Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 41,200 people employed as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the United States. The median annual salary is $77,360. Entry level employees earn approximately $59,110 per year and senior employees earn approximately $100,870 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
• Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
• Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
• Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
• Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
• 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.
• Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
• Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
• Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
• Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
• Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
• Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
• Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
• Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
• Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
• Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
• Take brief medical histories from patients.
• Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
• Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
• Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
• Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
• Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
• Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.

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