MRI Technician Schools in New York
MRI technicians help doctors and other medical staff better understand patients' medical problems by providing diagnostic images of different areas of the body. MRI technicians work with patients to properly position them so the magnetic resonance imaging equipment can scan their bodies, and they also drape shielding over patients to protect areas of the body that don't need to be scanned. MRI technicians primarily work in hospitals and physician's offices, but many are employed at outpatient medical imaging centers as well.
MRI technician schools in New York
There are three primary paths MRI technicians take to complete their educational requirements and clinical training. Educational programs from New York MRI technician schools typically culminate in diplomas, certificates or associate degrees.
Education at MRI technician schools in New York usually includes study in the following areas:
- Professional and technical writing
- Introductory and advanced imaging patient care and procedures
- Radiographic, topographic and sectional anatomy
- Health care ethics
- Quality management in medical imaging
Medical imaging sciences programs usually take one to two years to complete, and they can be accredited by governing bodies such as the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Commission on Accreditation. Upon completion of an accredited program, students can sit for licensure in the field.
New York MRI technician license requirements
MRI Technicians in New York are licensed by the State of New York Department of Health. The department states that candidates must have completed a formal education program and pay a licensing fee of $120. Licenses are valid for the life of the license holder, the department notes.
New York MRI technician salary and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), there were 1,490 magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in New York in May of 2015. Median hourly wages were $34.91, which compares favorably to the national median hourly wage of $32.86. The New York-White Plains (N.J.) metropolitan area has the highest concentration of employment with more than 800 MRI technicians.
The job outlook for MRI technicians in New York is extremely favorable. Nationally, the field is expected to grow by 24 percent, or 7,100 new jobs, from 2012 through 2022, the BLS reports. In New York, the field is expected to grow by 24.5 percent with 320 new jobs, reports Projections Central. Job growth is expected to result from increased need for medical care for the region's rapidly aging population and from a expected rise in use of outpatient imaging centers.
Sources:
Article 35 -- Practice of Radiologic Technology, State of New York Department of Health, Public Health Law, July 26, 2007, http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/docs/article_35.pdf
May 2013 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates New York, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/2013/may/oes_ny.htm
Program of Study for the Magnetic Resonance (MR) Track, BPS, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, College of Health Professions, Accessed November 17, 2014, http://www.upstate.edu/chp/programs/mi/courselist-mibpsmr.php
Radiologic and MRI Technologists, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, January 8, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm