Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
SOC: 29-2035.00

Description:

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

National Salary Information:

Hourly Statistics:

Annual Statistics:

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 wage data.

Employment Projections:

Employment (2014):
33,600 employed

Projected (2024):
37,100 employed

Projected growth (2014-2024)


Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 2014-2024 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2014-2024). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Alternate Titles:

  • Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (CT/MRI Technologist)
  • Imaging Technologist
  • Lead Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Technologist
  • Lead Technologist/Manager
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Radiographer
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Specialist
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Supervisor
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Technologist
  • MRI Special Procedures Technologist
  • Senior Staff Technologist
  • Staff Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Technologist
  • Staff Technologist

    • Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

    Experience:

    Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

    Education:

    Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

    Job Training:

    Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

    Required Skills:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Monitoring
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Coordination
  • Persuasion
  • Negotiation
  • Instructing
  • Service Orientation
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Technology Design
  • Equipment Selection
  • Programming
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting
  • Repairing
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Systems Analysis
  • Systems Evaluation
  • Time Management
  • Management of Material Resources
  • Management of Personnel Resources

    • Knowledge Used:

  • Administration and Management
  • Clerical
  • Economics and Accounting
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Personnel and Human Resources
  • Production and Processing
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Education and Training
  • English Language
  • Foreign Language
  • Philosophy and Theology
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Law and Government
  • Telecommunications
  • Communications and Media

    • Tasks:

  • Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
  • Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
  • Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
  • Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
  • Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
  • Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
  • Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
  • Inject intravenously contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
  • Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
  • Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
  • Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
  • Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
  • Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
  • Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
  • Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
  • Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.
  • Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
  • Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
  • Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
  • Take brief medical histories from patients.
  • Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
  • Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.

    • Tools & Technology:

  • Capnographs
  • Carbon dioxide monitors
  • Clinical imaging workstations
  • Crash carts
  • Dosimetry badges
  • Emergency contrast reaction kits
  • Fluoroptic thermometry systems
  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI scanners
  • Image capturing and transmission systems
  • Intravenous IV infusion pumps
  • Intravenous IV line sets
  • Laser cameras
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI audio and visual intercommunication systems
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration devices
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration phantoms
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI coils
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI compatible fire extinguishers
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI consoles
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI monitors
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI positioning sandbags
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI printers
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI patient tables
  • Medical nasal cannulae
  • Non-magnetic pulse oximeter units
  • Oxygen delivery equipment
  • Patient lifting equipment
  • Patient positioning devices
  • Personal computers
  • Photoplethysmographs
  • Portable magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners
  • Power injectors
  • Protective eye shields
  • Protective medical face masks
  • Sphygmomanometers
  • Telemetry leads
  • Venipuncture needles
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • GE Healthcare Centricity software
  • Medical image processing software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • Radiology information systems (RIS)
  • Teleradiology systems
  • Web browser software

    • healthcare practitioners and technical

    industry stats

    SOC: 29-0000

    Total Employed: 8,021,800

    Average Annual Salary: $77,800