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Advanced imaging
MRI Technologist
The highest-paid imaging modality, and the safety rules are absolute.
Typical pay
$75k-$115k
How you get in
Radiography background plus ARRT MRI certification
Outlook
Strong; MRI volume keeps growing
MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance scanners and manage the safety zone around them. Cross-training from radiography is the standard route, and the pay premium over general X-ray is substantial.
A day in the life
- 6:45aSafety screening checks and coil setup
- 7:00aFirst scan — screen the patient for any metal, position, run the protocol
- 10:00aContrast study with an IV start
- 12:30pLunch
- 1:30pAfternoon scans, including a claustrophobic patient who needs coaching
- 4:00pImage quality review and hand off to the radiologist
How to get in
Rad tech cross-training
Duration
12-18 months
Cost
$2,000-$12,000
Credential
ARRT(MR) certification
- Complete a radiography program and earn the ARRT(R) first
- Cross-train in MRI at your hospital, often with employer support
- Accumulate the required clinical experience hours
- Pass the ARRT MRI exam — an immediate and significant pay increase
Direct MRI program
Duration
18-24 months
Cost
$10,000-$35,000
Credential
ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT certification
- Complete a primary pathway MRI program
- Finish clinical hours in a hospital or imaging center
- Pass the certification exam
- Fewer programs offer this route than the radiography-first path
MRI into travel or specialty imaging
Duration
1-3 years after certification
Cost
$0-$5,000
Credential
ARRT(MR) plus experience
- Build two years of varied scanner and protocol experience
- Take travel contracts, which pay substantially above staff rates
- Or specialize in cardiac, neuro or breast MRI
- Also a path into applications specialist roles with equipment manufacturers
What people love
- · Highest pay among imaging modalities
- · No ionizing radiation exposure
- · Technically deep and genuinely interesting physics
- · Travel and contract work pays extremely well
What wears people down
- · Safety errors with metal can be catastrophic
- · Anxious and claustrophobic patients need real patience
- · Loud environment and long scan times
- · On-call rotations at hospitals