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MRI Tech School in Pennsylvania

By Susan Maphis, allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 2 2010

The MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Technician or Technologist plays a vital role in the medical diagnostic imaging team. Using magnetic fields as opposed to radiation, the MRI tech creates images of body systems in order to assess and diagnose conditions, illnesses, and injuries. In the state of Pennsylvania, MRI techs earn an average salary of $71,000, much higher than the average national salary of $53,000 other MRI techs earn. Jobs for MRI techs are usually found in hospitals, acute care facilities, and outpatient facilities, and in some doctors' offices and clinics as well. Potential employers of MRI techs in the state of Pennsylvania include Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Geisinger Health System in State College, Summit Health in Waynesboro, and Core Medical Group in Pottstown.

MRI Schools/Education in Pennsylvania

MRI technician Programs take about 2 years to complete. These schools vary in location, but may be in a community college, college, university, or medical center. Some are online, but require in-person, clinical lab training to gain clinical experience.

Programs offered by Pennsylvania MRI technician schools usually take one year and are located at colleges, community colleges, technical schools, universities, and medical centers. They may also include online coursework, but ultimately require in-person clinical training.

In a radiologic technology training program, students will learn how to position radiologic equipment and will be supervised in clinical practice by professional radiologists. In MRI training programs, students receive similar training, this time with magnetic resonance imaging equipment, learning how to use them to help diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and diseases.

Continuing education is required by the ARRT to maintain both radiology and MRI certifications. 24 hours of continuing education in each discipline is required every 24 months.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring MRI Technicians in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown and Erie, Pennsylvania may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Albert Einstein Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Saint Luke's Hospitals and Temple University Hospital.