What does a MRI technologist do?

What is an MRI Technologist?

MRI technologists are trained in operating magnetic imaging machines and taking quality diagnostic images of patients.

They do this by making the patient comfortable, explaining the process, and expertly positioning the patient on the table according to the instructions given to them by the physician.

What does an MRI Technologist do?

An MRI technologist takes detailed pictures of the internal body by using magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect problems in the body relating to the chest, lungs, joints, brain, and spinal cord.

Radio waves are used to take these images (not radiation), and can be transferred into three-dimensional images to more accurately diagnose a condition.

The procedure typically takes twenty to ninety minutes to complete, and is painless. Some patients experience a bit of claustrophobia, and the technologist will talk to the person throughout the entire process. If the claustrophobia is severe, the patient can be sedated.

After the MRI technologist has concluded the scan, a radiologist will review the report. The radiologist will then send the report to the patient's physician, who will speak with the patient about the results of the test.

It is a misconception that the people taking x-rays or performing CAT scans at the hospital are radiologists. A radiologist is a physician who are able to diagnose patients, while MRI technologists specifically operate the medical imaging machine.

What is the workplace of an MRI Technologist like?

MRI technologists can work in a variety of places, including hospitals, universities, private medical practices, and diagnostic imaging centres.

Most MRI technicians do not have their own offices, unless they are employed as a professor at a community college, instructing MRI technology classes.