How Can I Become an MRI Tech?
Reviewed by Samuel Mathew, BS, R.T. (R)(MR)(ARRT), MRSO
January 22, 2025
MRI technologists are an integral part of the booming allied health industry. Responsible for preparing and positioning patients for MRI procedures, these techs then gather images of their patients’ anatomical structures by using a computerized MRI scanner. MRI techs, sometimes incorrectly referred to as MRI technicians, are also expected to speak with and calm nervous patients, as this medical procedure may be stressful for some.
Once the 3D or 2D MRI images are ready for analysis, physicians known as radiologists will assess them. Though MRI techs don’t have the authority to diagnose patients, their accurate images are the lynchpin.
With the demand for this allied health career higher than ever, there’s never been a better time to get involved in the industry. So how do you become an MRI tech? Keep reading to find out!
How Long Does it Take to Become an MRI Tech?
Depending on your program and prior education, it usually takes between 2 and 4 years to become a fully certified MRI tech. To finish your education, you’ll need to obtain one of the following degrees from an accredited institution:
- MRI Technology - Associate or bachelor’s degree
- Radiography with MRI - Associate or bachelor’s degree
After you’ve completed school, the next step is to earn an MRI Technologist Certification. There are two types of certification options, and they both involve a combination of clinical experience and a certification exam:
- ARRT Certification and Registration in MRI
- ARMRIT Certification for MRI Technologists
The best educational path for you depends on personal factors like your career goals and current work experience. Whatever path you take, it will take hard work and dedication to meet the strict standards of this industry.
Before Applying to MRI Technologist School
MRI tech programs have different minimum enrollment prerequisites. Some may only require a high school diploma or GED to apply, while other programs may demand a more thorough background (like an associate degree or partial college attendance).
Before applying to MRI tech school, there are a few great ways to stand out and gain experience for MRI tech programs.
Sign Up For Related Classes in High School
If you’re currently in high school – and know that you want to pursue a career in the MRI field – take as many science and math courses as possible. Biology, chemistry, physics, and even computer science will give you an edge with applications and your future studies.
If your high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in science and mathematics, take the initiative to sign up for a few. Testing out of future college courses in a single high school semester saves a lot of time and money. Even if you don’t ace the final exam, having college-level courses under your belt shows initiative to future colleges, programs and employers.
Take First Aid Training
Learning basic first aid and CPR are important skills at any age, but did you know that – starting in 2016 – most states began requiring high school graduates to complete CPR training? If your state doesn’t happen to be one of them or you graduated before the requirement came into effect, check out Red Cross offers in your area!
Not only does holding a certification look great on applications, some schools even require applicants to have one before they can apply.
Get Involved in Your Community
Volunteering or interning at local clinics, seniors’ centers, and hospitals helps you build necessary interpersonal skills for an MRI career. These opportunities also offer excellent insights into whether a specific field is the right fit.
MRI Technology Associate Degree
In associate degree programs, there’s a great deal of classroom instruction covering basic health care practices, patient procedures, anatomy & physiology, and evaluations using MRI images and scans. Students also engage in supervised, hands-on practice with MRI equipment in a clinical setting.
After completing an associate degree in MRI Technology or a related field, students should prepare to take their MRI tech certification exam from ARRT or ARMRIT.
Be sure to choose a program which is approved by ARRT, or accredited by ARMRIT or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This ensures that you’ll receive the proper certification upon completing the program and that your training will adequately prepare you for your future career.
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How to Apply to an Associate Degree Program
To be considered, most MRI associate degree programs require strong high school math and science (E.g., physics, biology, and chemistry) grades and test scores. Only consider MRI associate degree programs that are approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging
A four-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Medical Imaging allows students to dedicate themselves to a more specific focus, like nuclear medicine or radiologic technology. Students are required to pass general education courses and specific classes like anatomy, pathology and physics (including radiation).
After you graduate, you’ll need to complete clinical training and pass a certification exam to be considered a full-fledged MRI technologist.
How to Apply
Every four-year college and university has its own acceptance criteria, but typically, you’ll need a high school diploma, required coursework from high school, and sufficient scores from either the SAT or ACT (depending on your location). Some MRI schools accept applicants straight from high school, while some first require an associate degree or certification.
MRI Technologist Certification is Required to Work
MRI Technologist certification is mandatory for the majority of employers. Both associate degree and bachelor's degree programs are excellent options for completing your education and getting certified. The key is to graduate from an accredited training program.
ARRT Certification
In order to be ARRT-certified, new MRI techs should expect to complete a rigorous training program with an accredited school. Students should expect a variety of coursework, including classroom, clinical, and hands-on training, which includes shadowing seasoned veterans in the field.
AMRIT Certification
The ARMRIT certification offers applicants an alternative route, catering to those focused only on MRI technology. ARMRIT has the philosophy that MRI is its own distinct specialty.
Some Employers Prefer ARRT Certification
ARRT has a solid reputation for testing its students in multiple medical imaging fields. Having your ARRT certification is a great way to show potential employers that you have what it takes to meet the qualifications in your field.
In some states, MRI techs who meet these requirements are also eligible for licensure. Before taking the ARRT exam, be sure to check with your state’s governing board.
Continuing Education Is Key
MRI techs are expected to renew their registrations by completing continuing education credits. ARRT requires renewal every two years while ARMRIT requires renewal every three years.
MRI Tech Licensing
Though some states require a state license to work as an MRI tech, not all of them do. Check your state’s licensing board to see which rules apply.
Even if a license with ARRT or ARMRIT might not be necessary, most employers specifically look for these certifications in order to hire fully trained individuals.
Consider a Career in the MRI Field
With numerous MRI jobs in New Jersey – and the field set to grow by 12% over the next decade – there’s never been a better time to join this sector.
If you live in the tri-state area and are interested in an allied health career, discover more by checking out our Associate of Applied Science in MRI Technology program!
