MRI Technician Schools in Connecticut
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, allows doctors to evaluate illnesses and injuries without using surgery or radiation techniques such as X-rays. Using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, an MRI machine provides detailed information about a patient’s health. If you choose to pursue a career in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, you can be an integral part of the healthcare team, leading to better health for your clients. The vital information you obtain will be used by doctors and nurse practitioners to create accurate diagnoses, so that the hospital or medical office can use their resources more efficiently. As a professional MRI technician, you will help ensure that patients to receive the best care for their conditions, as quickly as possible.
Training to become an MRI technologist in Connecticut can help you to advance your career, and may position you for job opportunities in multiple settings that utilize MRI. Connecticut has several MRI tech schools, and you can find a full listing of them on our site. Simply request program information from the MRI technician schools in CT that you are interested in to get started.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that MRI technician jobs will grow by 21 percent between 2012 and 2022. According to the 2013 report from BLS, the median income for an MRI technician in 2013 was $74,620 per year in Connecticut.
An Associate’s Degree in Radiology will prepare you for a career as an MRI technician. If you wish to advance your career, you can also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging, or go even further with a Master’s of Health Science in Radiology. Again, you can find all of the MRI tech schools that offer programs in CT on this page.
MRI Technologist Education in Connecticut
As a full-time MRI Technology student, you can typically earn an Associate’s degree in about two years. Your coursework will address topics such as anatomy, patient care, pathology, medical terminology and mathematics. You will also receive extensive hands-on training in how to operate an MRI machine, as well as instruction in safety procedures.
If you wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree, this usually takes about four years. In-depth classes in patient care, radiographic procedures, pharmacology, the science behind radiological devices and techniques for interpreting data will increase your expertise in the field, and may also increase your earning potential.
Connecticut has several resources to help you locate financial aid for your college education, if you need it. The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities website contains helpful information about its member institutions, many of which have increased grant availability for Connecticut residents. When preparing fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), be sure to investigate the public grants and scholarships which may be available to you. If you’re interested in studying at a particular MRI tech school, be sure to check with their financial aid department to learn about the options they offer.
MRI Technologist Careers in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of thirty-two states which requires MRI technicians to be licensed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. After you’ve obtained a degree from an accredited institution, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam. This license will certify you as a trained MRI professional, ensuring you meet minimum standards for practice.
If you are a compassionate person dedicated to helping others, and also appreciate working with technology, becoming an Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologist may be an ideal career for you. Though it is not painful, an MRI is a lengthy procedure which requires a patient to hold still for long periods of time. As an MRI technician, you are responsible for both operating the equipment and for guiding the patient through the procedure. Your interpersonal skills and reassuring presence can give patients the support they need to keep calm and relaxed, as lying still is essential for accurate imaging. Your technical expertise in the field can help ensure for the clearest possible scan, which will be of great value in diagnosing health conditions.
In addition to becoming a member of the nationwide American College of Radiology, as a radiology professional in Connecticut you can also join the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists or the Radiological Society of Connecticut to network with your colleagues and stay current on new advances and the best practices in radiology.
While some MRI technicians work in outpatient care facilities and physicians’ offices, in this field you are most likely to find a job in a hospital setting (BLS 2012). There are also mobile MRI units that may be looking for MRI techs that are willing to travel, if you are so inclined. On average, radiology professionals in Connecticut earn more than their counterparts in other states. According to the BLS (2013), the median income for a CT Radiology tech in 2013 was $63,520, making it a solid career choice.
Again, all you need to do is request information from the MRI technician schools that are listed on our site to get started with this rewarding career.