Magnetic Resonance Imaging Career Explorer

Job Description

MRI technologists are registered radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, sonographers, or radiation therapists who specialize in the use of specialized equipment to visualize cross-sectional anatomical structures and aid physicians in the demonstration of pathologies and disease processes.

The diploma in MRI prepares graduates to become professionals and members of the health care team within the discipline of MRI. Diploma candidates must be registered or registry-eligible as radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, sonographers, or radiation therapists by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

A person in this career:

  • Operates MRI scanners
  • Keys commands and data into a computer to document and specify scan sequences
  • Monitors video display of the area being scanned and adjusts the contrast to improve picture quality
  • Positions patients on the examining table
  • Reviews and evaluates images and computer-generated information for technical quality
  • Explains procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and get their cooperation
  • Sets up examination rooms and makes sure that all necessary equipment is ready
  • Monitors patients’ conditions and reactions and reports abnormal signs to a physician 

Working conditions and physical demands:

  • Handle loads of up to 10 pounds, sometimes up to 30 pounds. You might do a lot of lifting, walking and standing or use your arms to control machines, equipment or tools
  • Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, full-suit protection or radiation protection
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting most of the time
  • Exposure to disease and infections more than once per month through work such as patient care, laboratory work and sanitation control

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person
  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness 

Work hours may include:

  • Irregular hours
  • Weekend work

Career at a Glance

Salary Range
$54,184 to $67,600

Skills Needed
Enjoy hands-on manual activities
Good math and science skills
Enjoys helping people
Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Good computer skills

Job Duties
Use specialized equipment to produce images of human body from cross-sectional perspective
Direct patient care

Work Locations
Hospitals
Clinics
Imaging centers
Physician offices