Medical professionals help people each and every day. Whether they are providing positive news, helping diagnose illnesses and diseases, or helping patients manage their conditions, those in the healthcare field can feel good about the impact they make on the world. MRI technologists are no different, as they play a vital role in helping physicians make accurate diagnoses.
At National Polytechnic College, we provide aspiring medical professionals with the knowledge and training they need, including preparing students in California to become MRI technologists. Here, we discuss what it takes to start this profession in The Golden State.
What Is an MRI Technologist?
An MRI technologist (or an MRI tech) is a healthcare worker who helps doctors make diagnoses and monitor current conditions. They do so by performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. These tests use specialized equipment to scan patients’ bodies, allowing medical professionals to view internal structures and obtain critical details they would otherwise need surgical procedures to get.
As an MRI technologist, your daily duties may include:
- Operating MRI scanners and other related equipment
- Preparing patients for procedures and answering their MRI-related questions
- Taking and reviewing medical histories
- Positioning patients for MRIs
- Injecting patients with contrast agents
- Making adjustments and maintaining imaging equipment
- Evaluating images for quality
- Communicating with radiologists and other professionals regarding results
- Following safety protocols
What Are MRIs Used for?
These non-invasive tests use magnets to create a strong magnetic field. Thanks to the introduction of a radiofrequency current, protons within the body are stimulated. Once this current is turned off, the protons release energy that is then detected by MRI sensors within the machine. Because of this, medical professionals can recognize the difference between certain types of tissues, helping them look inside the human body.
MRIs are used to help look at tissues and areas of the body that aren’t bony. This makes them ideal for evaluating muscles, ligaments, and tendons, helping to assess injuries in the knees, shoulders, and more. They can also be used to help diagnose tumors and aneurysms in the brain and are often chosen for brain-related uses, as they don’t use X-rays or any kind of radiation. Functional MRIs (fMRIs) allow doctors to look closely at brain structures to see if there is brain activity.
How to Become an MRI Tech?
MRI technologists need to have a high school diploma or equivalent education in order to get the proper training needed for the job. However, our program allows students to obtain their high school or GED education while they are enrolled.
While no license is required to become an MRI tech in the state of CA, having your associate degree is needed if you’re looking to become certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) doesn’t require certification along with your degree; however, having additional certification will open up job opportunities and can lead to higher pay.
Because of the straightforward nature of this career path, it is not only a great choice for young students just out of high school, but it’s also a great pivot for those looking to find a new career later in life.
Why Become an MRI Technologist?
Medical imaging professions give you the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. You’ll feel good knowing that what you do truly matters. You can help doctors identify medical problems before it’s too late, allowing them to formulate treatment plans.
These healthcare professionals are also well-paid, with the median annual wage being nearly $90,000 as of May 2024. Not only does the position offer a generous salary, but due to the projected job growth, you can expect plenty of job openings to apply to. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MRI technologists are expected to have nearly 16,000 job openings each year, on average, from 2023 to 2033.
Choose Our MRI Tech School
For those looking to become part of the next generation of MRI technologists, enroll in the in-depth program offered by National Polytechnic College in Lakewood, CA. Our programs are thoughtfully designed, allowing students to learn everything they need through a mix of classroom and remote lectures and in-class, hands-on lab work. Our MRI Technologist program can be completed in as little as 18 months, and, once completed, you’ll be prepared for an externship, registry tests, and whatever your future holds.
Not only do we help students succeed in the classroom, but we also have career services and financial aid departments, which are dedicated to assisting our students. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about how we can help shape your future.