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.
Also known as: Imaging Technologist, MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator), MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator), MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer), MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist), MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist), MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician), MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist), ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Faster than average)
What You'd Do
- Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
- Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
- Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
- Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
- Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
- Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
- Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
- Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
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In-Demand Technologies
Other Tools
Work Styles
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Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.