How to become A MRI Technician

MRI Technicians use sophisticated equipment to produce a clear picture of patients’ internal organs so they can receive appropriate medical treatment. As a unique perk to being indispensable to the medical industry in saving innumerable lives, they get a career-long front row seat to remarkable scientific advancements

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Specialist
• MRI Technologist
• MRI Specialist

What do MRI Technicians do?

An MRI Technician would typically need to:

• Use their knowledge of both MRI equipment and the human anatomy to produce precise, high-contrast images that doctors can use to diagnose patients effectively
• Operate and maintain MRI equipment; adjust the MRI machine according to software options and imaging parameters
• Interview patients to know their medical history; explain the process, answer concerns and prepare patients for the procedure
• Inject patients with contrast dyes so images show up on the scanner
• Position patients in the scanner according to the physician’s instructions; protect them by shielding body parts that do not need to be scanned
• Evaluate images with physicians and determine whether more pictures need to be taken; keep detailed records of the patients to facilitate discussion of the results
• Train fresh recruits; have the ability to remain calm when interacting with patients, fellow technicians, or physicians in a stressful situation

Most MRI Technicians work in healthcare settings, most often in hospitals; They do not have private offices and only need to travel to conferences or training events unless they choose to go into academics.

The need for MRI scans in emergencies requires the technicians to work full time, often evenings, weekends, or overnight.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. MRI Technicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

MRI Technicians are generally employed by:

• Government & Private Hospitals
• Medical & Diagnostic Laboratories
• Physician’s Offices
• Outpatient Care Centres
• Community Colleges

Professional associations and organisations such as the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) are crucial for an MRI Technician interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Potential exposure to infectious diseases
• The need to remain on your feet for long periods; physical strain from lifting or moving patients who need assistance
• The need to reassure and work with patients in extreme pain or mental stress may take a toll on your emotions

Most MRI Technicians begin their career by working as radiologic technologists and choose to specialise later. It helps them gain valuable experience in handling MRI equipment and patient care.

A clinical apprenticeship or around five years of work experience as a radiologic technologist may help aspiring MRI Technicians who lack requisite academic qualifications.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession and interviewing those working in radiology are other important ways to explore your interest.

MRI Technicians must have either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. High school students interested in MRI technology should take courses in math and science, with a particular focus on anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, and physics.

Certification programs, which involve both classroom study and clinical work, teach the basics of MRI technology to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent and can last between a few months to a year. Take note that your prospective employer may prefer applicants with a desirable certification even though your government does not make it an essential prerequisite.

Certification in anatomy, pathology, patient care, safety, image production, MRI scanning procedures, bioeffects, radiation physics, and image evaluation from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Some locations may mandate specific licences, which require prospective MRI Technicians to pass an exam or obtain certification from accredited organisations.

Experienced employees with desirable professional qualifications and consistently high-performance levels may be eligible for promotion to supervisory or managerial positions such as that of a Lead MRI Technologist, MRI Supervisor, or Senior Staff Technologist.

Due to the size of the staff, promotions come by more easily in a large hospital than a small outpatient clinic or private physician’s office.

MRI Technicians may also choose to teach MRI Technology at community colleges.

Candidates with requisite certifications, skills, and experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) in leadership, management, and supervisory skills will help an active MRI Technician build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, or self-directed learning. You may need to invest in further formal education or certifications to realise your aim of moving into academics.

MRI Scanning in Layman Terms

Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce extremely detailed three-dimensional pictures of the inside of the patient’s body. The scanner itself is a large tube fitted with powerful magnets within which the patient lies down.

Some parts of the body which can be examined using an MRI scanner are the brain, spinal cord, bones, joints, breasts, heart, blood vessels, liver, womb, prostate glands, and other internal organs.

The painless imaging procedure takes twenty to ninety minutes to complete and can help diagnose conditions, plan treatments, and assess the effect of previous treatments on the patient's body.

Radiologists, Radiographers, and MRI Technicians - What’s the Difference?

The terms radiologists, radiographers, and MRI Technicians seem similar but these professionals perform quite different functions.

Radiologists are generally medical doctors specially trained to perform interventional procedures such as angiograms and biopsies and interpret X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans to diagnose patients. They review the MRI Technician’s report and send the report to the concerned physician.

Radiographers or radiologic technologists are imaging specialists who work with X-rays, MRI equipment, and CT scans. They are generally part of the team looking after patients going through interventional procedures and sometimes give radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients. They are at risk of radiation exposure and must wear badges that measure local radiation levels.

MRI Technicians are radiographers who focus on non-invasive MRI equipment and are not at risk of radiation exposure. Many MRI Technicians first work as radiologic technologists and choose to specialise later.

MRI scanners use magnetic fields and powerful radio frequencies combined with the contrast agent to produce 3D images more effective than regular x-rays.

MRI Technicians are a vital cog in the medical industry. The images they produce with precision and skill help doctors diagnose and treat patients whose conditions may otherwise be impossible to cure.

Prepare the patient for the procedure with a comprehensive and reassuring explanation that will decrease their natural anxiety.