Different Degrees You Can Get at an MRI Tech School

There are different degrees a person can get after completing their education at an MRI tech school. Not all degrees are needed, but some are more advanced than others. So if you were under the wrong impression that everyone who goes to the best MRI tech schools gets the same type of degree, this is the time to correct yourself.

An MRI tech school will likely provide you with the option of getting an Associate Degree in Radiology, a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, and/or a Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences. So what’s the difference between each degree?

Obtaining a master’s degree in radiology will allow an MRI technologist or technician to take teaching or managerial positions. As we said, it doesn’t get any better than this. It’ll take a person between 2-3 years to complete their master’s degree, so you’ll have to be willing to invest a lot of time into it.

An associate degree is the least advanced one. It has the least complex subjects and doesn’t really go in-depth into any of them. Those looking to get a degree as quickly as possible to start working should opt for an Associate degree in radiology. You’ll need to complete about 70 hours of education. An Associate degree will only qualify you for an entry-level job with an entry-level salary. If you’re more ambitious and willing to spend more time studying for an advanced position and a better salary, you should consider a bachelor’s degree or a master of science.

A Bachelor of Science degree will take twice as long as an Associate degree. You will spend more time learning each subject in depth and will have a much broader and more detailed understanding of radiology. A person with a Bachelor’s degree will be much better equipped and prepared to be an MRI tech than someone with an Associate degree.

A Bachelor of Science degree will enable you to take a master’s program straightaway, while an Associate degree won’t since it’s not advanced enough. Plus, with a Bachelor’s degree, you will be able to apply and interview for more advanced jobs with better pay. It takes twice as long as an Associate degree, but consider it an investment for the future since you’ll be in a much better position career-wise.

A master’s degree is obviously the most advanced of the three. People don’t start these programs at the beginning of their careers usually. They find themselves wanting a master’s degree after several years of work. It’s the next and final step in a person’s career, it can be considered as the pinnacle since there’s no higher certification an MRI technician can obtain.

Going to an MRI tech school can mean different things to different people. You need to know your goals and how much time you’re willing to study before choosing a degree.