MRI technologists are highly skilled medical professionals integral to providing top-tier healthcare to patients. Through their hard work and dedication, MRI technologists help ensure that patients receive the most effective and safe treatments possible. If you're interested in a healthcare career but don't want to commit to the time and cost of medical school necessary to become a doctor, working as an MRI technologist could be an ideal career for you.
We recently had the chance to interview Ryan Draeger, BSRT (R)(CT)(MR) ARRT MRSO (MRSC) MRSE (MRSC), an MRI clinical applications specialist for Canon Medical USA. Ryan is credentialed as an MRI safety officer and MRI safety expert through the American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety and is responsible for training and educating staff in MRI and MRI safety. He was happy to share his experience and expertise to help others decide whether a career as an MRI technologist is right for them.
What is an MRI Technologist?
An MRI technologist (or MRI tech) is a medical professional who operates a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner. This doctor-ordered diagnostic technique uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the body. MRI technologists are trained in the operation of MRI scans, and they monitor patient safety and comfort throughout the imaging procedure.
MRI technologists are part of the broader medical team, along with radiologists, nurses and more, that work together to use this complicated technology to diagnose potential health issues and improve outcomes. They also provide support to patients during the imaging process and enter patient information into the MRI machine's computer system. In some cases, technologists use specialized skills such as contrast injections for extra-detailed results. The level of knowledge and care that MRI technologists provide is essential for making sure that every step in an MRI scan is as accurate as possible.
How to become an MRI Technologist
Becoming an MRI technologist is a great way to use your skills while helping others. This profession offers the chance to work in an interesting, fast-paced environment, ensuring patients receive safe and accurate imaging procedures. It’s rewarding work that helps countless people manage their health conditions and ensures doctors have critical images needed for diagnosis.
There is no single path to becoming an MRI technologist – plenty of people start in a different modality and cross-train to make the switch. For example, Ryan “was doing X-ray and CT and had the chance to take over a new install for a brand-new magnet being put in our hospital.” He’d had the chance to dabble in MRI during his clinical rotations but made the switch after focusing on “X-ray and CT for quite a while.”
Ryan started out his imaging career with a certificate program in radiology. He gained his hands-on experience in MRI while wrapping up a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging. Ryan’s story is an excellent example of how there are many paths one can take to becoming an MRI technologist – you don’t have to start in MRI right out of the gate. For those interested in a more direct route, the following educational and training steps can get you there:
Associate Degree
While an associate degree in radiology or a related field is not necessarily a prerequisite to becoming an MRI technologist, many MRI programs require participants to have an associate degree in a related field, such as biology, anatomy, or radiology. Participating in an educational program that is ARRT-approved can be an excellent way to gain the background knowledge you’ll need for certification down the road.
JRCERT/ARMRIT Programs
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is a healthcare accreditation organization that provides comprehensive quality assurance and educational standards to qualifying radiologic technologist programs across the United States. JRCERT-approved programs provide an opportunity for students to gain vital knowledge and skills in the radiology field. A significant advantage of attending a JRCERT program is the ability to take certification exams recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), allowing you to practice in any state while meeting national competency standards.
ARMRIT (American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists) is a credentialing organization that offers an alternative option for those interested in a career in MRI technology without undergoing a radiology or radiography educational or certification program. ARMRIT provides an internationally recognized certification to those educational programs that have met its established standards of competency and expertise in results, safety, and quality metrics.
Clinical Experience
Gaining clinical experience is an important step toward MRI technologist certification, no matter what educational path you take. You should make sure to plan ahead so that the hours you accrue are sufficient and relevant to the job description. You may even have the opportunity to work with experienced professionals in the field, who can provide guidance and insights into what it takes to become a successful MRI technologist. Clinical experience offers you a great chance to develop your skills; taking advantage of this opportunity will help guarantee that you meet the requirements for certification and put yourself in the best position to find your dream job.
Certification & Registration
MRI technologist certification is critical for anyone looking to obtain a position in the field. This specialized certification lets employers know that a potential employee has all the necessary training and knowledge to provide safe and accurate imaging services to patients. Certification involves the completion of a formal educational program, which usually takes two years of full-time study, followed by the successful completion of an examination approved by the state in which the practice will take place. Each state may also have additional requirements, such as background checks or ethics courses for certification purposes, so it's best to research the requirements in your area thoroughly before applying.
Is Certification Required?
MRI technologist certification is a requirement in some states, but not all. It is important to research individual state regulations to see if the certification is necessary. Certification usually requires successfully completing an accredited program of study, passing a national exam, and maintaining clinical competency in the field via continuing education. Many employers view this certification as a mark of quality, experiencing higher patient satisfaction when a certified technologist is running the MRI. Certification can also be beneficial in terms of increased wages since well-qualified individuals may be eligible for higher pay rates.
ARRT & ARMRIT Certification
According to our subject matter expert, Ryan Draeger, "ARRT certification is the type most people attain. They can get their radiology certification, maybe their CT, and then MRI is what they call a secondary pathway." To obtain this designation, individuals must meet specific training and experience requirements, pass national and state examinations, and demonstrate professional ethics. Having this certification ensures that individuals are competent and safe in the imaging modalities for which they are certified.
As mentioned previously, ARMRIT certification is more specialized, focusing specifically on MRI technology without the more generalized study involved in ARRT certification. That makes ARMRIT certification an especially attractive credentialing option for professionals who know from the start they are interested in the MRI modality.
Licensing
The requirements for being an MRI technologist vary from state to state, but around 75% of states require licensure to practice. While some states provide a “limited permit,” which provides for limited access to patients, a full license is always required before you can begin working. To qualify for a license, applicants must generally have all pertinent educational requirements, such as completion of an accredited program in radiography and formal clinical training, passing one or more exams, and meeting any other criteria specific to their state.
Continuing Education & Staying Certified
Whichever education and certification path you end up choosing, you’ll need to maintain your credential through continuing education courses like those offered by the Medical Technology Management Institute (MTMI). You can complete your MRI Registry Review with us entirely online, participate in webinars to specialize or hone your skills, and take advantage of an in-person training course for MRI technologists.
How long does it take?
Becoming an MRI technologist takes time and dedication. Depending on your location and type of program, the time involved can vary anywhere between 12-24 months. Students must also be prepared to do clinical rotations in MRI facilities with faculty members who are familiar with MRI technology. Along with hands-on practice and a certificate program, you will most likely need to complete a few hands-on courses, such as radiology safety protocols and imaging techniques, before you are qualified to sit for the certification exam. With enough hard work and dedication, it is achievable for driven individuals to become proficient MRI technologists in no more than two years' time.
What if I’m already a Radiologic Technologist?
If you’re already a radiologic technologist (RT) but you’re interested in developing a specialization in MRI or honing your skills, MTMI offers a range of in-person and online training programs relevant to your needs. Our MRI Technologist program combined with ScanLab™ virtual scanning is perfect for RTs interested in learning the principles necessary to operate an MRI scanner.
Why become an MRI Tech?
Becoming an MRI technologist can be a rewarding and high-growth career choice. An MRI technologist is an essential part of the medical care team, aiding doctors in diagnosing and treating illnesses and conditions by creating detailed images of the inside of the human body. It is a role that blends technical mastery with interpersonal skills to ensure patients feel calm throughout the imaging process. There is also the potential to specialize in different types of MRI techniques or in working with babies, children, teenagers, or adults. Plus, it offers excellent job outlook potential.
Skills/Interests
For those considering entering the field of MRI technology, it is important to make sure you have the proper skills and interests. An MRI technologist must be trained in medical imaging and be comfortable working with sophisticated medical technologies. Additionally, strong technical aptitude paired with an interest in physics, patient safety procedures, anatomy, mathematics, and biology could help streamline the transition into becoming a successful MRI technologist. Working well in teams as well as independently will also be beneficial since many MRI technicians work as part of a larger healthcare team. Beyond these skills, pursuing this profession requires compassion for patients who may be uncomfortable or nervous about undergoing an MRI scan. Finally, a keen eye for detail is essential so that all scans are accurately presented to the physician for examination.
Demand
As long as medical facilities offer MRI scanning services to patients, there will be a demand for skilled MRI techs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic and MRI technologists have a projected 6% job growth through 2031, which is about average across all occupations. There are an expected 16,000 additional openings each year for the role, with many of those openings resulting from the need to replace workers who switch occupations or retire.
Salary
MRI technologists made a median annual salary of $77,360 as of May 2021, with the highest 10 percent of earners making $100,870, per BLS data. This is notably higher than the median wage for general radiologic techs, which was $61,370 during the same period, meaning the time and investment necessary for this specialization may be well worth it.
Room to Grow
The American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety (ABMRS) offers multiple certification paths for experienced MRI technologists to further advance in their careers. Those interested in becoming a Magnetic Resonance Medical Director (MRMD), Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO), or Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert (MRSE) can complete certification courses through ABMRS to prove to current and future employers that they’re qualified to handle the responsibilities that come with these roles.
Expand Your Technologist Career with MTMI
As a technologist looking to make advancements in your career, MTMI is the perfect way to get ahead. MTMI provides comprehensive education and training that can elevate you to higher levels of achievement in the field. We offer courses approved by ARRT and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), so you can be sure you're receiving up-to-date, quality instruction. Furthermore, through MTMI's passion for leadership development, you'll gain strengths in patient care, communication skills, problem-solving, and more that can benefit your professional growth and directly translate into a more successful career.
MRI Training
The MRI Training Course for Technologists offers a comprehensive learning experience through seven days of online instruction or in-person classes. Students are introduced to the basic principles and concepts of MRI techniques while learning from experienced MRI instructors. The course includes ScanLab™ virtual scanning that replicate clinical scans, providing real-world hands-on training. This approach accelerates skill building, critical thinking, and retention. If you are an RT or have experience in imaging but lack previous MRI experience, this is the program for you to begin a promising MRI career.
Continuing MRI Education
Those preparing for the Advanced MRI Registry Exam can take our four-course MRI Registry Review program 100 percent online. Or maintain your licensure with one of our many continuing education courses.
MTMI programs are taught by experts with national reputations in their fields and cover every modality. Our cross-training courses, offered in the classroom as well as via webinars, prepare you for registry exams and take your career to the next level. Check out our full catalog of programs or contact us with questions today!
