2 answers
marilyn
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
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What should I know about magnetic resonance imaging technicians ??
I decided that ultrasound techs aren't my path and have instead focused on MRI technicians. What are the most important things I should know as I continue this path?
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2 answers
Christine Woodard
1
Answer
Cross Plains, TX
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hi Marilyn,
As a multi-modality technologist, one of the first questions I have for you is this: why MRI and not Ultrasound, meaning what about MRI appeals to you? You don't HAVE to choose just one modality. There are, in fact, many techs who work in more than one modality and that flexibility is also very attractive to employers. There are many different programs and each varies in length. Many employers prefer and/or require that you hold a certification in the specialty in which you work and many states also require a state license. Each modality has it's own certification. In the U.S., ARRT or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, issues certification following an exam. Both modalities are exciting in their own way and offer lifelong learning but it will really boil down to which one suits you best. Hope this helps and best wishes to you in your future endeavor <3
https://edurank.org/medicine/radiology/pennsylvania/
https://www.arrt.org/ - there is a ton of useful information regarding each modality, requirements, etc.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292035.htm - this gives you an idea of the number of MRI techs as well as pay ranges.
As a multi-modality technologist, one of the first questions I have for you is this: why MRI and not Ultrasound, meaning what about MRI appeals to you? You don't HAVE to choose just one modality. There are, in fact, many techs who work in more than one modality and that flexibility is also very attractive to employers. There are many different programs and each varies in length. Many employers prefer and/or require that you hold a certification in the specialty in which you work and many states also require a state license. Each modality has it's own certification. In the U.S., ARRT or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, issues certification following an exam. Both modalities are exciting in their own way and offer lifelong learning but it will really boil down to which one suits you best. Hope this helps and best wishes to you in your future endeavor <3
Christine recommends the following next steps:
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
38
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
The process of doing MRIs is not significantly different from doing any other form of X-ray imaging. If this is the work you want to do, I would suggest that you start by searching on-line for places to train as an X-ray technician. This will include learning about MRIs but will also qualify you do any sort of medical imaging study. You might enjoy the flexibility you will have and you will have more job opportunities. You can learn everything you need to start on-line, and from there you can try to meet people who do this work and learn everything you need to know.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD,MA
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD,MA