MRI TECHNOLOGIST

MRI Technologist Responsibilities

An MRI Technologist specializes in magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They operate the machine to obtain scans of patients' muscles, spinal cord, or brain, which help diagnose clients' diseases and illnesses. 

They also help physicians diagnose results from MRI scans and prepare patients for MRI procedures. 

An MRI Technologist must carefully follow the direction of their attending physician to ensure they are scanning the appropriate area of the body needed for diagnosis. 

MRI Technologists perform duties such as:

• Calmly handling high-stress environments when dealing with physicians, technicians, and patients.
• Providing new technologists with qualified work samples, direction, and regular checks from experienced team members.
• Ensuring patient safety before procedures.
• Maintaining the MRI machine, and ordering repairs when necessary. 
• Troubleshooting scanners and peripheral equipment to avoid delays or downtime that affect patient satisfaction.
• Communicating effectively with other health care professionals to convey messages appropriately.
• Using poise, courtesy, and tact when interacting with patients, keeping them calm and comfortable during all procedures.
• Explaining the MRI process to patients in a way that's reassuring and informative while addressing all concerns.
• Operating equipment for imaging on various areas of the body in order to provide high-quality information and imaging for patient diagnosis. 

Required and Preferred Job Qualifications

An MRI Technologist entering the workforce is required to have:

• A current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Current state licensing (if applicable).

Many employers prefer the following skills and capabilities:

• The ability to travel to various facilities
• Self-direction and self-motivation
• Experience working in high-stress environments

MRI Technologist Education Requirements 

MRI Technologists play a crucial role in health care, but they must first complete formal training. There are two main ways to become an MRI technologist: 

• Complete a certificate or degree program that focuses solely on MRI technology and get certified in MRI.
• Complete an associate degree or higher in radiologic sciences and specialize in MRI through additional education, clinical training, and certification. 

AIMS Education offers a certificate for MRI Technology, and our graduates are eligible to take the MRI examination from ARMRIT. Graduates with an associate degree are also eligible to take the MRI exam from ARRT.

MRI Technologist Required Skills 

MRI Technologists develop the following skills through clinical experience and coursework:

• Critical thinking capabilities: Techs must determine the best process for gathering high-quality images and what images need to be captured.
• Communication skills: MRI techs convey information to doctors before and after a procedure and communicate with patients at all stages of the scanning process.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills: Many technicians encounter patients who feel uneasy about entering an MRI scanner.
• Keen attention to detail and organization: Technicians must capture accurate images following radiologists' instructions.
• Technical skills: Producing images and operating MRI scanners requires specific skills and training.

Certification / Registry Exam Eligibility

Graduates of the MRI program are eligible to sit for the ARMRIT national certification exam for magnetic resonance imaging. The MRI program is also officially recognized by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). MRI graduates who hold an associate degree can pursue primary pathway certification through ARRT.

MRI graduates with a foreign degree, who are pursuing certification through ARRT, must have their degree evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service.

Eligibility requirements for the MRI certifications are solely determined by ARMRIT and ARRT, and are subject to change at any time. ARMRIT and ARRT are independent organizations. AIMS does not guarantee certification/registry exam eligibility.

Classroom and Clinical Training Schedule

Students who enroll in the MRI Technologist program must have flexible schedules and be able to attend classes and/or clinical training sessions during morning, day, and evening hours. Although the majority of clinical training will be in the morning/day, some clinical training will be completed in the evening. In addition, certain courses will only be taught in the evening regardless of the program’s standard schedule.

Program Length

• 1980 clock hours
• Classroom instruction - 935 hours
• Lab - 90 hours
• Clinical hours - 955 hours
• The MRI Technologist program can be completed in approximately 26 months.

Comprehensive Education and Training

• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Patient Care & Safety
• IV Administration
• MRI Physics and Instrumentation
• MRI Parameters & Procedures
• Cross-Sectional Anatomy & Physiology
• PACS & Image Acquisition

Minimum Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Passing score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam
• Additional Requirements

Recommended (not required)

• Associate degree or higher

Selective Enrollment

The MRI Technologist program has a selective application process. Meeting the minimum requirements or recommendations does not guarantee you will be accepted into the program. From the pool of applicants, those who are considered most qualified for the study and practice of MRI technology will be admitted.

Additional Program Requirements

All MRI students are required to earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 upon completion of the pre-diagnostic modules at AIMS. 

Additional information regarding the class schedule, program length, internship schedule, and school holidays, is available on the academic calendar page.