Occupation · SOC 29-2035
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
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.
Median wage
$88,180
$64,910–$121,420
Projected growth
+7.0%
Faster than average
Annual openings
310
per year
Employed (US)
41,530
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
15 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionMonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingOperation and ControlWritingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningTime ManagementSystems AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingInstructingCoordinationSystems EvaluationPersuasionScienceLearning StrategiesTroubleshootingQuality Control AnalysisNegotiationMathematicsManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment SelectionRepairingProgrammingEquipment MaintenanceTechnology DesignManagement of Financial ResourcesOperations AnalysisInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguagePhysicsComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityMedicine and DentistryEducation and TrainingPsychologyBiologyAdministrativeEngineering and TechnologyMathematicsTelecommunicationsTherapy and CounselingAdministration and ManagementMechanicalProduction and ProcessingChemistryForeign LanguageLaw and GovernmentPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaSales and MarketingSociology and AnthropologyEconomics and AccountingPhilosophy and TheologyDesignTransportationBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyGeographyFine ArtsFood Production
Technology & tools
Appointment scheduling softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareGE Healthcare Centricity EMRMEDITECH softwareMedical image processing softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordRadiology information systems (RIS)Teleradiology systemsWeb browser softwareeClinicalWorks EHR software
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsProcessing InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsTraining and Teaching OthersIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCoaching and Developing OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAnalyzing Data or InformationThinking CreativelyCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping and Building TeamsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesStaffing Organizational UnitsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentSelling or Influencing OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Physician orders — review and confirm prescribed MRI exams under direct supervision in a clinical imaging department.Patient screening interviews — conduct using a standardized checklist to identify contraindications such as pacemakers or ferrous implants in a supervised clinical setting.MRI safety protocols — follow established procedures for ferrous-object screening and zone-access control under the guidance of a senior technologist.Patient medical histories — collect brief, structured histories using departmental intake forms prior to imaging procedures.Comfort accessories — provide headphones or earplugs to patients and explain their purpose before scanner operation begins.Patient positioning — assist in placing patients on the imaging cradle and applying basic immobilization devices under direct technologist supervision.MRI scanner controls — operate standard scanner functions following step-by-step protocols on routine, uncomplicated studies.Acquired images — inspect for gross-quality issues using the scanner workstation and laser camera output with supervisory review.Scheduling and documentation software — enter patient data and exam orders into calendar and medical software systems accurately.Active listening skills — apply during patient interactions to confirm understanding of instructions and reduce anxiety before scanning.
developing
Physician orders — independently review and reconcile prescribed exam protocols against patient history to confirm clinical appropriateness.Contraindication screening — conduct thorough patient interviews to identify pregnancy, tattoos, prosthetic valves, and implanted devices with minimal oversight.Imaging coil selection — choose appropriate coils and pulse sequences for common anatomical regions based on prescribed exam requirements.MRI scanner operation — perform routine and moderately complex scans, adjusting parameters for patient size and clinical indication in a busy outpatient setting.Patient positioning and immobilization — position patients accurately for varied body-part studies and secure immobilization devices to reduce motion artifact.Image quality assessment — evaluate MRI images for diagnostic adequacy using workstation tools and laser camera output, flagging non-diagnostic sequences for repeat acquisition.Medical histories — take concise, focused clinical histories that inform protocol selection and flag potential safety concerns.Patient communication — explain MRI procedures, noise levels, and expected duration clearly to reduce anxiety and improve cooperation.Electronic health record documentation — enter exam findings, patient responses, and protocol details into medical software accurately and in a timely manner.Intravenous contrast preparation — assist with contrast agent administration procedures following established department safety guidelines.
proficient
Complex physician orders — independently interpret and adapt MRI protocols for non-routine clinical indications, coordinating with radiologists when clarification is needed.Advanced contraindication management — evaluate ambiguous safety cases such as older implant models or conditional devices using manufacturer documentation and MRI safety resources.Protocol optimization — select and modify imaging sequences, coil configurations, and scan parameters autonomously to maximize diagnostic image quality across a full range of studies.MRI scanner troubleshooting — diagnose and resolve equipment performance issues, including artifact identification and parameter correction, during live scanning sessions.Patient safety monitoring — monitor patient condition throughout scanning, recognizing signs of distress, claustrophobia, or adverse contrast reactions and responding appropriately.Comprehensive image quality review — systematically inspect image sets for diagnostic completeness and technical quality before releasing studies to radiologists.Critical thinking in complex cases — apply clinical reasoning to recognize unexpected imaging findings requiring immediate radiologist notification.Interdisciplinary coordination — collaborate with radiologists, nurses, and referring physicians to align MRI scheduling, contrast protocols, and patient preparation requirements.Staff orientation support — guide new technologists through department protocols and scanner operation procedures as an experienced peer resource.Departmental documentation — produce accurate written records of exams, patient incidents, and equipment anomalies in compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
advanced
MRI program strategy — lead department-wide protocol development and standardization initiatives aligned with current evidence-based imaging guidelines and accreditation requirements.Safety program leadership — establish and maintain comprehensive MRI safety policies covering patient screening, zone access, and implant management across a multi-scanner facility.Quality assurance systems — design and oversee ongoing image-quality monitoring programs, analyzing trends and implementing corrective actions at an organizational level.Technology evaluation — assess and recommend new MRI scanner platforms, coil technologies, and software upgrades, leading procurement and implementation processes.Staff development and training — create structured competency training curricula and mentorship programs for emerging and developing MRI technologists across the department.Regulatory and accreditation management — lead accreditation processes such as ACR MRI accreditation, ensuring full compliance with standards and preparing staff for site reviews.Cross-functional collaboration — serve as the MRI subject-matter expert in hospital-wide committees addressing patient safety, capital planning, and clinical operations.Incident analysis and risk reduction — lead root-cause analyses of safety events or image-quality failures and implement systemic improvements to prevent recurrence.Performance metrics and reporting — develop and report key performance indicators for throughput, patient satisfaction, and image quality to senior clinical leadership.Professional community engagement — represent the department at professional organizations or continuing-education venues, contributing to best-practice development in MRI technology.
Also known as
10 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Imaging TechnologistMRI 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)Research MRI Technologist (Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)Travel MRI Tech (Travel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician)