Are you searching for a rewarding healthcare career with a strong annual salary and the chance to help others? Becoming an MRI tech, skilled in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), could be your ideal path. In this easy-to-read guide, we’ll show you how to become an entry-level MRI technologist.

We’ll also answer a key question: how much do MRI techs make? Whether you’re just starting or switching careers, this article offers clear steps and insights to help you decide.

What is an MRI Tech?

An MRI tech, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologist, runs advanced machines to take detailed pictures of the human body. These machines use a magnetic field instead of radiation like X-rays, making MRI a safer choice for many patients.

Doctors rely on these images to spot health problems. MRI techs play a big role in patient care by operating the equipment and making sure scans are clear for accurate results.

How to Become an MRI Tech: Step-by-Step

Complete High School Education
Start your journey by earning a high school diploma or GED. Take science classes like biology, chemistry, and physics, along with math. These subjects help you prepare for working with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. They also build your understanding of the human body and the tools you’ll use as a tech.
Pick the Right Education Path
After high school, pick between two clear paths to become an MRI tech. First, you can earn an associate degree in Radiologic Technology, which takes about 2 years. Then, gain experience as one of the radiologic technologists and take extra MRI training for 6-12 months. Or, join a direct certificate program in MRI technology that lasts 12-24 months. This focuses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) skills right away. Choose a program approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), as suggested by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to meet job standards.
Gain Hands-On Clinical Experience
Real-world training is a must. During your program, you’ll work in hospitals or clinics. You’ll learn to use MRI machines with a magnetic field and position patients for the best images of the human body. You’ll also follow safety rules, create clear scans, and work with healthcare staff. Most programs ask for 1,000-1,500 hours of practice to prepare you as an entry-level MRI technologist.
Earn Your Certification
Certification shows you have the skills to be an MRI tech. The ARRT certification is the most trusted. You must finish an approved program and pass an exam, as explained on their certification page. Another option is an MRI-specific certification from the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT), which some employers accept. This step helps you get a job and proves your focus on patient care.
Get State Licensing (If Needed)
Some states require licensing for MRI techs. Check with your state’s health department for the rules, since they vary by place. Even if licensing isn’t needed, employers often want certified radiologic technologists. You can learn more in guides like Coursera. Knowing local rules keeps you on track.
Keep Learning New Skills
To keep your ARRT certification, you need to keep learning. The ARRT asks for 24 continuing education credits every two years. This helps you stay updated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes and improve patient care. Check this rule on their continuing education page. Staying current makes you stand out in the field.

MRI Tech Salary: How Much Can You Earn?

Wondering about the annual salary for MRI techs? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2024 shows the average yearly pay is $88,180. An entry-level MRI technologist might start at $64,910, which is the lowest 10%. Top earners can make over $121,420, in the highest 10%. This pay beats the average for other radiologic technologists at $77,660, due to the special skills needed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your earnings depend on where you work. Outpatient care centers pay the most at $128,290. Hospitals offer $89,100, medical labs give $87,270, and doctor’s offices pay $83,970, as shown in BLS data. Location plays a big role too. High-paying states include California at $114,680, Alaska at $109,830, Washington at $109,750, Oregon at $106,620, and Hawaii at $106,610.

Urban areas often pay more than rural spots, per ZipRecruiter. Other things that raise your annual salary include experience, education, extra skills, working odd hours like nights or weekends, and more certifications, as noted by Salary.com.

What Does an MRI Tech Do Daily?

MRI techs handle key tasks every day. They run MRI scanners using a magnetic field and set up scans. They position patients to get the best images of the human body. They also give contrast dye if needed and check image quality.

For patient care, they explain the process and ensure safety by checking for metal objects. They comfort patients, watch them during scans, and protect their privacy.

They also take care of office work. This includes keeping records, scheduling appointments, maintaining equipment, and working with doctors and nurses. You can read more on Learn.org.

Where Do MRI Techs Work?

MRI techs work in different healthcare places. Hospitals hire 57% of them. These jobs offer a mix of cases and flexible shifts, including nights and weekends.

Imaging centers employ 21%. They often have regular daytime hours, like 8am-5pm, and better pay. They focus on booked scans.

Doctor’s offices hire 13%. They provide steady weekday hours in a smaller, friendly space. Full-time jobs usually mean 40 hours a week, with part-time options available, according to the BLS.

MRI Tech vs. X-ray Tech: Key Differences

Curious how MRI techs differ from X-ray techs? MRI techs use a magnetic field and radio waves for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They avoid radiation risks. X-ray techs, among radiologic technologists, use radiation and follow strict safety steps.

MRI techs focus only on MRI scans. They earn an average annual salary of $88,180. X-ray techs make $77,660 on average and might handle other imaging like CT scans. MRI training often builds on radiologic technology or comes from a direct certificate program. ARRT certification is an option, as explained by Casa Loma College.

Job Outlook for MRI Techs: Is It a Growing Field?

The future looks bright for MRI techs. Jobs are expected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than most careers. This means about 16,000 openings each year.

Growth comes from an aging population needing more scans of the human body. Better magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and more outpatient centers also drive demand. MRI’s lack of radiation makes it a popular choice for safe diagnostics, per the BLS outlook.

Pros and Cons of Being an MRI Tech

Being an MRI tech has great perks. You get a solid annual salary and job security. You feel rewarded by helping diagnose issues with the human body. There’s no radiation exposure from a magnetic field. Plus, there are growth opportunities and a shorter education path of 2-4 years compared to other healthcare jobs.

But there are challenges too. You stand for long hours and deal with nervous or sick patients. You need ongoing learning and might work odd shifts. Some tasks can feel repetitive, as shared on Indeed.

Career Growth Opportunities for MRI Techs

As an MRI tech, you can grow in many ways. Specialize in areas like cardiac or pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This can increase your skills and pay.

You can also take on leadership roles. Become a lead tech, supervisor, or imaging director. Another path is teaching in a certificate program. Or try equipment sales, research, or office roles. With more education, you could become a radiologist assistant, as noted by AHU.edu.

Tips for Success as an MRI Tech

To shine as an entry-level MRI technologist, start strong in school. Learn the human body well and practice patient care skills. Get varied clinical experience and connect with pros. Join student groups too.

For career growth, earn extra certifications like ARRT certification. Keep up with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tech and build leadership skills. Find mentors and learn related tasks.

For job happiness, handle stress and take care of yourself. Remember your impact on patient care. Balance work and life, as advised by Medical Technology Schools.

Is a Career as an MRI Tech Right for You?

This job fits if you love technology and care about helping others. You need to focus on details and work well alone. You should be good with computers and able to stand for long stretches.

If you want a stable healthcare role with a good annual salary, this could be for you. It blends tech skills with patient care using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). See more insights from US News.

Conclusion: Start Your Journey as an MRI Tech

Becoming an MRI tech takes commitment. You need education, hands-on training, ARRT certification, and ongoing learning. With an average annual salary of $88,180 and 8% job growth through 2033, this career offers stability and reward.

Whether you’re an entry-level MRI technologist or exploring healthcare, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a fulfilling path. You’ll use a magnetic field to impact patient care, as backed by the BLS. Use this guide to step into this exciting field today.

How to Become an MRI Tech and What You’ll Earn