MRI technologist duties and responsibilities

Rewards and challenges of being an MRI tech 

MRI techs often share that they enjoy working in this field because they get to learn and observe the work of radiologists and physicians. If you’re the type of person who prefers working with mentors and being able to learn and grow in your career, you might consider the field of MRI technology. Another reward for someone in this role is the ability to help treat patients by capturing the images that radiologists use to diagnose patients' illnesses. When caught early, patients have a much better chance of living a normal life after treatment.  

Some challenges that MRI techs have encountered with this role include physical demands. Since MRI techs spend most of the day on their feet, this is something to consider before entering the profession. Additionally, some MRI techs find it to be a challenge when they have a patient who is anxious about tight spaces. However, once the patient has successfully completed the MRI scan, the feeling can be rewarding for both the patient and the MRI tech. With that said, below you’ll find the steps and skills needed to become an MRI technologist.  

MRI tech requirements 

Education

If you’re interested in becoming an MRI technologist, you’ll first need to earn your associate’s degree in either radiologic technology or a field related to it.  

Getting your associate’s degree takes about two years to complete and will consist of a variety of courses, such as MRI imaging techniques, patient care, advanced anatomy classes, and more.  

You might also want to consider getting your bachelor's degree and extra certifications, as some employers prefer MRI techs with more education and training. By undergoing this additional training, you can improve your job prospects and earnings. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, where you’ll learn all the necessary technical skills and gain plenty of hands-on experience.  

Once you’ve completed either your associate’s or bachelor’s degree, you need to become certified in MRI technology. To do this, you’ll need to pass an exam administered by an accredited body, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).  

Experience  

Gaining experience is especially important when becoming an MRI tech, as it allows for more practical and hands-on learning opportunities where you can practice your skills in a controlled setting. The program you enroll in will require you to complete a certain number of hours of training experience in your clinicals.  

During clinicals, you’ll be able to learn how to properly operate an MRI machine, perform an MRI scan, provide patient care, interpret the images from the MRI scan, and much more. Your time in clinicals will boost your patient care abilities and technical skills to a whole new level, so it’s important to give them your all. MRI techs who prioritize the quality of patient care they provide are more valuable to healthcare facilities.  

Certifications 

As previously stated, you’ll need to get certified by a recognized organization such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) to become an MRI technologist. To gain your certification, you need a passing score on the ARRT exam that is specifically for MRI technology.  

If you want to enhance your job prospects, you might also consider the following certifications. These certifications will not only make you more valuable to employers, but you will also have the opportunity to earn higher pay:  

• The Magnetic Resonance Medical Director (MRMD) certification 
• The American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) certification 
• The Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert (MRSE) certification 

Licenses  

After you earn the ARRT certification, you’ll obtain your license to start practicing as an MRI technologist. Be sure to learn about the requirements for the state you work in, as they can differ from location to location. Also, depending on the state you work in, your license will only be valid for one to three years. To maintain your license, you’ll want to make sure you stay up to date and complete the required continuing education units necessary so that your license doesn’t expire.  

Common skills needed to become an MRI tech 

Soft skills you’ll need: 

• Empathetic and compassionate attitude 
• Critical thinking  
• Strong attention to detail  
• Collaborative skills 
• Effective communication 

Since some people might be nervous about having an MRI scan, especially children and those with claustrophobia, it’s essential that you possess the skill to be empathetic and compassionate. You’ll also need to be very attentive to detail since part of your job is interpreting MRI scans. 

Hard skills you’ll need:  

• Computer and technological skills 
• Anatomy and physiology knowledge  
• Being able to operate the MRI equipment  
• Strong understanding of the MRI images and how to interpret them 
• Patient safety 

While the soft skills are important for MRI technologists to have, you’ll also need to ensure you have all the necessary technical skills to work in this field. As you might assume, you’ll need a strong foundation of knowledge when it comes to anatomy and physiology. Additionally, understanding all of the intricacies of the MRI equipment is just as important for someone to be successful in this role. 

Search our open MRI tech jobs 

We hope this blog has taught you more about MRI tech duties and responsibilities. If you think you possess the qualities that are needed to become an MRI technologist, we encourage you to consider entering this growing field. Looking to start your next MRI technologist dream job with Favorite? Search our open MRI tech jobs today!