Would I Make a Good Radiologist or MRI Tech?
Radiologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. They both work in healthcare facilities, and more than half work in hospitals.
They typically need an associate’s degree, and many MRI technologists start out as radiologists and specialize later in their career. Radiologists must be licensed or certified in most states, but few states license MRI technologists. Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it.
The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $71,670, and the median annual wage for radiologists was $59,520 in May 2018.
Overall employment of both fields is projected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. As the population grows older, there will be an increase in medical conditions that require imaging as a tool for making diagnoses.
Do I have what it takes to become a good MRI tech or radiologist?
Tasks
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Inject intravenously contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
Technology Skills
- Internet browser software — web browser software
- Medical software — Electronic medical record EMR software; Medical image processing software; MEDITECH software
; Radiology information systems (RIS) - Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
Knowledge
- 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.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 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.
- Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Skills
- 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.
- 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.
- Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- 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.
Work Activities
- 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.
- 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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Create advanced digital images of patients using computer imaging systems.
- Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
Work Context
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 85% responded “Every day.”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 93% responded “Every day.”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 74% responded “Extremely important.”
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 77% responded “Every day.”
- Telephone — 74% responded “Every day.”