director
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Director
- MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
- Chief Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chief MRI Technologist)
- Imaging Technologist
Job Demand for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
In the United States, there were 36,600 jobs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in 2016. 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.
MRI Tech Average Salary
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 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 |
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
Becoming a MRI Tech
Are there Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a MRI Tech?
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.