Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Before the scan, the physician's order is reviewed and the patient is screened for risks such as metal objects, pacemakers, prosthetic heart valves, pregnancy, or tattoos. A brief medical history is taken, then the patient is positioned on the cradle—sometimes with immobilization devices—and given headphones or earplugs against the scanner noise. The right coils and technique are chosen, the scanner is run, and images are inspected for quality; gadolinium contrast may be given intravenously. History, body area, and scan orientation are entered into the computer. The work suits people who like thorough safety checks, operating complex scanners, and judging image quality before the patient leaves.
Typical education: Associate’s Degree (2-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$95'480
Median Wage Market Position
$95'480
What you might do
- Operate the MRI scanner for the ordered exam
- Screen patients for metal, implants, or pregnancy
- Position patients and secure them for scanning
- Select coils and techniques for the prescribed images
- Inspect completed scans for usable image quality
- Offer earplugs or headphones against scanner noise
Skills that matter
- Screening for pacemakers, metal, and pregnancy
- Running the MRI scanner
- Choosing the right coils and techniques
- Positioning and immobilizing patients
- Checking images before they leave the scanner
- Confirming the prescribed exam orders
AI & the future of this role
Operating scanners, coaching anxious patients through long exams, and maintaining image quality require presence at the machine. Planning tools may automate some setup choices, yet contrast administration, safety screening, and bedside judgment still anchor the work.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details