Healthcare Practitioners
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Also called: MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator), MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator), MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer), MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
US median pay
$95,480
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.7%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
2,300
43,900 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.6/5
- Operation and Control3.2/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Service Orientation3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Physics4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.6/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Associate's degree65%
- Post-secondary certificate13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.