1. What is an MRI Technician Salary and How do You Get Started in the Field?
What is an MRI Technician Salary and How do You Get Started in the
Field?
Many people are aware of the fact that even in a slow economy the medical field in general is one
that keeps growing. One of the fastest growing of those careers at the moment though of that of
MRI technician . A MRI technician salary is a good one and the job presents individuals with the
chance to work in clinical settings and interact with patients without having to spend almost a
decade in med school as is required to become an MD.
What Education Does an MRI Technician Need?
In order to begin earning an MRI technician salary and begin working in this challenging yet
exciting field there are minimum educational requirements that have to be met. The first step to
earning an MRI technician salary is to actually obtain a high school diploma or GED (actually this
is the first step to earning a good salary of any kind, which is why finishing school is so important).
The next step is obtaining an associates degree in radiology technology. There are shorter courses
available at some technical schools but in order to command the best MRI technician salary you
really do need to complete the 2 year degree program offered at most community colleges.
Such courses include lessons in anatomy, medical terminology, human biology, patient care,
pathology, radiographic principles and procedures, contrast imagery and fluoroscopic equipment.
In addition students are taught how to communicate properly with the patients thy will be dealing
with.
An MRI technician can often find themselves faces with a difficile patient as many people are rather
afraid of MRI machines, especially those that are closed rather than open. An MRI machine is very
different from an X ray machine and a good MRI tech has to be able to explain the procedure to
patients and to calm any nerves they may has.
After a student has completed their associates degree there is one more step they must take before
looking for their first job and earning a MRI technician salary. Every state requires that MRI techs
be licensed. The specifics do vary from state to state but most schools will ensure that their
graduates have all the right information they need to meet the requirements in their home state
and take the required examinations.
How Much is an MRI Technician Salary?
Having said that an MRI technician salary is a good one many people want to actually know the
kinds of specific numbers they could expect to see on a paycheck. According to the employment
website Indeed.com the average MRI technician salary in 2010 was $67,000 nationwide, certainly
not a number to be sniffed at.
The average MRI technician salary will vary from area to area though, often salaries offered in
larger cities may be even higher. As they gain experience the average MRI tech should also see their
salary increase over time, especially if they choose to exceed the minimum continuing education
requirements that every licensed medical professional has to meet.