MRI Technologist Career Assessment
Magnetic Resonance Imaging specialist
1Welcome
MRI technologists operate sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging machines that create detailed images of the human body without using radiation.
You'll explore what this specialized imaging career is really like, the training required, and whether it's right for you.
This takes about 15 minutes.
2What is an MRI Technologist?
An MRI technologist is a specialized imaging professional who operates MRI machines. These machines use powerful magnets and radio waves to create 3D images of the body's internal structures.
Key Difference from Radiologic Technologist: X-ray techs work with radiation. MRI techs work with magnetism. No radiation exposure. Different training. Different machines.
Your Responsibilities:
- Operate complex MRI machines (requires training and focus)
- Prepare patients and explain procedures
- Position patients correctly for optimal imaging
- Monitor patients during scans (some scans take 30-60 minutes)
- Ensure patient safety (metal screening is critical)
- Operate imaging software and controls
- Communicate findings to radiologists
- Maintain equipment and perform quality assurance
- Handle claustrophobic or anxious patients with calm professionalism
You're part technician, part healthcare provider, and part detective (finding the right angles and settings for clear images).
3A Day in the Life
7:00 AM — Arrive. Boot up MRI machine. Run quality assurance scans. Check for any issues from overnight.
7:30 AM — Review schedule. Prep scan rooms. Make sure emergency protocols are in place (quench button, emergency meds, crash kit).
8:00 AM — First patient: brain MRI for a patient with headaches. Explain the procedure. Screen for metal. Claustrophobic? Offer anxiety protocol.
8:15 AM — Position patient in machine. Run scan sequences. Patient is anxious but stable. Monitor from control room.
9:00 AM — Scan complete. Patient out. Review images with radiologist. Images are clear. Next patient.
9:30 AM — Cardiac MRI (complex, takes longer). Coordinate with cardiac tech. Timing is critical for heart imaging.
11:00 AM — Equipment maintenance. Calibration checks.
12:00 PM — Lunch
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM — More scans. Abdominal. Spinal. Extremity. Each requires different positioning and protocols.
5:00 PM — Document all scans. Report quality. Close down machine safely.
Technical, methodical, patient-focused work. High precision required.
4Training in North Dakota
License Required. In North Dakota, MRI technologists must have a state license. To get one, you need national certification (such as ARRT).
Training Pathways:
- X-Ray First, Then MRI On the Job: Many hospitals hire radiologic (X-ray) technologists and train them in MRI at work. After you log enough supervised MRI scans and complete some required coursework (often online), you can take the ARRT MRI exam. ARRT calls this the "postprimary pathway." ND accepts ARRT MRI certification for the license.
- Direct MRI Program (2 years): Associate degree in MRI technology. Combines classroom, lab, and clinical practice. Costs vary by school.
- Bachelor's Degree (4 years): University program with advanced topics. Costs vary by school.
In North Dakota: We could not find an accredited MRI school in ND. A common route is to become a radiographer first, then add MRI. One nearby option is Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Rochester, MN (1-year certificate, JRCERT-accredited).
Nearby Out-of-State MRI Programs (Minnesota)
- Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (Rochester, MN): 1-year MRI certificate. JRCERT-accredited. Graduates can take the ARRT MRI exam. You must already have an associate degree or higher (or attend one of Mayo's partner colleges). Needs a 2.85 GPA, 3 hours of job shadowing in an MRI department, and these college classes: English composition, college algebra, anatomy & physiology (2 semesters with lab), physics with lab, chemistry with lab, speech, and ethics.
- Rochester Community & Technical College (Rochester, MN): Associate degree (AAS) in MRI, offered with Mayo Clinic. About 28 prerequisite credits at RCTC, then a 1-year MRI program. Up to 10 students a year. Needs a 2.75 GPA.
A common path for North Dakotans: Take about 2 years of college in ND (for example at the University of Mary or a state college) and finish the prerequisite classes and an associate degree. Then apply to Mayo's 1-year MRI program. Ask Mayo which of your credits count before you start.
Another path: Become an X-ray technologist (radiographer) first, then add MRI later. The University of Mary partners with Mayo's radiography program and with CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck.
Note: ND also accepts ARMRIT certification for an MRI license. There are no ARMRIT programs in ND, MN, SD, or MT. Some ARMRIT schools cannot use federal financial aid (FAFSA), so ask before you enroll.
Clinical Experience: You'll operate real MRI machines under supervision. This is essential for certification.
Prerequisites: High school diploma/GED to start. MRI programs also require college classes such as anatomy & physiology, physics, and algebra.
5Certification & Licensing
ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) Certification — The industry standard for MRI technologists.
Requirements:
- Complete an accredited MRI program, OR
- Already be certified in radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, or sonography, then complete MRI coursework and supervised MRI clinical cases
The Exam: Written exam covering MRI physics, safety, patient care, imaging protocols. 230 multiple-choice questions (200 count toward your score).
Cost: $225 (ARRT application fee)
Pass Rate: About 75% of first-time test takers passed in 2025 (ARRT)
Continuing Education: Earn 24 CE credits every 2 years (online courses, conferences, workshops) and renew with ARRT each year. Your ND license renews every 2 years.
Safety Emphasis: MRI safety is taken very seriously. Metallic objects in an MRI field can be dangerous. You'll be trained extensively on this.
6Salary & Job Outlook
North Dakota MRI Technologist Salary (BLS, May 2025):
- Entry-level (low end of ND pay): about $33/hour ($69K/year)
- Median (middle): about $38.76/hour ($80,610/year)
- Experienced (top 10%): about $46/hour ($96K/year) or more
Higher than radiologic technologists. In ND, their median is about $67,790 (BLS, May 2025).
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement, paid time off, CE reimbursement, shift differentials.
Job Outlook: Good. BLS projects 8% growth for MRI technologists nationwide (2025-2035). North Dakota expects about 10% growth by 2034, but it is a small field (about 90 MRI jobs in ND). Aging population needs imaging.
Work Environment: Mostly Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, though larger hospitals may have evening/night shifts and on-call duties.
Pay by Area in North Dakota (middle/median yearly pay, BLS May 2025)
| North Dakota (statewide) | $80,610 |
| Fargo area (incl. Moorhead, MN) | $78,780 |
Areas not listed had too few workers in this job for BLS to report pay.
7Where This Leads
Path 1: Advance in Specialty — Cardiac MRI, neuro MRI, breast MRI. These specialists earn more and do more complex work.
Path 2: Management — Oversee imaging department, manage MRI techs, handle budgets and scheduling.
Path 3: Quality and Safety — Ensure all protocols are followed, train staff, develop safety procedures.
Path 4: Sales and Support — Work for MRI equipment companies. Train facilities on new machines. Travel.
Path 5: Teaching — Teach MRI technology. Develop curriculum. Work in academia.
Path 6: Research — Work on new MRI techniques, clinical trials, imaging research.
Path 7: Radiology — Some MRI techs go into physician assistant (needs a master's degree) or radiation therapy roles using their imaging background.
Portable Career: Your ARRT credential is recognized nationwide. Each state has its own license rules.
8The Real Talk
What's Great:
- No radiation exposure (unlike X-ray technologists)
- Cutting-edge technology
- High pay for the education level
- Strong job security and demand
- Respect in healthcare field
- Technical problem-solving daily
What's Hard:
- Standing and repetitive motion all day
- Complex equipment. Constant learning needed.
- Long scans mean standing next to noisy machine for extended time
- MRI safety is critical. Metal screening is serious.
- Dealing with claustrophobic, anxious, or difficult patients
- Physical demands (lifting, positioning patients)
- Shift work can be required
- Continuing education is ongoing (field evolves fast)
Be Honest: Do you like technology? Can you stay focused during repetitive tasks? Can you handle anxious patients? Are you detail-oriented about safety? If yes, this works.
9Part 1: What Attracts You?
What draws you to MRI technology?
10Part 2: Are You Ready?
1. I'm comfortable with advanced technology and willing to learn complex equipment.
2. I can handle the physical demands (standing, lifting, positioning).
3. I'm detail-oriented and take safety seriously.
4. I can calm anxious patients and communicate clearly.
5. I can focus during repetitive work without getting distracted.
6. I'm willing to pursue ARRT certification.
7. I'm committed to ongoing learning (field changes frequently).
8. I'm interested in specialized technical healthcare work.
11Part 3: Your Next Move
What's your plan?
Any other thoughts?