MRI Tech School in Illinois

MRI Technologists and Technicians are also classified as Radiologic Technicians. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, Radiologic Technicians make an average median salary across the United States of $53,000. In the state of Illinois, however, Radiologic Technicians, including MRI Technicians, make an average salary of $79,000, well above the national average. MRI Technologists and Technicians usually work in hospital/medical center settings, trauma centers, acute care clinics, or outpatient MRI centers. Some examples of employers of MRI Technologists and Technicians in Illinois include MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Advocate Health Care in Aurora, and Sinai Health System in Chicago.

MRI Schools/Education in Illinois

Training to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technician involves two steps. First is radiologic technology training, which is usually a two-year program. The second step is an additional certificate in MRI, which involves a one-year specialty training program pursued either online or through Illinois MRI technician schools.

After your two-year radiology training, usually done at a community college, medical center/school, or university, you will most likely graduate with an Associate degree in Applied Science (AAS). These programs cost about $3000. The certificate program in MRI training usually requires a prerequisite of either a certificate or degree in Radiologic Technology or Applied Science. It is usually 17 to 20 credit hours in length and costs an average of $1500. While some courses can be taken online for both majors, clinical lab time is also required in medical centers and/or schools.

Once you are certified both as a Radiologic Technologist and an MRI technician, you need to fulfill continuing education requirements to keep that certification up-to-date. To maintain ARMRIT MRI certification, you must take 12 credit hours in MRI courses every two years. State certification renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education in courses having to do with radiology every two years.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring MRI Technicians in Chicago, Aurora, Rockford and Joliet, Illinois may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Evanston Hospital, Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.