How to Become an MRI Tech: Your Step-by-Step Guide

MRI technologists are members of the health care delivery team, responsible for using imaging equipment with a powerful magnet to help diagnose diseases. If you are analytical, like things digital, and want a career where you can help people, then you might become an MRI tech. This guide will help you make your dream of beginning this fulfilling line of work become a reality in terms of education and credentialing.

What Does an MRI Tech Do?

MRI technologists control MRI equipment, which creates specific images of the patient’s internal organs, tissues, and bones. These kinds of images assist doctors in identifying and treating human ailments. As an MRI tech, your responsibilities may include:

Several things to tell your patients before the MRI and different approaches to the procedure.

Maintenance management of MRI machines.

The positioning of patients for imaging examinations.

Working in a team with radiologists to come up with the correct diagnosis.

Adhering to set measures to prevent patients’ exposure to radiation.

MRI technologists perform as employees in hospitals, private and human diagnostic imaging facilities and centers, outpatient clinics, and other related healthcare institutions.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become an MRI Tech

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma

The basic entry level for the MRI technician job is a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) credential. Relevant courses to take at the high school level are biology, physics, and algebra.

Step 2: Get an Associate Degree in a relevant field

Attend and complete an accredited program for an associate degree in radiologic technology or any related field. They usually have 40 months and incorporate courses like anatomy, medical terminology, patient care,orreynologies. Most also contain clinical internships aimed at practicing in a clinical environment.

Step 3: The best possible qualification in radiologic technology is certification.

Currently, most states mandate certification of MRI technologists. ARRT provides certification in radiography, which is usually an essential requirement for advanced MRI courses. To become certified, you must:

• Make sure you complete your studies in an ARRA-accredited program.
• Pen the ARRT certification exam.
• Always renew the certification by ensuring you get to the next level or take more advanced classes.

Step 4: Specialize in MRI Technology

Nevertheless, follow up education and training in MRI technology once you have gained your radiologic certification. Many programs provide certificates or more specialized courses for MRI technicians. MRI physics, imaging techniques, and general safety are the primary coverage areas in these programs.

Step 5: Get MRI-Certified

One must undertake MRI certification under the ARRT or the AMRMIT to show competence. Certification requirements include:

• One must pass an accredited MRI certification program to have a valid license.
• The MRI certification exam.
• Completing the set of continuing education requirements.

Step 6: Gain Clinical Experience

Practical experience is significant in gaining competency and confidence as an MRI technician. Those first-level jobs demand at least one year of clinical experience, which can be obtained during an internship or as part of the training.

Step 7: Get Involved in Continuing Education

The technology in the healthcare field is continuously improving, and therefore, MRI techs must embrace change. Education programs keep you current and fulfill practice requirements that may be mandated occasionally.

What Every MRI Tech Needs To Be Qualified For

Technical Proficiency: Fluency in using advanced imaging equipment and first-hand experience in solving mechanical or electrical problems.

Attention to Detail: Image capturing, mainly for diagnostics, requires excellent precision.

Patient Care Skills: Malaysians can understand the feelings and emotions of other people and communicate effectively to comfort others during the treatment.

Physical Stamina: The stability of standing for extended periods and the capacity to help patients with positioning.

Problem-Solving: Be ready to wrestle with problems that may arise quite often, for example, a patient feeling uneasy or a machine malfunction.

MRI Tech Educational Journey

MRI tech programs can be completed at different times and with various concentrations. Below are standard educational options:

Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology: Offers a good starting point in radiography and can contain MRI limbs.

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Imaging: It has a broader curriculum and more job promotions than the regular instructional program.

MRI Certificate Programs: MRI certification programs are shorter than the general license but are aimed at radiologic technologists who practice part-time or want to expand their field of specialization.

The process of getting the practice licensed/ certified

Licensing by the state of MRI techs is also different. While some states demand that, others only demand certification by ARRT or ARMRIT, if at all. Please consult your state to see whether you meet the set laws and regulations.

Jobs that Employ MRI Technologists

MRI technologists have great job opportunities, attract high wages, and have many specialties. Based on BLS, the MRI tech employment rate is expected to increase 6% from 2021 to 2031. Career paths include:

Specialized Imaging Roles: Subspecialty Interest including cardiac MRI or neuro MRI.

Supervisory Positions: Supervise or be accountable for all staff in diagnostic imaging departments.

Education and Training: After acquiring sufficient experience, one can provide training for those with all the potential to become MRI technologists.

Advanced Roles: With further education, one can work as a radiologist assistant or healthcare administrator or advance into a management position.

Information You Need To Know About Being An MRI Tech

How many years of study and training are required to become an MRI tech?

Most often, in 2-4 years of academic instruction, students opt to have an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate.

How much money do MRI techs make on average?

As stated by BLS, the mean salary of an MRI technologist is roughly $ 77,000, though MRI technologists with experience working in a different state are paid more than this figure.

Is there an opportunity to complete MRI training remotely?

Indeed, many institutions provide online and distance learning for the theoretical parts; however, clinical placement is inevitable and is to be done physically.

Am I right in assuming you have to have a previous background in health care before becoming an MRI tech?

However, prior experience in healthcare or radiography is not required. Still, if anyone has a background in these areas, he/she will find it easier to undergo the training program than those with no background.

What is the Workplace of MRI techs like?

MRI techs work primarily in hospitals, outpatient centers, or diagnostic laboratories. This entailed direct patient contact, operating complex apparatus, and working alongside medical personnel.

Conclusion

MRI technician is an outstanding career with technical training involving the final stages of technology with people aspect of care. The job is in immense demand, and the pay is reasonable, making it a rewarding career in the medical imaging industry. By performing the steps mentioned above and having education, certification, and clinical experience, you will be in an excellent position to handle this challenging position.

Ready to begin your journey? Want to build a catering career and start making a difference? Search for accredited programs, get some practical experience, and start now!