Career Overview
Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
Also Known As
- MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator)
- MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator)
- MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician)
- MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)
Alternate Job Titles
- Imaging Technologist
- MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator)
- MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator)
- MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer)
- MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist)
- MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
- MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician)
- MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)
- Research MRI Technologist (Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)
- Travel MRI Tech (Travel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Public Safety and Security
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Operations Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Expression
- Information Ordering
- Speech Recognition
- Control Precision
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
- Empathy
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Relationships
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Capnographs
- Carbon dioxide monitors
- Clinical imaging workstations
- Crash carts
- Dosimetry badges
- Emergency contrast reaction kits
- Fluoroptic thermometry systems
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI scanners
- Image capturing and transmission systems
- Intravenous IV infusion pumps
- Intravenous IV line sets
- Laser cameras
- Magnetic resonance imaging MRI audio and visual intercommunication systems
- Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration devices
- Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration phantoms
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Telephone Conversations
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $64,910 |
| Median | $88,180 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $121,420 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 41,530
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
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Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $77,660
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $89,340
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $97,020
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $48,790
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.