MRI Technician Schools in Alabama
If you are wondering how to become an MRI technician in Alabama, you have come to the right place. We have a full listing of all of the different routes to earning your MRI certification and you can contact MRI tech schools and colleges directly from our site.
Alabama is a southern state that attracts several visitors and retirees with its many natural bounties annually. The cost of living is lower in Alabama than in most other states, so earnings can often stretch much farther here, contributing to a good quality of life. MRI technologists in Alabama, an essential component of the healthcare team, are able to earn a comfortable living in the state, while simultaneously providing critical services that help people in the community every day.
MRI technology is cutting-edge, creating high-definition, three-dimensional pictures of the organs and tissues of the human body. These images are some of the most powerful diagnostic tools currently available and are especially important for visualizing the brain, heart, and muscles as well as certain kinds of cancers. A highly skilled MRI technician produces high-resolution images that enable physicians to diagnose conditions with accuracy.
MRI Technician Education in Alabama
The major certifying body, The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), will be raising its requirements for MRI certification as of January 1, 2015. As of that date, the requirements for eligibility for certification in MRI technology will increase to a two-year associate’s or more advanced degree from an accrediting agency recognized by ARRT.
By requiring general education courses in addition to profession-specific courses, you can gain the foundation you need to work in a rapidly changing and growing field, and the skills you need to continue learning for a lifetime.
Programs leading to both an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree are available in the state of Alabama. All programs offer a combination of academic coursework with laboratory experience. Basic science courses in biology, physics, and anatomy are part of the typical curriculum. Specialized MRI courses include MRI physics, MRI procedures, and MRI imaging analysis.
Another important part of the curriculum requirements is a clinical experience at a hospital or medical clinic. This type of hands-on experience is invaluable in coming to appreciate the experience of being an MRI technologist day-to-day. You get to work with experienced professionals who can guide you in the right direction.
MRI Careers in Alabama
After earning your degree from one of the accredited institutions in Alabama, the next step is taking the ARRT certification exam in radiography. Many institutions will only hire individuals who have passed this certification exam. At the present time, the state of Alabama does not require a license in order to practice as a MRI technologist, although efforts could be underway by professional societies to change this situation.
Most MRI technologists work either in a hospital or a specialized diagnostic center, although, increasingly, physician’s offices are equipping themselves with MRI machines necessitating trained personnel to use it. The median salary in Alabama is $55,600 which is lower than the median salary for MRI technologists in the United States. However, given that the cost of living in the state is among the lowest in the nation, the median salary makes it possible to live a comfortable lifestyle. Also, demand for MRI technologists in Alabama is expected to increase by 28 percent from 2012-2022, making this field an attractive growth industry (O*Net2012).
As an MRI technician, you will need to be able to pay close attention to detail and to follow physicians’ instructions exactly. A certain degree of psychological sensitivity is also needed, as the MRI scanner is an enclosed space, and some patients feel anxious during the procedure. If you become an MRI tech, you’ll need to adhere to strict safety procedures in order to operate the machines safely.
Most MRI technologists belong to the Alabama Society of Radiologic Technologists (ALSRT), an affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). ALSRT is a non-profit organization with the mission of advancing the professions of radiation and imaging disciplines and specialties, establishing and maintaining high educational standards, enhancing quality of patient care, and promoting the welfare of its professional membership.