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Healthcare

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
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Median pay

$88,180
Median annual pay for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

7.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

44,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+3,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Physics
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Medicine and Dentistry
  6. 6Public Safety and Security

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Written Comprehension
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Cooperation
  5. 5Empathy
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Assisting and Caring for Others
  4. 4Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Health and Safety of Other Workers
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
  • Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
  • Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
  • Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
  • Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
  • Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
  • Take brief medical histories from patients.
  • Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.

Software and tools

eClinicalWorks EHR software · hot technologyMEDITECH software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAppointment scheduling softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareGE Healthcare Centricity EMRMedical image processing softwareRadiology information systems (RIS)Teleradiology systemsWeb browser software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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