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How do I Choose the Best MRI Technician School?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technician is a person who operates MRI machines for the purpose of seeing and recording images of the inside of a person’s body. If you are hoping to become an MRI technician, enrolling in the right training program can be critical to your success in landing a job and performing well in it once you are hired. Choosing the best MRI technician school often means looking for a school that is accredited, has a good reputation, and covers the topics you’ll need to succeed in this new career. You may also consider location and tuition costs when you are attempting to choose the best MRI technician school.

The most critical thing to consider when you’re trying to choose the best MRI technician school is accreditation. When a school is accredited, it has gone through a process of meeting the accrediting agency’s standards. As such, you can usually feel secure in the fact that an accredited MRI program meets acceptable standards for training and education. Additionally, potential employers may not value training received at an unaccredited school as much as they do training obtained through an accredited program.

A medical professional reviews MRI scans for signs of internal injuries.
A medical professional reviews MRI scans for signs of internal injuries.

You may also consider a school’s reputation before choosing one at which to pursue MRI technician training. If you choose a school that has a poor reputation, the quality of your training may be less than desired, and the training deficiencies may show in your work once you land a job. In fact, some employers may be reluctant to hire MRI technicians who’ve graduated from schools with poor reputations. You may learn how various MRI technician schools are regarded by reading online reviews and talking with experienced MRI technicians. You may even contact potential employers and ask where most of their MRI technicians receive their training.

An MRI scan of the brain.
An MRI scan of the brain.

The contents of an MRI training program are also an important consideration when you’re trying to choose an MRI training school. An MRI technician training program should train you not only in how to operate MRI machines and perform tests, but also in how to do so safely. A good program will typically teach you how to prepare patients for MRIs as well as how to properly maintain the equipment. You’ll likely also study anatomy and medical terminology as part of a good MRI technician training program.

An MRI machine.
An MRI machine.

Location and cost may also be important as you attempt to choose the best MRI technician school. In general, choosing a school that is close to your home or workplace may make study more convenient for you. Cost may prove important as well, and you may choose the school that offers the lowest tuition or the most attractive financial aid options.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • A medical professional reviews MRI scans for signs of internal injuries.
      By: Konstantin Sutyagin
      A medical professional reviews MRI scans for signs of internal injuries.
    • An MRI scan of the brain.
      By: Marcin Sadlowski
      An MRI scan of the brain.
    • An MRI machine.
      By: Hakan Kızıltan
      An MRI machine.
    • MRI technicians often control the machine from an adjoining room.
      By: EPSTOCK
      MRI technicians often control the machine from an adjoining room.