Pros and Cons of an MRI Career
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical diagnostic procedure used to create images of cross sections of a patient's body. Learn more about this occupation below:
| MRI Technologist | |
|---|---|
| Career Overview | MRI technologists conduct diagnostic imaging exams to help physicians determine illnesses and malformations |
| Education Requirements | Associate's degree |
| Program Length | 2 years |
| Certification and Licensing | Licensure or certification required in most states; voluntary certification available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) |
| Job Outlook for 2012-2022 | Faster-than-average job growth (24%)* |
| Mean Annual Salary (2013) | $65,960* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
MRI Technologist
As an MRI technologist, you'll operate diagnostic equipment that utilizes radio frequencies and magnetic fields to map an image of a specific area of a patient's body. A physician can use this image to diagnose a medical problem. Along with maintaining and adjusting MRI equipment, you may take a patient's medical history, discuss the procedure with the patient and properly position the person so the MRI machine obtains an accurate image. MRI technologists also consult with radiologists to see if more images are needed, and they document the procedures performed and maintain patient records. Most MRI technologists work in hospitals, while others work in physicians' offices and medical laboratories.
Requirements
Most MRI technologists enter the field with associate's degrees in the discipline, but bachelor's degrees and postsecondary certificate programs in MRI technology are also available. An associate's program in MRI technology includes courses in human anatomy and physiology, MRI equipment, sectional anatomy, pathophysiology and physics. These programs also incorporate clinical practicums that provide you with hands-on training in MRI technology.
Depending on the state in which you work, you may be required to obtain licensure or certification in order to practice as an MRI technologist. This usually entails completion of an accredited postsecondary program and passage of an ARRT certification exam or an exam administered by the state board of health.
Below is a sample of what real employers were looking for in December 2012:
- A Missouri diagnostic imaging center was seeking an MRI technologist with 2 years of experience who had completed an accredited radiologic technology program. Registration with ARRT or eligibility to register was required.
- A medical center in California wanted to hire an MRI technologist with an associate's degree in radiologic technology, 3 years of MRI experience, ARRT certification and state radiologic technologist registration.
- A New York medical center sought an MRI technologist with state licensure and ARRT certification in radiologic technology as well as 1 year of experience.
How to Stand Out
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can increase your chances of landing a job if you become certified in several areas. The ARRT offers numerous certifications, and many employers emphasize the need for certification through this organization, even if it is not required by the state. You could, for example, obtain primary certification in magnetic resonance imaging, which requires completion of an accredited MRI program within the past 5 years and passage of an exam. You could also obtain credentials in areas like nuclear medicine technology, radiography, computed tomography and quality management. Certification must be renewed every 2 years by completing continuing education.
