Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technicians

Nowadays one of the diagnostic tools used in the medical field is the MRI. It’s very important to underline that the people who are trained to use this tool are increasingly in demand because this technology grows and advances.

Career of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technicians

MRI Technician Degree

Magnetic resonance imaging technicians usually work in hospitals. They may also find job in clinics, emergency care centers, mobile units, physicians’ offices, and research centers.

MRI Associate’s Degree

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician (MRI) Associate’s Degree provides the student with the training needed to work in a hospital or medical setting operating radiological and MRI equipment. Graduating with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician (MRI) Associate’s Degree will train the student to produce images of injured patients for diagnostic purposes.

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician (MRI) Associate’s Degree provides detailed instructions on how to operate complicated medical machinery. The skills a student receives with an Associate’s Degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging are very valuable since the MRI has become the primary method of diagnosing patients.

Training programs for MRI

Training programs for MRI tech last 1-4 years. They may lead either to a certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree. Most MRI techs take a two-year associate’s degree program. One-year certificate programs are available for experienced radiographers or other health professionals who want to change practice or specialize in MRI. Voluntary registration is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To be eligible, one must pass an exam. Most employers prefer to hire registered technicians. In order to be recertified, technicians must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Required Courses for a MRI Technician Associate’s Degree

There are a number of required courses for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician (MRI) Associate’s Degree. These include:

Introduction to Radiology
Patient Care
Medical Terminology
Radiographic Procedures
Principles of Radiology
Clinical Procedures
Human Biology
Processing Theory
Contrast Imagery
Pathology
Fluoroscopic Equipment
Oral Communications

Minimal Coursework Requirements for a MRI Technician Degree

If you take part in a MRI Technician program, you will learn how to use imaging equipment, computers and how to conduct an MRI exam. The minimal coursework requirements for a MRI Technician Degree may include:

Patient Safety
Imaging Procedures
Technology in Radiology
Radiographic Positioning
Medical Terminology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Clinical Training

After the completion of a MRI Technician Degree program, you’ll become a professional working in the industry of healthcare. You should excel in the following skills and abilities:

Sensitivity to patients’ needs
Adhere to safety procedures to protect self and others from dangers of radiation
Operate complicated technology and equipment
Communicate x-ray results to doctors and other staff as needed

Degree Programs on MRI in USA

There are several educational establishments that offer programs on MRI. These are the following institutes:

Colorado Technical University
- Associate: Radiologic Technology
- Associate: Surgical Technology
Sanford-Brown
- Associate of Science – Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Associate: Allied Health
- Associate: Cardiovascular Sonography
- Associate: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Associate: Nursing
Argosy University
- Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
- Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Associate: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Anthem
- Associate: Surgical Technologist
- Associate: X-Ray Technician