How to become an mri technologist

How Long Does it Take to Become an MRI Technician? You can expect to spend anywhere from two to four years in school, depending on the path you choose. If you already have a degree and some experience in radiology, you can probably qualify for a certification program right away.

MRI Technologists made a median salary of $73,410 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $87,280 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $61,030.

Certification is not a hard requirement, but some employers prefer hiring those who have been certified. Only those who are trained in schools that are accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists can obtain national certification.

To become an MRI technologist, students can begin by earning an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiography or radiologic sciences accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Technical skills when operating MRI scanners and producing images.

A typical day for an MRI tech is variable, but the MRI machines are running constantly, scanning back-to-back patients. The pace can be stressful, as can the seriousness of the work. “MRI technologists have to wear many hats,” Blair says. But, Blair says, working with patients is the most rewarding part of the job.

Years of Experience and Salary

As a comparison, MRI technologists earned a median wage of $69,930. Because CT technologists require additional certification compared to some other radiographers, a beginning CT tech salary would likely start at about the median earnings level with a 25 percent increase as you advance.

Radiation oncologists and radiologists earn the highest average salaries in this field.

Good Job Security

MRI techs have one of the fastest job growth rates of any healthcare occupation. Through 2026 MRI tech jobs are expected to grow 13%. This growth rate is higher than average for all tracked occupations, not just healthcare.

“Working with patients and providing a safe and complete diagnostic exam can be very rewarding.” However, the job comes with challenges. Being a CT technologist is a physical job that requires lifting and moving patients to and from the scanner table, Carlson said. Also, the hours can vary widely.

The item writers for the ARRT exams always intend to create an honest, fair exam. The truth is, although it covers basic concepts, the test is made harder simply due to the importance of a passing score, as well as factors such as its length and the time limit.

To become a CT technologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. You also need a practicing license from the relevant board in your state. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a ct technologist.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

To become a CT technologist, you will have to take the associate’s degree program which combines both classroom study with clinical practice. The entire program can take up to two years to complete, although, some may finish sooner or later depending on their ability and course load.

As of Jun 14, 2021, the average annual pay for a CT Technologist in the United States is $77,231 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $37.13 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,485/week or $6,436/month.

How much do radiologic technologists make? As of 2019, the national average annual salary for radiologic technologists was $63,120. The highest-earning 10% made over $89,760, while the lowest-earning made $41,480 or less.

Usually work 40 hours a week. May work weekends and nights.