Radiologic and MRI Technologists

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Duties

MRI and radiologic technologists perform the following tasks:

• Maintaining and adjusting imaging devices
• Obey the specific instructions of your doctor as to where on the body you should take pictures.
• A medical history and the shielding of regions that do not need to be photographed are part of the preparation process for individuals undergoing treatments.
• The patient and the equipment must be positioned correctly in order to get the best possible picture.
• Take the pictures with the help of a computer.
• Consult with medical professionals to assess the photos and decide whether or not further photographs are required.
• Maintain thorough records of each patient's condition.

It is the job of radiologic technicians to be familiar with a variety of medical diagnostic tools. It's possible for them to specialize in x-ray, mammography, or CT imaging. Some radiologic technicians supply a patient with a drinkable concoction that helps the radiologist to see soft tissue on the pictures.

Magnetic resonance imaging scanners are the exclusive focus of the work of MRI technicians. In order for the pictures to appear on the scanner, they provide contrast media, like as dye, to the patients. The scanners create pictures that a doctor may use to identify medical conditions using magnetic fields and a contrast chemical.

Profiles for nuclear medicine technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technicians, are available for more information.

Education

Students interested in radiology or MRI should take math and science studies such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics.

Associate's degree for radiologic and MRI technologists. Postsecondary education offers graduate certificates and bachelor's degrees in healthcare and related fields. Depending on the subject, education programs might include both classroom and clinical experience. This program covers anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image assessment.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology (JRCERT) and American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) recognized radiography and MRT programs (ARMRIT). Applicants for various state licenses must have completed a recognized educational program.

Work Experience in Related Fields

MRI technologists often have less than five years of experience as radiologic technicians.

Licenses and certifications

Most states require certified radiologic technicians. Licensure for MRI technologists is rare. Each state has its own rules.

To become a licensed technician, graduates of accredited institutions must pass a state certification exam or obtain credentials from a recognized body. Technologists can earn numerous credentials. The ARRT certifies radiologic technicians (ARRT). The ARRT certifies MRI technologists (ARMRIT). Contact the state's health board for MRI and radiologic technician license requirements.

However, organizations often prefer or require accreditation for prospective technicians. Employers may require or prefer prospective technicians to be certified in CPR or BLS (BLS).

Important traits

Dedicated to precision. Radiologic and MRI technologists must follow tight rules to obtain diagnostic pictures.

Interaction with others. Medical imaging techs work closely with worried or ill patients. Relaxed patients take better photos.

Math skills. A radiologist or MRI technologist may have to calculate how much radiation or magnetic resonance should be discharged during a test.

Body stamina. Overnight radiologic and MRI techs must lift and transport patients who require assistance.

Expertise in a certain field. Radiologic and MRI technologists must be able to operate complicated equipment.

Pay

The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $83,740 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,420.

Job Projections

Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.