How to Become an MRI Tech in 10 Steps

Here are the steps you need to take if you want to become an mri tech in just 10 short steps.
1. Complete a Radiologic Technology Program
2. Become Registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
3. Earn Your mri tech Certification
4. Get Licensed in the State You Wish to Practice In
5. Start Working as an MRI Tech
6. Complete On-The-Job Training
7. Consider Earning Further Cert

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Introduction

If you’re interested in a career in the medical field that allows you to help others and work with cutting-edge technology, becoming an MRI tech could be a great fit for you. MRI technologists use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines to create detailed images of patients’ internal tissues and organs. These images are then used by physicians to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.

If you’re thinking about becoming an MRI tech, here are 10 steps you can take to make it happen:

1. Complete a high school diploma or equivalent. While some MRI tech programs may accept students with a GED, most require at least a high school diploma.

2. Enroll in an accredited MRI technologist training program. In order to be eligible for certification, you must complete an accredited MRI technologist training program that typically takes around two years to finish.

3. Earn credentialing from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Once you have completed an accredited MRI technologist training program, you will need to earn credentialing from the ARRT in order to practice in the united states

4. Obtain state licensure (if required). While not all states require licensure for radiologic technologists, some do have specific requirements that must be met in order to practice within their borders. Be sure to check with your state board of radiologic technology to find out if licensure is required and what steps need to be taken in order to obtain it.

5. Pass the national certification exam administered by the ARRT. In order to earn the ARRT’s CertifiedMagnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (MRIT) credential, you will need to pass a national exam administered by the organization.

6. Meet continuing education requirements set forth by the ARRT. Once you have obtained certification, you will need to meet certain continuing education requirements in order to maintain your credential and keep your skills up-to-date with current technology and best practices. The ARRT requires that radiology technologists complete 24 credits of continuing education every two years in order stay certified .
7 Get experience working as an MRI tech . After completing an accredited program and passing the ARRT national certification exam, you will be ready to begin working as an MRI tech . Many technologists choose to start their careers working in hospitals or clinics , but there are other options as well , such as working for mobile imaging companies or research facilities .

8 Join a professional organization . There are several professional organizations for radiologic technologists , including the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the Association of magnetic resonance Imaging Technologists (AMRIT) . These organizations offer networking opportunities , professional development resources , job boards , and more .

9 Stay up -to date with new technology . As new technology is developed , it’s important for mri techs to stay up -to -date on the latest advancements so they can provide quality patient care . This can be done by attending conferences or taking courses offered by manufacturers or other training organizations .

10 Pursue additional education and training . Once you have several years of experience working as an MRI tech , you may want to consider pursuing additional education or training in order management or another related field . This could lead to opportunities for advancement within your organization or career change down the road .

Step One: Research the Field and Determine If You Meet the Prerequisites

MRI techs, also known as magnetic resonance imaging techs, operate MRI machines. These diagnostic machines use magnetic resonance and radio waves to produce images of a patient’s internal organs and tissues. As an MRI tech, you will work with patients who have a variety of medical conditions.

To become an MRI tech, you will need to complete a formal education program and earn certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In some states, you may also need to obtain a license. Keep reading to learn more about how to become an MRI tech in 10 steps.

Step Two: Enroll in an Accredited Radiology Program

The first step to becoming an MRI tech is to enroll in an accredited radiology program. MRI techs must have at least an Associate’s degree in radiologic technology, although a Bachelor’s degree is preferred by most employers. There are many Community Colleges and technical schools that offer accredited programs, and most hospitals also have their own in-house training programs. Once you have completed your radiologic technology program, you will then need to take and pass the national exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT).

Step Three: Become Certified in Radiography

MRI technologists must be certified in radiography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) before they can begin working. Certification shows that you have completed an accredited educational program and passed a national exam. Once certified, you will need to renew your certification every few years by completing continuing education credits.

Step Four: Gain Clinical Experience

If you want to become an MRI tech, you need to have clinical experience. This means working in a hospital or other medical setting so that you can get the hands-on training you need. Many schools offer externships or clinical rotations as part of their MRI tech programs, which can give you the chance to get real-world experience before you even graduate.

If your school doesn’t offer an externship or clinical rotation, you may be able to find one on your own. You can contact hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities in your area to see if they have any open positions for MRI techs. Once you’ve found a position, be sure to ask about the requirements so that you can be sure you’re qualified.

Step Five: Get Certified
Once you’ve graduated from an accredited mri tech program and gained some clinical experience, you’ll need to get certified. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers certification for MRI techs. To earn certification, you’ll need to complete an exam that covers topics like physics, safety, and patient care. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be a certified MRI technologist and can start working in your new career!

Step Five: Consider Specialization

There are several areas of specialization for MRI techs. You may want to consider one of these areas when you’re ready to advance in your career.
-Body MRI: Specialize in imaging the human body using MRI technology.
-Neuro MRI: Work with patients who have neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
-Pediatric MRI: Image the brains and bodies of children.
-Cardiac MRI: Focus on the heart and cardiovascular system.

Step Six: Complete a Credentialing Process

The credentialing process is the final step in becoming an MRI tech. Once you have completed all of the steps above, you will need to apply for and receive credentials from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT is the organization that provides certification for all MRI techs in the United States.

To apply for credentialing, you will need to submit an application, pay a fee, and pass an exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the title of Registered Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (RMRI). This credential must be renewed every two years, and continuing education credits must be earned in order to maintain it.

Step Seven: Obtain a License

MRI technicians are not required to become licensed in order to work. However, some employers prefer or require their MRI techs to be licensed through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To become licensed through the ARRT, you must:
-Be of good moral character
-Graduate from an accredited radiology program
-Pass the ARRT exam

Step Eight: Keep Up With Continuing Education Requirements

In order to maintain your certification and keep your license to practice, you will need to complete continuing education (CE) credits. Depending on the state in which you are licensed, the amount of credits and topics covered may vary. The ARRT offers many different types of CE programs that are recognized by state licensing boards, so it is a good idea to check with your state board for specific requirements. You can find more information about specific CE requirements on the ARRT website.

Step Nine: Advance Your Career

The final step to becoming an MRI tech is to advance your career. You may want to consider becoming a MRI technologist, which requires more education and training. You can also become certified in MRI technology, which will make you more marketable to employers. Once you have experience, you may want to specialize in a certain area of MRI, such as neuroimaging or vascular imaging. You can also become a manager or supervisor of an MRI unit. With experience and continuing education, you can advance your career and earn a higher salary.

Step Ten: Consider a Graduate Degree

After completing a bachelor’s degree program and working for a few years in the field, some MRI techs go back to school to earn their master’s degrees. A graduate degree can lead to new job opportunities and higher salaries. It can also make you eligible for research positions or jobs in management.