MRI Job Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technicians job needs a thorough understanding of the machines as well as they should have patience and compassion for their patients. During school, the person will learn how to operate machines including the settings on voltage and desired exposure. Almost all MRI technicians job is emphasized in the need for individuals who have higher level of knowledge and understanding on cross-sectional anatomy like the head, abdomen and thorax. The MRI technicians are also responsible for implementing magnetic field safety and ensuring the comfort of their patients. MRI technicians should also know how to keep their patients clam when fear and anxiety strikes. They should know how to make patients at ease before, during and after the procedure. If patients are bothered, try to ask them why and answer the questions to lessen the stress and anxiety that they feel.
MRI technicians prepare the patients for the procedure. During the MRI process, the patient will need to be still inside a narrow opening. Compassion and understanding the claustrophobic patients is a must. Next is they must be able to use the equipment in creating images of specific areas that they physician has ordered. They record the images for viewing by the physician using patient logs and must be familiar with the different coding systems. They are also responsible for enforcing safety precautions at all times. They must also use the knowledge that they have gained on anatomy and physiology to help the physician in diagnosing problems. MRI technicians must be able to work with other members of the team or in the unit and assist with the patient schedules and follow-ups.
Becoming a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician starts by having a basic education on radiology. A lot of individuals who wanted to become a MRI technician start by having an associate degree as a radiologic technologist. Many schools also offer additional certificate programs for those who wanted to specialize. Most programs in the school’s curriculum include training in real life situations with a licensed and experienced MRI technician. Another path to take when becoming an MRI technician is to start gaining an experience as an x-ray technician then you can think of specializing as an MRI technician.
For those who wanted to acquire a one year MRI Certificate Curriculum, it generally takes nine months to a year depending on the school that you are attending. Some courses that one should expect to take during the program are subjects on Sectional Anatomy, Physics and Instrumentation, MRI Imaging Procedures, MRI Pathology, Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI Registry Review and Clinical Series in MRI.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician’s Salary is $61,000 a year. The usual hourly salary for MRI technicians is $10-$12 and the average annual salary is $54180. The salary also depends on where you work and the level of education and experience that you have. When one is working in a high end facility then they are paid more compared to those working in small clinics or imaging centers.
