Occupation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Human Advantage 71%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.9 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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) +2 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
  2. Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
  3. Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
  4. Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
  5. Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
  6. Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
  7. Take brief medical histories from patients.
  8. Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
  9. Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
  10. Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
  11. Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
  12. Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
  13. Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
  14. Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
  15. Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
  16. Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
  17. Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
  18. Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
  19. 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.
  20. Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
  21. Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.

Supplemental Tasks (3)

  1. Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
  2. Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
  3. Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.

Education & Training

Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
65%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
13%
Bachelor's Degree
9%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
4%
Some College Courses
4%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
4%
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Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • eClinicalWorks EHR software

Software (12)

  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
  • Medical image processing software
  • Radiology information systems (RIS)
  • Teleradiology systems
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment (37)

  • Capnographs
  • Carbon dioxide monitors
  • Clinical imaging workstations
  • Crash carts
  • Dosimetry badges
  • Emergency contrast reaction kits
  • Fluoroptic thermometry systems
  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI scanners
  • Image capturing and transmission systems
  • Intravenous IV infusion pumps
  • Intravenous IV line sets
  • Laser cameras
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI audio and visual intercommunication systems
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration devices
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration phantoms
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI coils
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI compatible fire extinguishers
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI consoles
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI monitors
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI positioning sandbags
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI printers
  • Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI patient tables
  • Medical nasal cannulas
  • Non-magnetic pulse oximeter units
  • Oxygen delivery equipment
  • Patient lifting equipment
  • Patient positioning devices
  • Personal computers
  • Photoplethysmographs
  • Portable magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners
  • Power injectors
  • Protective eye shields
  • Protective medical face masks
  • Sphygmomanometers
  • Telemetry leads
  • Venipuncture needles

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Physical Health Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Endoscopy Technicians 96% match
Zone 3
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists You are here
Zone 4
Exercise Physiologists 80% match
Zone 5
Obstetricians and Gynecologists 82% match

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