MRI Tech Certification

MRI technologists mainly receive certification through the AART.

Receiving certification as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist is not mandatory; however, it is preferable, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) is a leader in providing certification for radiologistic technologists, which includes MRI techs. Certification shows that you are capable of utilizing MRIs to scan the bodies' of patients.

Eligibility

There are a few eligibility requirements for the R.M.R.T. (ARRT) designation. First, you must complete a magnetic resonance imaging program according to AART. This program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) or through a regional organization that accredits MRI programs. During this program, your instructor must sign off on your abilities to perform what the AART calls core competencies.

Core Competencies

You must demonstrate clinical competencies in general patient care, MRI procedures and quality control procedures. For general patient care, this includes knowing how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to check for a patient's vital signs and how to appropriately transfer patients. You also must know how to do several MRI procedures such as scanning the brain with or without contrast or scanning the spine, thorax, abdomen and musculoskeletal system, according to AART. Under quality control procedures, you need to use signal noise, determine center frequency and properly inspect equipment.

Examination

As of June 2010, there are 200 questions on the AART's MRI certification examination. The examination delves further into the core clinical competencies but tests your skills to cover your knowledge base. Over half of these questions cover imaging procedures and data acquisition and processing. The rest of the questions cover patient care and the physical principles of image formation. Questions cover the legal and ethical principles of patient care as well as safety procedures.

Renewal

You must renew your credential every year to stay current according to the AART. Certification renewal requires that you submit a renewal application either online or through the mail. To be eligible for renewal, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits. Your other option for eligibility is to pass another exam in another area of radiologic technology. Whether you are applying for renewal for one or multiple certifications, you only need to complete 24 continuing education hours.

Salary Potential

MRI technologists have salaries that vary based on their level of experience in the field. Those just starting out have a salary range of $39,300 to $50,000 according to PayScale. With five to nine years of experience, salaries for MRI techs generally fall between $49,700 and $62,100. Some of the highest paid ones are those with 10 to 19 years of experience. They report a salary range of $50,900 to $77,300 as of June 2010.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists: MRI Certification Handbook
• PayScale: Median Salary by Years Experience