Radiology Schools: MRI Technicians

Path to becoming an MRI Technician:

Most MRI technologists begin in the allied health field as a radiology technician. Becoming an MRI technician is usually a skill learned on the job, and most facilities don't require formal training. However, there is a national licensing exam in MRI that is required to practice.

Don't waste time or money on MRI school. The best path to becoming an MRI technician is to become a radiology technician first. Most imaging departments within a hospital or free-standing imaging centers want to hire employees who can perform more than MRIs.
Schools to become and MRI Technician:
There are different kinds of schools and programs to receive radiology technician training. Before you can attend an RT program, students must have completed high school or an equivalent (GED). Then certain college level prerequisite courses are required. One inexpensive option is to attend a local community college to complete prerequisites and, then advance into the RT program. You can also attend a hospital based program to earn a certificate to become a radiology technician but these programs often have long waits and are competitive for acceptance. We have found the easiest and most flexible option to be on line courses. There are many accredited radiology schools on line.

Radiology Schools: MRI's vs. X Rays

What is the difference between an MRI machine and an X Ray machine?

An MRI machine, which stands for "magnetic resonance imaging" looks at ligaments, tendons and the soft tissues of the body. MRI uses magnetic fields to view the hydrogen atoms in the water in a patient's body while lying in the machine. The procedure can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Radio frequency fields are then used to change the alignment of the magnetization systematically, causing the hydrogen nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. This signal can be manipulated to build up sufficient information to construct a replica of the body. MRI's are now being used as a preventative procedure much like a mammogram can be used to prevent breast cancer.

An X Ray machine is used to look at the bones of a body. It is kind of like a camera. Instead of visible light, however, it uses X-rays to expose the film, more like invisible light. X rays use electromagnetic waves, that are more energetic in order to penetrate a variety of different materials and matter at different degrees. When the X-rays hit the film, they expose it just as light would. Since muscle, bone, tumors, and fat all absorb X-rays at different levels, the image on the film lets you see different (distinct) structures inside the body because of the different levels of exposure on the film. Learn more about radiology schools, and what is required to operate this machinery.

Radiology Technician: MRI Specialization

There are several specializations a radiology technician can branch into.
Today we will be focusing on becoming an MRI specialist. First lets have a look at a MRI scanner, pictured on the right. This is the main device a MRI specialist will be using and must be familliar with; it detects problems relating to the spinal chords, joints, lungs, brain, and chest. I received an MRI by a doctor once to determine whether I had torn my ACL. The test is safe, painless, and requires anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes to administer. The only obstacle for patients may be claustrophobia. In this case the MRI specialist would want to be sensitive to each individual patient's needs, and may choose to sedate individuals so they can remain relatively still during the process.
An MRI device, administered by a MRI technician, scans the patient in order to diagnose various medical conditions such as; heart diseases, reproductive organ tumors, tumors in the chest or other areas of the body, and torn ligaments or nerves. Endometriosis, breast cancer, liver diseases, and other health problems can be detected with the assistance of an MRI scan as well. Becoming an MRI technician does not typically require extra schooling but rather additional training. Usually a radiology technician learns this more specialized skill on the job if there is an opening in one of these areas and someone willing to train them. There is a national registry exam available for MRI, but not all facilities require their techs to be certified in order to practice in these fields.

Radiology Technician Schools: Career Profile

It is important when choosing an x-ray technician school to make sure it matches your individual needs. There are many different schools available for training to become an x ray technician. In this blog I would like to briefly outline the x ray technician career. An x ray technician can also be referred to as; radiologic technologists, a radiographer or an x ray technologists. These professionals play an important role in the field of Radiology by conducting x rays ordered by physicians on a variety of body parts and bones. X ray technologists should be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Radiology involves nonintrusive imaging using radiation, which helps a physician diagnose or treat medical conditions. Some instances where one may commonly receive an x ray may be at the dentist’s office or the chiropractor. There are several specializations one can branch into when pursuing x ray technician careers. Four examples of these specializations are MRI, CT, mammography and angiography. These additional fields do not typically require extra schooling but rather additional training or certification. Mammography is one specialty that in some states, such as California, requires the completion of a 40 hour accredited course, observed testing while conducting 25 exams, and passing a state specific exam. Sometimes an x ray technician may have the opportunity to learn the additional skills required to specialize, on the job, if there is an opening in one of these areas and someone is willing to train them. There is a national registry exam available for both CT and MRI, but not all facilities require techs to be certified in order to perform these specialized types of x rays. Now that we have examined the career of an x ray technician, lets look at the types of schooling required to become an x ray technician. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an x ray technician or attending radiology technician schools please visit us at Allied Health World.

Allied Health: Obama Health Care Reform

Obama addressed The Nation yesterday to defend, clarify, and sale his ideas on health care. I was actually relieved that it seemed practical and versatile; I don't understand how anyone could complain! It addresses the three main groups of Americans; the insured, the uninsured because of health limitations, and the uninsured because of financial limitations. Here is a recap of the speech as I understood it.

Obama claims his new plan would do three things; 1) give people who have health insurance greater security and coverage, 2) set up a healthy marketplace for competition creating affordable access to coverage for those without insurance and 3) it would reduce care costs for all.

Obama also stated alarming statistics showing a sharp drop in health insurance coverage due to the recession and financial hardship that Americans have been experiencing. 45.7 million Americans were uninsured in 2007 and now the numbers have reached 46.3 million. It has been predicted that 6 million Americans will lose coverage.

2/3 of Americans claimed to support Obama's health care reform plan directly following his address. This number was up from 53% before. That means 1 in 7 Americans changed their minds.

I found it interesting that Obama encouraged everyone to participate in the health care reform of our country. He emphasized that if we do not participate as people and companies, his plan would not work. He also encouraged businesses to insure their employees saying that it gives an "unfair advantage" against competitors who are offering health care to employees. Obama also encouraged health care reform with the intention that responsible citizens can have more freedom to choose different jobs and career paths. So many people stay in jobs they don't like because they are afraid to lose health care for themselves and/or their families.

Demand for allied health employment continues to increase and looks like it could skyrocket in the next four years. One of the most promising fields seems to be radiology technician training. If you are interested in learning about a good radiology technician school, please visit us.

X-Ray Technician School

This week we will be explaining and exploring the wide world of the x-ray technicians. We will be looking at x-ray technician school, x-ray technician training, x-ray technician careers, and just x-ray technicians in general. If you are interested in the field of x-ray technicians. Please join us next week to learn all about this exciting career.