Become an MRI Technologist
Date: October 21, 2022
Benefits of Becoming an MRI Technologist
Do you want a career in healthcare that positively impacts people’s lives? An education in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be the option for you. MRI Technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to make images2 of the soft-tissue structures of the body—such as the heart, liver, and many other organs. An MRI procedure is considered a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve radiation exposure, making MRI an invaluable tool.
Reasons to Become an MRI Technologist
Whether you’ve recently graduated from high school or are thinking of a career change, an MRI educational program could be a great start toward your future career. An MRI profession’s benefits include job satisfaction, helping others, competitive pay, fairly streamlined schedules, and opportunities for exciting varieties of tasks. Here are just a few advantages of the profession and the programs which prepare persons for these roles.
Job Satisfaction
The role of MRI Technology was given an overall job satisfaction rating of six out of ten by the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Jobs Rankings.” The report determined this based on unemployment averages, ten-year growth indexes, future job prospects, stress levels, work-life balances, and other key markers. The vocation placed No. 17 in “Best Health Care Support Jobs” and 89 out of “100 Best Jobs” overall.2 Additionally, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a seven percent growth rate for MRI Technologists between 2019–2029, with an estimated 2,700 job openings.2
MRI Technologists positively report impacting people’s lives for the better. From reassuring squeamish patients going into tight spaces to explaining what specific results indicate, the MRI Technologist is in a position to affect people’s lives tangibly. While in direct contact, they are often the first stop of the healthcare teams for patients seeking healthier lifestyles and looking for real answers. A future as an MRI Technologist could allow you a spot on the “front lines,” helping patients work towards healthier goals. Altruistic satisfaction can be gained from knowing one is in a position to offer real-life support.
Competitive Pay
In 2019, U.S. News and World Report cited* annual median salaries of $73,410, with the top 25 percent making $87,280 and the lowest-earning 25 percent still making $61,030. The profession had a mere 1.4 percent unemployment rate.2 Individual salaries can vary significantly based on variables, including where the individual works, years of experience, and education level.
Have a Fairly Streamlined Schedule
If you have a passion for healthcare but are concerned with work-life balance, an MRI technology route could be a good fit. While some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnights in urgent care centers, many MRI professionals function within the traditional 9‒5, Monday‒Friday work schedule. Most work full-time.1 Because most MRIs are elective, patients typically schedule their scans during the daytime and in advance, which means one can generally plan accordingly. As with any vocation, it’s important to remember not every workspace is the same.
Perform a Variety of Tasks
This may be your calling if you prefer a profession that continually challenges you with new tasks. The duties a typical MRI Technologist is responsible for include:
- Communicating with patients and explaining procedures;
- Preparing patients for image scans;
- Going over results with patients;
- Accessing which images to perform and why;
- Capturing images;
- Assisting physicians in detecting and diagnosing medical questions;
- Helping prepare treatment plans and progress goals.
Not only will each appointment challenge you to find specific results for each scan, but patients themselves provide variety with the gamut of symptoms and personalities.
Working as an MRI Technologist requires staying abreast of industry standards, embracing new learning opportunities, and recommending equipment upgrades. This may be the career change you seek if you like to shake things up and continually challenge yourself with new tasks.
Ready to Start Working Toward Your Future?
Unlike traditional four-year college paths, becoming an MRI Technologist could take just under two years. With all that MRI Technology offers, shouldn’t you take another look at the field?~
*The salaries provided are based on reported data. Individual experiences can vary depending on certification, years of experience, geographical areas, and other factors.
By Cindy R. Chamberlin
Citations:
1 “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.” U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics. March 2021. (Accessed June 7, 2021.)
2^ a, b, c, d, Emily H. Bratcher. “MRI Technologist Ranks among Best Jobs of 2019.” U.S. News and World Report. 2016. (Accessed June 7, 2021.)
