MRI Technician Salary

With the latest technological advancements in health care units and hospitals, the need for experts who can effectively operate the machines and equipment has risen. The doctors and surgeons have felt the need of assistance of technicians, who can carry out the diagnostic tasks for them. One of the similar medical jobs that offers technical services is that of MRI technician. Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a diagnostic tool that is used to determine problems related to spinal cord, brain, lungs, chest, and other parts of the body. The MRI scanner test is usually safe and secure and it takes about 30 to 90 minutes for the tests to be performed. Being an important diagnostic tool, doctors hire specialist called MRI technicians, who can handle the job with ease.

Job description
Medical MRI technicians use the magnetic imaging resonance scanners to capture specific images as per the orders of the physicians. They help in the diagnosis of various diseases by effectively operating the MRI equipment. They must be trained and skilled to position the MRI machines properly and take care of its maintenance.

Educational Requirements
They must hold an associate's or a bachelor's degree program in subjects or programs related to radiology. Higher the education, more will be the salary. Those who have experience of working as radiology technician and, they undergo a year's training. Most of these technicians move on to become nuclear medicine technologist after years of experience.

Considerations
How do the hospitals and health care units hire the MRI technicians? What are the qualities and the level of expertise do they look in these professionals? Well, first and foremost, the MRI technologists are expected to have gone through a rigorous educational or vocational training. The other aspect that the recruiters look for is, an eye for details in understanding the test results. Since, the MRI technician job requires minute observation skills, they are expected to have good sense of observation. The geographical location of the work area is another factor that determines the salary. Added to these, if you have certificates and courses related to MRI training, then you have an added advantage. This will help you to achieve higher salaries and improve scope of better employment opportunities. Lastly, if you have good work experience then you have excellent opportunities to get the job.

Salaries
According to the latest statistics, the average salary is in between USD 50,000 to USD 55,000. The salary range increases with work experience and advanced training. Along with the salary, they enjoy some other benefits like bonus incentives, travel opportunities, free housing allowance and expense compensation. The salary per hour is initially USD 18 per hour and up to USD 40 per hour after 10 to 15 years of work experience.

Job Outlook
Since, the past few years there have been various technological advancements in the medical field. The MRI technicians have now become a vital part of the hospitals. MRI, as we all know, is one of the most important diagnostic tool in health care units and so, there has been high demand of professionals who can operate it effectively. This profession has emerged as one of the crucial hospital jobs, as it requires less training and can be handled by degree students. Hospitals are now recruiting degree students for these designations. Many college pass outs work as MRI technicians and side by side earn higher degrees in medical related field of radiology. This gives them scope for better opportunities. Seeing the demand and growth of this field, it can be a bright option for the students, to start their career in medical field.

The career development path in this profession i increasingly radily, as there is a huge demand of skilled technicians. With further specialization in radiology subjects, one can move on to handle larger roles and increase the employment opportunities.