Summary Report for:
29-2035.00 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
Sample of reported job titles: Lead Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Technologist, Lead Technologist/Manager, Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Specialist, Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Supervisor, Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Technologist, Senior Staff Technologist, Staff Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Technologist, Staff Technologist
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Inject intravenously contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
- Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
- Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
- Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
- Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
- Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
- Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
- Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.
- Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
- Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
- Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
- Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
- Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
- Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
- Blood pressure cuff kits — Sphygmomanometers
- Body plethysmographs — Photoplethysmographs
- Electrocardiography EKG transmitter or telemetry or accessories — Telemetry leads
- Emergency medical services first aid kits — Emergency contrast reaction kits
- Emergency or resuscitation carts — Crash carts
- End tidal carbon dioxide monitors or supplies — Carbon dioxide monitors
- Facial shields — Protective eye shields
- Fire extinguishers — Magnetic resonance imaging MRI compatible fire extinguishers
- Hypodermic needle — Venipuncture needles
- Intravenous infusion pumps for general use — Intravenous IV infusion pumps
- Intravenous tubing with catheter administration kits — Intravenous IV line sets
- Medical imaging contrast agent injectors or accessories — Power injectors
- Medical imaging dry laser printers or imagers — Magnetic resonance imaging MRI printers
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI 3 dimensional system components — Magnetic resonance imaging MRI audio and visual intercommunication systems
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI coils — Magnetic resonance imaging MRI coils
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI monitors — Magnetic resonance imaging MRI monitors
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI positioning aids — Magnetic resonance imaging MRI positioning sandbags
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI primary or remote or secondary consoles — Magnetic resonance imaging MRI consoles
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI quality assurance or calibration phantoms or devices — Laser cameras; Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration devices; Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration phantoms
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners — Functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI scanners; Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems; Portable magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners
- Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI tables — Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI patient tables
- Medical nasal cannulae
- Medical picture archiving computer systems PACS — Image capturing and transmission systems
- Medical radiation films or badges — Dosimetry badges
- Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use — Patient positioning devices
- Medical staff isolation or surgical masks — Protective medical face masks
- Oxygen therapy delivery system products accessories or its supplies — Oxygen delivery equipment
- Patient carbon dioxide detectors — Capnographs
- Patient lifts or accessories — Patient lifting equipment
- Patient temperature continuous or trend monitors — Fluoroptic thermometry systems
- Personal computers — Clinical imaging workstations
- Pulse oximeter units — Non-magnetic pulse oximeter units
Technology used in this occupation:
- Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
- Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
- Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
- Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
- Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
- Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Detailed Work Activities
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
- Create advanced digital images of patients using computer imaging systems.
- Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.
- Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
- Check quality of diagnostic images.
- Process x-rays or other medical images.
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
- Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Train medical providers.
- Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Repair medical facility equipment.
- Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
- Contact With Others — 91% responded “Constant contact with others.”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 87% responded “Extremely important.”
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 91% responded “Every day.”
- Telephone — 91% responded “Every day.”
- Exposed to Disease or Infections — 83% responded “Every day.”
- Time Pressure — 83% responded “Every day.”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 91% responded “Every day.”
- Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 73% responded “Very high responsibility.”
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 83% responded “Every day.”
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 70% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Frequency of Decision Making — 73% responded “Every day.”
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 57% responded “Extremely important.”
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 48% responded “A lot of freedom.”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 57% responded “Very important results.”
- Electronic Mail — 52% responded “Every day.”
- Work With Work Group or Team — 48% responded “Extremely important.”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work — 61% responded “Some freedom.”
- Physical Proximity — 43% responded “Very close (near touching).”
- Deal With External Customers — 52% responded “Extremely important.”
- Consequence of Error — 61% responded “Extremely serious.”
- Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 50% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Spend Time Sitting — 48% responded “More than half the time.”
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 48% responded “Extremely important.”
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 35% responded “More than half the time.”
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 52% responded “Every day.”
- Coordinate or Lead Others — 52% responded “Very important.”
- Duration of Typical Work Week — 65% responded “40 hours.”
- Level of Competition — 39% responded “Highly competitive.”
- Letters and Memos — 26% responded “Every day.”
|Title||Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed|
|Education||Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.|
|Related Experience||Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.|
|Job Training||Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.|
|Job Zone Examples||These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, occupational therapy assistants, and medical assistants.|
|SVP Range||(6.0 to < 7.0)|
Percentage of Respondents
|Education Level Required|
|13||Some college, no degree|
Interest code: RCS
- Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
- Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
- Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Wages & Employment Trends
|Median wages (2014)||$32.26 hourly, $67,090 annual|
|Employment (2012)||30,000 employees|
|Projected growth (2012-2022)||Much faster than average (22% or higher)|
|Projected job openings (2012-2022)||11,300|
|Top industries (2012)|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014 wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2012-2022). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Radiologic and MRI Technologists . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition.