Fastest way to become an MRI Tech
An MRI technician primarily focuses on his patient’s medical needs within an environment filled with challenging scientific machines. Fastest way to become an MRI Tech. For people who love the idea of being in the healthcare field while dealing with patients or taking scientific images, becoming an MRI tech might be one such option.
In this paper, we discuss an MRI technologist, how one can become an MRI tech, prospective MRI tech skills, and the current job outlook for MRI them.
What Is an MRI Tech?
An MRI tech is a medical professional who takes pictures using an MRI scanner with images of a patient’s organs and tissues. MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields in the taking of pictures concerning the inside of a body for a patient. Many patients receive MRIs simply based on a request for such by their doctor. It can help a patient acquire a diagnosis for issues, such as cysts or tumors.
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An MRI technician performs a procedure of operating a patient in an MRI scanner mainly at a hospital or a clinic. He talks about the MRI procedure as he does it so that a patient can be prepared psychologically for what to expect from the procedure. Other MRI tech responsibilities include:
Setting up patients to enable easy photography of clear images
Ensuring to follow a doctor’s orders on which type of images to take
Moving image parameters during the scan to improve the quality of the images
Assisting patients to be as calm as possible during the MRI process
Giving contrast media to patients through IVs to enhance the visibility of the images
Assisting doctors in analyzing the images to establish diagnoses
How to become an MRI tech
Here are the six steps to help get your career started as an MRI tech:
Get an associate degree
The majority of MR scanner programs and certifications prefer an individual with an associate’s degree. It is up to the students on which degree they want to complete their associate degree program. However, the majority of future MRI technologists choose to focus on a biology, anatomy or physics course of study.
Aspects: Most Popular Entry-Level Science Associate Degree Jobs.
Enroll in an MRI tech program
Before one can take any certification programs related to MRI, it is a must that one has previously completed training as an MRI tech. If you want to be trained as an MRI technologist, there is need to apply for a course that has been accredited by recognized bodies such as American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (AMRIT), Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP).
In most cases, the prevailing MRI technologist programs are primarily made up of classroom lectures and practical sessions on the use of MRI machines. The programs include courses such as MRI physics, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care procedures, among other relevant courses, and also include MRI image processing.
Clinical Experience
Gaining clinical experience in MRI enables aspiring MRI techs to practically imagine what it is like to work in a clinic or hospital. Some students can be given a clinical apprenticeship as a unit of the MRI program, while some have to look for their clinical experience on their own. Clinical units will be an avenue for them to work closely with an MRI technician and learn even more.
All MRI technologists have to attain a valid certification from a known body. Most common ones are those provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; however, ARMRIT also offers MRI certifications. Practitioners can acquire this after a successful completion of an MRI tech course and work experience.
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State License
Some states require licensing for MRI technologists. So ensure you research whether your state is one of those that requires a license and apply.
Advanced degree or certification
Any MRI technologist who wants to move up the career ladder into advanced or supervisory positions should seek additional professional development. Some would enroll in courses and obtain certification in other medical technician specialties, such as sonography or radiography. Others will earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in radiologic technology, chemistry, nuclear medicine technology, imaging sciences, or a related field.
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MRI technologists skills
Along with being knowledgeable in imaging sciences, MRI equipment, and allied subjects, MRI technologists should try to acquire the following skills:
Communication. MRI technologists have to explain MRI procedures and requirements to patients at each point of the procedure. If patients are curious about any step or equipment, then the MRI technologists should be able to give an easy-to-understand answer.
Fine motor skills. MRI technologists have to pay close attention to details when performing MRI scans. The MRI tech has to take care of the image’s sharpness, the angle of the shot, the colors and many more things that influence how clear the possible diagnosis the doctor receives. MRI colleagues also often assist the physicians in understanding the scanned images.
Empathy. Some patients who undergo MRI may fear undergoing the procedure of MRI or the results of their future MRI, or both. The other patients may have, in the past, started experiencing some form of pain that prompted the physician to advise them for an MRI. In such cases, an MRI technologist should reach out to empathize with patients.
Mathematical skills. MRI techs sometimes need to administer patients with contrast media through the IVs to enhance visibility of an image. MRI tech uses mathematical skills when calculating how much contrast media a patient should receive.
Critical thinking. MRI technologists decide what will be radiographed in a patient’s organs or tissues. They should have the potential of balancing many factors to consider when deciding on a preferred method to achieve excellent pictures, which include meeting a physician’s needs as well as anatomical structures involved in a region of an organ or tissue.
Know more: 7 Methods for Improving Communication
Working conditions for MRI technician
Most MRI technologists work in hospitals within radiology departments. Other places where MRI techs can work include clinics, universities, diagnostic imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities.
Salary and job outlook
The average annual salary for an MRI technologist in the United States is $89,889 as of 2021. Salaries for MRI techs vary based on many factors, including years of experience, geographic region, and place of employment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for MRI techs are expected to grow 7% by 2030, which is greater than most other jobs. This is because MRI jobs are expected to be more in demand due to a projected increase in the occurrence of medical conditions like dementia or cancer, where diagnostic imaging is used.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary and job outlook for MRI techs?
The salary of 2021 ranges around $89,889 annually. The job market is very promising, given that MRI tech jobs will grow by 7% in 2030 compared to other professions due to increasing healthcare needs.
How does an MRI technologist differ from an MRI technician?
Technologists are usually registered by the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists and may even be higher in degree than the technicians. Both have to pass a credentialing exam before they can perform diagnostic imaging.
How many hours does an MRI tech work?
MRI technologists work varied hours depending on the needs of the patients. Those working in hospitals will have to be available during evenings, weekends, and longer shifts, while those in physician offices may be more flexible with their time.
What are the highest-paying cities for MRI technologists?
New York City and Oklahoma City pay more than the national average; MRI techs can earn approximately $123,000 annually. Check Indeed for the latest salary data.
