MRI tech or MRI scanners use images of patients' bodies, and with the help of those images, they assist with diagnostic testing. These machines use powerful magnets and use radio waves to produce clear pictures of the body's inside parts helping diagnose and monitor various medical conditions.
The MRI machines always ensure the safety and comfort of the patient during the image process. However, they have responsibility for maintaining the MRI equipment to ensure high quality and accurate imaging.
What Does An MRI Tech Do?
The MRI tech specialises in operating MRI machines to produce detailed images of a patient's inside structures. They work with health care teams, and they make sure to take a clear image of the patient. Otherwise, they also ensure the safety and comfort of the patient because they play an essential role in the diagnosis process.
The MRI tech has an important role in creating clear images that aid in diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions, such as tumours, injuries, neurological disorders, etc. On the other hand, the MRI tech is also responsible for maintaining the MRI equipment, and they ensure its proper functionality. Their expertise lies in the safe and effective use of magnetic resonance technology to contribute to accurate medical diagnoses and treatment plans.
How To Become An MRI Technologist In 7 Steps
1. Complete Education
First, you have to get a high school diploma or certificate and then start studying any radiologic technology or a related field from an accredited program.
2. Get An Associate Degree
If you want to become an MRI Technologist, you must have an associate's degree. However, without any certification or degree, you are not able to become an MRI technologist, so you must have to study in this field to get a degree.
3. Become Licensed or Certified
Ensure to look into the licensing or certification needs in your area. After finishing their schooling and clinical training, a lot of MRI technologists opt for certification from professional bodies like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
4. Gain Clinical Experience
The best way to get more experience is through a clinical internship, and this training provides you with the best knowledge of MRI procedures and patient interactions. There are two types of students: first, who earn experience while doing any MRI program, and second, who earn experience working at any clinic.
5. Specialise in MRI Technology
Always think of getting advanced training in MRI technology to become specialised in MRI. This might require extra classes centred around magnetic resonance imaging.
6. Stay Updated
MRI technology is advancing day by day, and you should stay attached to it as soon as any change or advancement comes so that you know about it. Attend workshops and conferences, or engage in continuous education to enhance your skills.
7. Apply for Positions
When you are certified with an MRI degree, the best option is to apply everywhere you can because If you apply to many places, it will be an advantage for you that you can get a callback from some place. Apply for MRI technologist positions at hospitals, imaging centres, or healthcare facilities and always stay connected with professionals to get job opportunities.
What Skills Are Necessary For MRI Technicians?
Several skills are necessary for MRI technicians because, without those skills, you can’t become a good MRI technician.
Radiology
There are several diagnosing methods in which radiation is used, so MRI technicians must know radiology. You need to know about radiology equipment and techniques if you work in that field.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
BLS skills are more valued in the field of MRI technicians because the person who has BLS skills can easily respond quickly to any complications which arise during a procedure. The BLS ensures that MRI techs can respond promptly to cardiac arrest or respiratory distress situations, maintaining the well-being of patients and colleagues within the healthcare environment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates a layer of magnetic field around the patient's body and produces radio waves to get organs image, soft tissues and blood vessels. Technical competence, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of MRI technology are essential for delivering accurate diagnostic images.
Customer Service
MRI technicians need to be good at customer service. This means they need to be able to talk clearly, understand others' feelings, and pay close attention. They have to tell patients what will happen,Respond to all inquiries and ensure their comfort when being scanned. Being kind and patient is very important because it helps the patient have a good experience. If the technician can explain things well, it can help the patient feel less worried. This makes the whole process of getting an image taken much more positive and supportive.
Management
Medical imaging technology is growing fast day by day because of getting better results or images. It’s very important to have the best communication with the health care team to keep your workspace tidy and follow safety rules. Being good at managing your time, resources, and how you deal with patients helps make MRI operations run smoothly and efficiently.
What Is The Average Salary Of MRI Technicians?
The salary of an MRI technician depends on his expertise, such as experience, location and healthcare facility. In the US, the top earners earn around $12,791 per month, and 25th Percentile earners earn around $6,958 per month.
However, the salary of MRI technologists may earn different salaries based on their specialisation and expertise in magnetic resonance imaging. The location also plays a significant role because, in several places, the experienced MRI technician's salary is higher, and in some locations, the salary of an MRI technician is lower.
Final Thoughts
The MRI technicians capture images of the patient's organs with MRI machines, and to take a clear image, they need great experience in this field. However, if you want to become an MRI technician, you must have a degree to get an MRI technician job, and after working with professionals, you will get more experience. Some individuals earn experience in MRI technician fields by working in several clinics. So, expertise is required in this field, and the salary of MRI technicians depends on location and experience.