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How do I advance from Medical Imaging Tech to MRI tech?
The college I want to go doesn't offer MRI tech specifically but only Medical Imaging Tech. My dream job is MRI tech so how do I get there with a Medical Imaging Tech degree?
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Fenton’s Answer
Hello Kai,
Medical imaging is a great career path with high demand. There are many types of imaging jobs, such as General X-Ray Technologist, CT Scan Technologist, MRI Technologist, Ultrasound Technologist, PET Scan Technologist, Radiation Therapy Technologist, and Mammography Technologist.
To be a good imaging technologist, you need to understand basic human anatomy and physiology, as well as imaging techniques. Some states require a 2-3 year course in Radiologic Technology and registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), plus passing State Board Exams. This applies to most imaging types, but some, like Ultrasound, MRI, or CT Scan, do not need a General X-Ray Technology background. They have their own course requirements and need knowledge of anatomy, radiation, and magnetic physics.
With my 23 years in healthcare, I suggest starting with a General X-ray Technologist program at a junior college or hospital university. Then, choose a specialty and gain experience. I started as an X-ray tech, learned CT scanning, and later took a one-year advanced MRI course in Philadelphia. This included a year of MRI clinical rotations after two years of X-ray clinical rotations, plus board exams for MRI.
Switching from X-ray to MRI Tech takes about 3-4 years of study and practice. The best MRI Techs know at least two or three imaging types. Some states offer faster programs that skip General X-ray for specific areas like MRI or Ultrasound. However, having an RT (R) (ARRT) credential makes you more valuable when moving to another imaging specialty.
Wishing you success in your medical career. Healthcare is a rewarding and fulfilling field.
Best regards,
Fenton G. BS, RT (R) (VI)
Medical imaging is a great career path with high demand. There are many types of imaging jobs, such as General X-Ray Technologist, CT Scan Technologist, MRI Technologist, Ultrasound Technologist, PET Scan Technologist, Radiation Therapy Technologist, and Mammography Technologist.
To be a good imaging technologist, you need to understand basic human anatomy and physiology, as well as imaging techniques. Some states require a 2-3 year course in Radiologic Technology and registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), plus passing State Board Exams. This applies to most imaging types, but some, like Ultrasound, MRI, or CT Scan, do not need a General X-Ray Technology background. They have their own course requirements and need knowledge of anatomy, radiation, and magnetic physics.
With my 23 years in healthcare, I suggest starting with a General X-ray Technologist program at a junior college or hospital university. Then, choose a specialty and gain experience. I started as an X-ray tech, learned CT scanning, and later took a one-year advanced MRI course in Philadelphia. This included a year of MRI clinical rotations after two years of X-ray clinical rotations, plus board exams for MRI.
Switching from X-ray to MRI Tech takes about 3-4 years of study and practice. The best MRI Techs know at least two or three imaging types. Some states offer faster programs that skip General X-ray for specific areas like MRI or Ultrasound. However, having an RT (R) (ARRT) credential makes you more valuable when moving to another imaging specialty.
Wishing you success in your medical career. Healthcare is a rewarding and fulfilling field.
Best regards,
Fenton G. BS, RT (R) (VI)
Updated
Antoinette’s Answer
Hello,
There are different ways to achieve this.
Attend an accredited program for Radiologic Technology, preferably one accredited through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Most places prefer you have a license with ARRT so it will make your job hunting after college a lot easier. When you graduate, you can sit for your license exam with ARRT. Find a college that offers MRI training. Some colleges won't allow you to take the MRI class unless you are already licensed in Radiologic Technology.
A different route is to attend an accredited program for Radiologic Technology like above but instead of finding an MRI class, you can land a job and get crossed trained. You'll be hired as an x-ray tech and if the hospital has a need for an MRI tech, based on seniority, they could train you on MRI. Sometimes, this can take years because there could be other techs waiting for the training who were hired before you.
Another option is to find an accredited program that offers a full program in MRI, this will usually be for profit schools and can be expensive. You graduate and sit through your license exam with ARRT.
Check ARRT's website. They have a page that shows a list of accredited schools by state. Mainly you need to either become an x-ray tech and then cross train in MRI or attend a full MRI program.
Hope this helps.
There are different ways to achieve this.
Attend an accredited program for Radiologic Technology, preferably one accredited through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Most places prefer you have a license with ARRT so it will make your job hunting after college a lot easier. When you graduate, you can sit for your license exam with ARRT. Find a college that offers MRI training. Some colleges won't allow you to take the MRI class unless you are already licensed in Radiologic Technology.
A different route is to attend an accredited program for Radiologic Technology like above but instead of finding an MRI class, you can land a job and get crossed trained. You'll be hired as an x-ray tech and if the hospital has a need for an MRI tech, based on seniority, they could train you on MRI. Sometimes, this can take years because there could be other techs waiting for the training who were hired before you.
Another option is to find an accredited program that offers a full program in MRI, this will usually be for profit schools and can be expensive. You graduate and sit through your license exam with ARRT.
Check ARRT's website. They have a page that shows a list of accredited schools by state. Mainly you need to either become an x-ray tech and then cross train in MRI or attend a full MRI program.
Hope this helps.