MRI Technician Schools in Maine
Maine is a major state for medical developments, especially in health care technology. What does this mean for you? If you want to work in a medical technology field like magnetic resonance imaging, Maine may have the employers and equipment that you need. MRI technicians use this imaging equipment to get still images of various body parts. As an MRI tech, you can be part of a medical team that includes general practitioners, specialty doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners.
Request information from the MRI tech schools in Maine to get an idea of your options for study.
The importance of MRI technology is clear when you look at the Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists. This group developed over the years to support medical imaging specialists and provide them with legislative support, advocacy opportunities, and networking events. In addition, you may be able to attend continuing education classes that help you learn more about your field and keep your education relevant.
At the center of this technology is research, and Maine researchers contribute a lot to the MRI field! Your skills as a technician may even be used in major studies. Maine News Online reports on recent research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It claims that doctors can find structural abnormalities in patients’ brains that correlate to this disease. In addition, My Fox Maine recently reported on a cutting edge intraoperative MRI (iMRI) procedure that allows doctors to ensure all of a tumor has been removed at the same time they’re performing the procedure.
MRI Education in Maine
Though you need expertise in many different areas to succeed as an MRI technician, this career path requires considerably less education than many other choices in the health care field. Typically, about 30 credits are required for a certificate or diploma. You may be able to complete these credits in approximately one year of study. Associate’s degrees in Maine require 60 to 70 credits, so plan on spending two years in school for this option.
One part of your degree focuses on your knowledge of science and MRI equipment. This part of your training is extremely important, since it’s what you’ll be tested on during the licensure or certification process. You may take classes like Cross-Sectional Anatomy, Pathology, and MRI Clinical Education. In these classes, you may learn about the terminology used in this career while building the skills needed to effectively work with MRI machines.
The other part of your training centers around patient care and communication. Even though you won’t be delivering diagnoses or planning treatment, you must still be able to speak with patients appropriately and professionally. You may take classes like Patient Communication in Health Care and Ethics of Patient Care. These skills are also built upon during your clinical hours.
MRI Careers in Maine
Having the know-how needed to work with advanced medical equipment may open up lots of career paths for you. MRI technicians in Maine may get hired at universities, medical imaging centers, hospitals, and other medical settings. Prominent employers in this area include Center for Diagnostic Imaging, King’s Medical Group, the American Red Cross, and Quintiles.
Maine is one of the many states that has strict licensing standards for MRI technicians. The State of Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation requires that MRI technicians pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists MRI exam. During each two-year licensure period, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education to maintain your license.
Salaries earned by MRI technicians are influenced by many different factors, including experience level, certification, education, and work setting. According to O*Net, MRI technicians in Maine earn an average salary of $71,500 per year, which is over $5,000 higher than the national average (O*Net, 2013).
Health care can be a great career field with lots of room for growth. Learn more about MRI schools in Maine today by contacting the schools on this page.