MRI technologists earn competitive salaries, with the national average varying based on factors such as experience, location, and certifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average:
National Average Salary: $77,000 per year
Hourly Wage: Around $37 per hour
MRI Technologist Salary Range: $50,000 to $105,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
In certain high-paying states like California, New York, Massachusetts and Washington, MRI technologist salary can be even higher. The highest earners in the field may see salaries exceeding $100,000, particularly with advanced certifications, years of experience, and work in metropolitan areas with high demand for skilled professionals.
How do I become certified as an MRI Technologist?
To earn MRI certification, there are several pathways you can follow. These steps typically involve a combination of education, clinical experience, and passing a certification exam. Here’s a general roadmap:
1. Complete an MRI Technologist Education Program
The first step to becoming MRI certified is to complete an accredited educational program. You can choose one of the following options:
- Associate Degree: Many MRI technologists start with a 2-year associate degree in from an ARMRIT accredited MRI institution, which includes comprehensive course work in MRI safety, patient care, anatomy, pathology, and a strong focus on MRI principles such as MRI physics, MRI instrumentation and equipment and MRI artifacts. The program should also require a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours of MRI externship onsite at an imaging center or hospital.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Some opt for a 4-year bachelor’s degree in MRI technology which includes the required course work in MRI safety, patient care, anatomy, pathology, and a strong focus on MRI principles such as MRI physics, MRI instrumentation and equipment and MRI artifacts plus the clinical externship as described above. Earning your Bachelor’s Degree can provide you more opportunities in management.
- MRI-Specific Programs: If you already have an allied health background, you may choose to enroll in a focused MRI technology program, which often takes about 20-plus months to complete but does not yield a degree.
2. Gain Clinical Experience
During your education program, you’ll need hands-on clinical experience to become proficient in MRI technology. Clinical training teaches you to operate MRI machines, work with patients, and learn the intricacies of imaging protocols under the supervision of a qualified professional MRI technologist.
- Many accredited ARMRIT MRI programs incorporate clinical rotations as part of their curriculum.
- If you’re already a radiologic technologist, you may be able to gain clinical experience through an internship or on-the-job training in an MRI department.
3. Pass the MRI Certification Exam
To become officially certified as an MRI technologist, you’ll need to pass a certification exam administered by a recognized certifying body. The American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) are the most well-known organizations for MRI certification. Here’s the process:
- Eligibility Requirements: You must have completed an accredited MRI education program that includes a specific curriculum focused towards MRI principles and clinical training.
- Exam Content: Both ARMRIT and ARRT MRI certification exams include topics such as MRI safety, imaging procedures, patient care, and equipment operation.
- Passing the Exam: Both certifying exams typically consist of multiple-choice questions, and you’ll need to achieve a passing score of 75% or above to earn your MRI certification.
4. Maintain Certification and Continuing Education
Once you earn your certification as an MRI technologist, it’s important to stay up-to-date with industry standards and technology advancements. Both ARMRIT and ARRT require MRI technologists to complete continuing education (CE) credits every two years to maintain certification. Maintaining these continuing education requirements, will keep your MRI scanning skills sharp and thus allowing you to advance in your career and earn a higher MRI technologist salary.
Recapping MRI Technologist Salary and How to Earn Certification
Becoming an MRI technologist requires a combination of formal education, clinical experience, and passing a certification exam. Whether you’re starting fresh or transitioning from another healthcare role, pursuing an accredited MRI program and earning certification is a rewarding pathway to a high-demand, MRI technologist salary.
If you are interested to learn more, feel free to contact the Admissions Office at Pulse Radiology Institute.
