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MRI Technician Training

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 23 2010

MRI Technician Training can take many different forms. Some techs acquire their skills on-the-job while others get a formal MRI education. Educational training programs can range from one year certificate programs to four year bachelor programs. The best option for obtaining the most comprehensive radiologic healthcare knowledge will come from completing an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a healthcare related field of study.

The first step a MRI tech can take to prepare for a career in the medical field is to study courses such as anatomy, biology, physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology and math in high school. In addition, becoming familiar with medical terminology will be helpful.

Next, potential MRI technicians will need to complete an accredited educational program in radiologic technology. These typically take two years to complete. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology can assist you in choosing a school by providing a list of accredited programs in your state. After completing a radiologic technology program, an additional one year MRI technology program can be completed or on-the-job training to become certified to perform MRIs can begin. Completing an education in radiological technology is really the foundation for any additional certifications such as CT, Ultrasound, or MRI.

Many MRI technicians obtain their training on-the-job. Large hospitals and clinics even have their own training program that allow for training to be done in an internship kind of style. Simply observing MRIs being performed by licensed MRI technicians, asking questions, and actually practicing with supervision will provide the best learning opportunities as well as hands-on experience. Rarely is any bookwork necessary to become trained in performing MRIs.

Educational preparation does become necessary when MRIs want to gain certification or licensure as an actual MRI technician. Most states and medical facilities require their MRI techs to be certified and pass an exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. These exams cover MRI fundamentals from how to take an MRI to how an MRI machine operates, scans, and functions. The best way to prepare the exam is find books that not only cover the operation of the MRI machine, but the reasons for its use, its history, its operations, and more.

Currently 40 out of 50 states require MRI technicians to be licensed before practicing as medical radiographers. License requirements vary from state-to-state, but most involve passing the above mentioned written exam. An MRI technician license must generally be renewed biennially. In addition, all licensed radiological technicians must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education every year as monitored and enforced by the American Society for Radiologic Technologists.