MRI Technician Schools in Pennsylvania

An eye for detail and desire to serve your community can give you the skills you need for a career in MRI technology. Learn more about this degree at UltrasoundTechnicianSchools.com and let us help you find nearby schools to get started on your new career path today!

MRI Technician Training in Pennsylvania

MRI technology can be a fairly demanding field; not only do you need to understand how medical imaging technology works, you must have an in-depth understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Courses you may be required to take include Radiographic Equipment, Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging, and Radiographic Imaging. Before you get accepted to a program and begin your MRI courses, you may have to take core science courses like Chemistry, Human Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology.

The amount of classes you take depends largely on which degree you decide to pursue. A certificate is a commonly-offered choice. Many community colleges and hospital schools offer this one-year program. However, some schools also have associate-level programs that can be completed in approximately two years. No matter which degree you decide to pursue, practical experience is very important. Your hands-on experience starts early in courses that let you work with MRI technology. In many programs, you have to complete several hundred hours of clinical experience in your final semester.

MRI Technician Licensing/Certifications in Pennsylvania

The field of radiologic technology has evolved rapidly over the last several years, so licensing requirements vary significantly from state to state. Pennsylvania has fairly unique licensing requirements. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs only requires licensure for MRI technicians that work in a medical office. If you work in a hospital or standalone clinic that is not staffed by MDs, you may not need a license.

To earn your license, you must first take and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam. Once you pass this exam, you receive your license. Unlike many states, Pennsylvania does not have any renewal period; your license is valid as long as you use it. Because of this, there are no continuing education requirements for MRI technicians.

Career and Employment Information for MRI Techs in Pennsylvania

When you start your career as an MRI technician, you get to enjoy some of the newest medical advances that the industry has to offer. Photonics reports on recent research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania that indicates that MRIs can be used for better brain monitoring after a stroke. Your MRI skills can be utilized in several different settings, including research facilities, medical imaging departments in hospitals, and standalone medical imaging centers. Some of the largest MRI technician employers in Pennsylvania include Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital, Main Line Health System, and Einstein Healthcare Network.

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As a Pennsylvania MRI technician, you can benefit from a strong job outlook and excellent salary range. O*Net indicates that the average salary for an MRI technician in Pennsylvania is $64,100 per year (2018). They anticipate an 8% increase in job openings between 2016 and 2026 (O*Net, 2018).

There are several ways to enhance your professional development and keep up on new advancements in medical imaging. Joining a professional organization like the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists has many educational and professional benefits. You can attend continuing education courses to learn about new technology, go to networking events to meet prospective employers, and learn about legislative updates.