The current MRI tech salary is around $40 per hour, but that can range much higher in certain states. If you enjoy working with people and patients, you might also enjoy attending an MRI tech school to become an MRI Technologist.
Those already holding a state radiologic license and ARRT registration can be eligible to sit for the MRI registry through the ARRT post-primary pathway. So if you’re looking to add more to your credentials or make a career shift, this program might be what’s right for you.
The Role of an MRI Technologist
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a specialty field in radiologic technology. MRI technologists use highly specialized equipment to generate images of the patient’s internal body. The MRI scanner uses radio frequency and variations in the magnetic field to produce a three-dimensional scan of the internal organs and body parts. The images produced are analyzed and read by radiologists and physicians to diagnose the patient’s condition.
MRI technologists can either work in a hospital, clinic, or imaging center, and their role is to create the best quality imaging to accurately diagnose certain conditions. To create quality images, they must assist patients throughout the process by providing empathy and communication and using their specialized skillset to adjust MR parameters.
How to Choose an MRI Tech School
When choosing an MRI tech school, you must first consider your qualifications and eligibility. Not all online MRI programs are the same, so get as much information as possible about the school and the MRI courses they offer. Some MRI tech schools offer a complete 2-4 year primary degree program, while others only have a 14-week online post-primary MRI program for radiologic technologists.
The schools that offer a full degree program may accept high school graduates, while the ones with shorter courses are only for licensed ARRT radiologic technologists who want to add one more certification to their resume and diversify their role in the radiology industry. Such a program is highly recommended to those already listed with the ARRT, particularly the sonographers and x-ray technologists.
What You’ll Learn in an MRI Tech School
Depending on the type of MRI program you’ll join, you’ll learn not just how to use and operate the MRI machine but also in-depth training in cross-sectional anatomy, patient care, and MRI instrumentation, among others. It’s important that you choose an MRI tech school that offers ARRT-approved structured education and clinical training because it takes completion of both to become registry eligible.
Online MRI programs exist for radiologic technologists, and enrolling in them is the best choice for licensed ARRT, NMTCB, and ARDMS technologists. By enlisting with an online MRI tech school, you don’t have to commute to a physical location or take vacation time from your current position. Online MRI courses make it easier for radiologic technologists to get trained while still working full-time positions elsewhere.
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