BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasMagnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

O*NET · 29-2035.00

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

Also called Imaging Technologist · MRI Coordinator · MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator) · MRI QA Coordinator · MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator) · MRI Radiographer · MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer) · MRI Special Procedures Technologist
11 more

MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist) · MRI Specialist · MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist) · MRI Tech · MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician) · MRI Technologist · MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist) · Research MRI Technologist · Research MRI Technologist (Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist) · Travel MRI Tech · Travel MRI Tech (Travel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician)

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.46
  • C Conventional4.93
  • I Investigative4.79
  • S Social3.51
  • E Enterprising1.27
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent4%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate13%
  • Some College Courses4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree65%
  • Bachelor's Degree9%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (26%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (39%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Monitoringbasic3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Speakingbasic3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Operations Monitoring3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Operation and Control3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Writingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Service Orientation3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
Show the other 23
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Instructing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Systems Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Persuasion2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Evaluation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Sciencebasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Quality Control Analysis2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Mathematicsbasic2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Negotiation2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Troubleshooting2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Equipment Selection2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Equipment Maintenance1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Programming1.80.8
  • Technology Design1.50.6
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.5
  • Operations Analysis1.3—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

21 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.5.0
  2. Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.5.0
  3. Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.4.9
  4. Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.4.9
  5. Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.4.8
  6. Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.4.8
  7. Take brief medical histories from patients.4.7
  8. Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.4.6
  9. Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.4.6
  10. Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.4.6
  11. Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.4.5
  12. Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.4.4
Show the other 12
  1. Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.4.4
  2. Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.4.4
  3. Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.4.4
  4. Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.4.4
  5. Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.4.2
  6. Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.4.1
  7. Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.4.1
  8. Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.4.1
  9. Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.4.0
  10. Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.4.8
  11. Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.3.9
  12. Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Physics4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Computers and Electronics3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Medicine and Dentistry3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Public Safety and Security3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Education and Training3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Biology3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
Show all 33
  • Psychology3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Administrative2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Engineering and Technology2.72.7
  • Mathematics2.72.9
  • Telecommunications2.51.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Therapy and Counseling2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Administration and Management2.42.7
  • Mechanical2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Chemistry2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Foreign Language2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Law and Government2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Production and Processing2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Communications and Media2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Economics and Accounting1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Design1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Philosophy and Theology1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Transportation1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Geography1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision4.04.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Expression3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Control Precision3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.33.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Clarity3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Far Vision3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Auditory Attention2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Fluency of Ideas2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Rate Control2.92.8
  • Visualization2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Reaction Time2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.62.8
  • Originality2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.52.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Response Orientation2.32.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Trunk Strength2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth Perception2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Stamina2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.60.6
  • Explosive Strength1.40.4
  • Spatial Orientation1.3—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording Information4.54.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Working with Computers4.54.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Assisting and Caring for Others4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
  • Getting Information4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Processing Information3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.73.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Training and Teaching Others3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking Creatively3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Developing and Building Teams3.12.9
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.02.9
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.82.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.62.6
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Drive a car

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.8
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Contact With Others4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • E-Mail4.5
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.3
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.1

Technology

12 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (7)
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
  • Medical image processing software
  • Radiology information systems (RIS)
  • Teleradiology systems
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
  2. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  4. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
  5. Neurodiagnostic Technologists
  6. Radiation Therapists
  7. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  8. Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
  9. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  10. Respiratory Therapists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.