Tired of searching for a job?? Looking for an interesting, profitable and the most sought after job pertaining to health-care???
Jump start your job hunt and get sold like hot cakes. Here’s how MRI Technician jobs are in demand, pay you well and the job opportunities are soaring up. Today, MRI technicians are highly honored and the most essential part of the Modern Medical practices. So, what are you waiting for?? Read further to grab the opportunities and be one of them.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging, most familiarly known as MRI is one of the efficacious technology practiced in diagnosing and treating medical ailments. It combines strong magnetic fields with computer image processing and radio waves to virtually bring forth high resolution 3-d and 2-d images of the organs, bones and all other internal structures of the body.
MRI Technologist- Job specifications
MRI Technicians work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, etc. They mete out
radiological scans to get accurate, 3-D images of patients’ body parts or bodies. They work closely beside the doctors who use the images for diagnosis and monitor treatment progress. Becoming an MRI technician usually starts with a degree program in radiography or radiologic technology, followed by licensure and professional certification. The technician must be well acquainted with the usage of the MRI equipment to work in such establishments. Choosing software options and altering the image parameters while adjusting the scanner is a part of their assignment. It is the responsibility of the technician to be familiar with MRI coding systems and also to prepare and guide the patients through different procedures, enforce safety precautions all the time, use knowledge of physiology and anatomy to assist the physician in diagnosing problems and assist with follow-up, patient-scheduling and to act as a liaison with referring physicians. Other requirements include good written and verbal communication skills, being attentive in carrying out the physician’s orders. Team-Working is a qualification looked for in every MRI technician.
MRI Technologist Education and Training
Step 1: Apply and attend Undergraduate School. One may pursue a Bachelor’s degree or a Certificate (1-2 yr course) or an Associate degree (2-3 yrs course).
Step 2: Complete the degree for Radiologic Technologists with minimum average grade of “C”. One can learn to do X-rays, positioning and maintaining the machinery.
Step 3: Acquire State Licensure. Since MRI technicians work with radioactive materials, government modulates the licensing.
Step 4: Earn Certification. ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) offers a professional certification program to MRI technicians for which the candidates must have formal education from a degree program approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and clean criminal records.
Step 5: Get Employed. Since there is an explosion in aging population the dependence on images for diagnostic procedures also rises. It was reported that there would be a 17% increase in employment opportunities from 2008-2018.
Step 6: Progress/ Upgrade with Experience. With work experience and developed skills one may serve as specialists in areas such as mammography or bone density measurement. Some may become Radiology technician by pursuing their education further.
Most of the Medical schools and Institutes offer different specializations out of which the students may select as per their interests and aspirations. In most of the cases students are required to train for a minimum period of 1 or 2 yrs to learn the operation of MRI Technology in a safe and effective manner. Some typically required courses for an MRI Technician include human anatomy and there are other basic subjects like the hospital procedures and sanitation.
Line of approach:
Pay sheet of MRI technicians:
Considerations for salary
They possess a greater level of specialization and knowledge as they are given additional training above and beyond the standard Radiologic Technology course of study. A Phlebotomist, Radiologic Tech’s or X-Ray Tech’s salary tends to be lesser than an MRI technician’s salary due to this finer degree of skill and specialization. As MRI Tech’s were Radiologic Tech’s for a time, then received additional training their median national average salary is $61,928 which is $10,000 higher on an average, than a standard Radiologic Technician.
MRI Technician Salary Compared to Related Healthcare Positions is as follows:
| Position | Low | Medium | High |
| MRI Technician | $48,371 | $61,928 | $83,638 |
| Radiologic Technologist | $41,612 | $52,336 | $81,136 |
| Ultrasound Technician | $40,960 | $67,670 | $77,520 |
| Medical Asst w/ Limited X-Ray | $29,000 | $38,000 | $47,000 |
From the above table we can see that the salary of an MRI Technologist is higher than any other related fields in the allied health professionals. Also many of them enjoy many benefits, bonus incentives, travel opportunities, free housing and partial expense compensation, etc depending on their employers.
Tomorrow’s Yours: Future of MRI technicians
Recession might affect everything except the health care services. Due to the rise in the population as well as the growing ailments there’s an ever growing demand for MRI technicians as MRIs are the most accurate and easy-to-use devices which help the doctor in diagnosis. Hence as the technology becomes widely used and the world’s population ages, the demand for MRI technicians will definitely increase. So one can dedicate himself to strive hard and give his/her best rather than worrying about losing their job. After gaining a good level of experience one might try in specializing and improve their skills to get to higher positions at work. In this way one might discover many job opportunities within their reach. The key to a successful career is to choose one of the best institutes.