MRI Technician

As an advanced version of an x-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) entails the use of specific equipment to intricately scan different body parts to identify the conditions that plague them. As the world of medicine and related technology advances in leaps and bounds, the need for professionals who can fulfill these roles also increases. As such, for those looking for job opportunities in the medical field, the job of an MRI technician is one of the best options. To understand the basics of what this job entails, let's take a look at what an MRI technician does, the education requirements to become one, and the salary range that is offered to such professionals.

Job Description

One of the most important requirements to become an MRI technician includes managing the MRI equipment so as to be able to take appropriate scans of the designated body parts of a patient in the hospital environment. The instructions on conducting an MRI are received by the appointed doctor for the patient, and carrying out these instructions accordingly is the job of an MRI technician. The process of an MRI includes taking several cross-sectional images of the designated area after injecting a contrast dye in patients to highlight this area, and compiling these images to be understood and read by the doctor. After the MRI images have been compiled, you will be required to put together your findings in a written format. This is not a diagnosis but a written report of what the scanned images represent. These reports are then sent to the doctor for an appropriate diagnosis. Apart from these functions, the job description of an MRI technician also includes basic tasks such as scheduling appointments for MRI scans, and preparing the patient, both physically and mentally, for the procedure.

Everyone can be educated for a job, but possessing certain skills is also necessary as an MRI technician. While some skills are learned, others are inherent. As long as you can develop these skills you will be able to perform your job well. The most important skill required in this job is patience. You must be patient to deal with the fears of patients who are afraid of undergoing such procedures for different reasons. This means, you must also have the necessary communication skills to tell them what the procedure entails, and that it is not dangerous or harmful in any way. Protecting the MRI equipment and informing patients and relatives of patients of the hazards of remaining in an area with such high radiation is part of the job. Time management skills so as to try to ensure timely completion of every procedure is also important. Finally, though not a skill, you must know that this job is physically demanding as you not only have to deal with heavy equipment, you also have to stand for long hours while taking an MRI scan. As such, preparing yourself physically and mentally for this job is imperative.

Education Requirements

For a job that is so highly skilled, completing the relevant educational requirements to meet with the demands of this job becomes essential. The way you can go about attaining the necessary education for this job is to first start with searching for some of the best schools that have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Different schools may offer certification (1-2 years), associates degrees (2-3 years), or full-fledged degrees (4-5 years) in this field. Most often, students have opted for an associates degree in this field. While at school, you will learn how to perform x-rays, to manage the MRI equipment and take scans, its maintenance, and preparing patients for the MRI. After completing your course and attaining relevant work experience by means of an internship, you will be required to take a license exam to pursue this career full-time. As the radiation produced from the MRI equipment is dangerous and harmful, the license exam ensures that you are fully equipped to deal with this job and all that it entails. Finally, your education will continue throughout as you will keep pursuing education credits to maintain your job. Apart from this, attending seminars and conferences that deal with the daily changes and advancements in the technology used for this procedure is important to keep yourself up to date.

The latest information on the salary range of an MRI technician reveals that the current salaries of such professionals can go anywhere from US $50,000 to US $65,000. Of course, as the demand for highly skill professionals in this field continues, the salary range is expected to rise further in the coming years. Some MRI technicians are also paid on an hourly basis, and are given health and travel benefits. With a job that guarantees both money and professional satisfaction, it is one of those opportunities you must make the most of, if you think you have what it takes to pursue this profession.