One of the main things people consider before they decide on a career path is the career’s prospects. A person might be incredibly interested in a particular field or job but opt for something else on realizing that its prospects aren’t too great. The same applies to MRI techs. Before searching for MRI programs, courses, and certification methods, you should first get a clearer idea of your prospects as an MRI technologist or technician.
On the other hand, if you’re so passionate about being an MRI technologist that you’ll pursue it no matter what, career prospects shouldn’t really change your mind. It’s still nice to know what to expect, even if you have already booked a place in one of the available MRI programs.
MRI Tech Salaries
The median annual wage for an MRI tech is about $72,000. The highest-earning MRI techs earn over $99,000 per year. The lowest-earning techs make about $50,000 per annum. MRI techs make considerably more money than other radiologic techs, earning an average of $59,000 annually.
Many radiologic techs choose to become MRI techs. Some because they’re more interested in MRIs, and others do it because MRI techs make more money. The amount of money you’ll make as an MRI tech will depend on where you’ll be employed. MRI techs can work in hospitals, diagnostic centers, physician offices, and in care centers.
Outpatient care center MRI techs make the most money at about $85,000 per year, while those working in physician offices make the least money with an average of $70,000. There’s not much of a difference between those working in diagnostic centers and hospitals. If you really want to make as much money as possible, you should seek employment at an outpatient care center.
While salaries sound great, it’s not easy money. You’ll have to go through years of training and education. MRI techs have full-time jobs, and you might also have to work on weekends.
Job Outlook for Students of MRI Programs
MRI machines are fairly recent inventions in the world of medicine. We’re getting improved versions of them all the time too. MRI technicians and technologists are considered relatively new. The profession only started to exist recently.
The need for MRI techs is expected to grow by about 11% over the next decade. This makes it one of the most promising and rapidly growing careers. As MRIs become more frequently used and people present with conditions like Alzheimer’s that require MRIs, the need for MRI techs will rise too.
Becoming an MRI tech is an investment. The money you put into your education and training will pay dividends later on as you work in healthcare dealing with patients and making a difference. You might hesitate to book a place in one of the available MRI programs now, but once you’re a high earning MRI tech, you’ll feel like it was a small price to pay. Job satisfaction is high because it’s not a very stressful job, and you get to deal with patients.
Links Related to MRI Courses