In order to become an MRI technologist, you will need to fulfill certain prerequisites to qualify for the job. One of the suggested methods is to look at MRI tech schools and enroll in the program. While the path towards becoming an MRI tech is certainly less rigorous and inflexible than other medical fields, it can still come with its own challenges. It is not just about operating the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. You will still need to have the foundational medical subjects in anatomy, pathology, and physiology in order to understand and explain what the patient is experiencing.
Consequently, MRI tech schools will help you learn all the critical skills and knowledge you need as a radiological technologist. Another advantage is that this type of focused program will also make it easier for you to prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
Choosing Accredited MRI Tech Schools
As with any school, it is highly advised for you to check its accreditations. Is the school-certified to provide an MRI tech degree or course? This is an important detail because it can affect your eligibility for the ARRT exam. You cannot just apply for the exam and take it. You will need to fulfill the prerequisites first.
With that said, it is possible to become an MRI tech without doing an MRI-specific program. All you really need is an associate degree or higher in the related medical field. However, there is an additional requirement for clinical training. This means that, even if you have passed all your courses, the ARRT board will still check whether or not you have fulfilled about 1,000-2,000 hours of clinical training. This is an important point of consideration because not every associate degree or higher degree in the medical field will provide the necessary training with an actual MRI machine.
An accredited MRI tech program will prepare and train you in inpatient care and how to assess the images produced by the machine. Of course, learning how to operate and maintain the MRI is a key responsibility of the job, it is not the only one. Beyond producing the MRI scan, you provide a great responsibility of helping the doctor or physician assess their patient. Not only do you interview the patient on their condition and explain the process to them, but you will also provide a summary report for the physician to look through. Being an MRI tech is in no way a sedentary or menial job. You will be performing a multitude of tasks, and you will also be able to work with different medical departments and learn from them.
While there are different options to pursuing your MRI technologist career, it is clear that choosing among accredited MRI tech schools will go a long way into helping you in your desired career. Luckily, these types of programs offer more flexibility in how long or how fast you study. It will all depend on how it suits you.
