How to become an MRI technician

1. 1Take science and math in high school

   Time: 4 years (high school)Sources 1

   Anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics and algebra are the most useful courses, because MRI programs teach cross-sectional anatomy and the physics of magnets and radio waves. Volunteering in a hospital or shadowing in an imaging department shows you what the work involves, including how much time is spent with patients who are anxious or in pain. Some employers also want CPR or Basic Life Support certification.

2. 2Choose your route: direct MRI program or radiography first

   Time: Before applyingSources 3, 4, 11

   ARRT offers two ways in. The primary pathway is for graduates of an MRI educational program who hold at least an associate degree. The postprimary pathway is for people who already hold an ARRT credential such as radiography, nuclear medicine or sonography, or an NMTCB or ARDMS credential, and then add MRI. Going through radiography takes longer but gives you two credentials and more job options.

3. 3Complete an accredited program

   Time: About 2 yearsCost: $9,300 (median public tuition)Sources 5, 2

   Look for MRI or radiography programs accredited by JRCERT, the federally recognized accreditor for radiography, radiation therapy and magnetic resonance programs; its Find a Program tool lists them. Coursework covers anatomy, patient care, MRI physics, safety, sequences and image evaluation, and clinical rotations put you on real scanners with supervising technologists. Programs are offered by community colleges, universities and hospital-based schools.

4. 4For the postprimary route, document MRI training and clinical work

   Time: 6-12 monthsCost: Varies (some employers train on the job)Sources 6, 10

   If you already hold a supporting credential, ARRT requires 16 hours of structured education covering the MRI exam content, completed within the 24 months before you apply. You must also document clinical experience: at least 21 different MRI procedures and 125 repetitions in total, with 3 to 6 repetitions of each and no more than 7 documented per day. Remote scanning does not count; you must be physically present.

5. 5Pass the ARRT MRI exam

   Time: One exam dayCost: $225 application feeSources 3, 4

   Apply to ARRT, which reviews your education, clinical requirements and ethics, then schedule the computer-based MRI exam at a test center. The application fee is $225 for either pathway, or $450 if your supporting credential comes from NMTCB or ARDMS. Passing earns you the R.T.(MR) credential. Many employers ask for this credential even in states that do not license MRI techs.

6. 6Get a state license if required and keep credentials current

   Time: OngoingCost: $65 a year ARRT renewalSources 3, 7, 8

   A few states license MRI technologists, so check your state health department or the CareerOneStop License Finder. ARRT credentials renew every year for $65, no matter how many you hold, and you must report 24 continuing education credits every two years. Many hospitals also require Basic Life Support certification and, for techs who inject contrast, documented IV competency.

Programs, tuition and graduates’ earnings

U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (most recent cohorts, released 2026-10-15). Scorecard groups programs by 4-digit field, so a row can include related programs. Tuition is the median published undergraduate tuition and fees of the colleges offering the program (shown only for undergraduate credentials); debt is the median of programs’ median federal loan debt at completion; earnings are the national median for the field and credential four years after completion.

Requirements differ by state. Check your state’s rules in the CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor) before you enroll.

MRI safety screening

The magnet is always on, so one missed pacemaker, aneurysm clip or oxygen tank can cause serious injury; careful screening is the most important part of the job.

Cross-sectional anatomy

You must recognize structures in every plane to know whether the scan covers what the radiologist needs.

Calming patients

Scans are loud, tight and long, and a patient who panics or moves ruins the images and wastes a scanner slot.

Technical problem-solving

Adjusting sequences, coils and settings to fix artifacts or a patient's movement is what separates usable images from repeat scans.

IV and contrast skills

Many exams need gadolinium, so techs start IVs, check kidney function results and watch for reactions.

O*NET 31.0 rates these skills as most important for the occupation: reading comprehension, active listening, monitoring, speaking, critical thinking.

Training cost

$9.5K–$14.3K

Before financial aid

Time

3 years

Typical path

Median pay

$95,480

All US jobs: $50,980

Payback once qualified

Under 1 year

Pay above the all-jobs median vs. cost

Low: 2-year associate degree in an MRI program at the Scorecard median public in-state tuition for allied health diagnostic associate programs ($4,650 a year = $9,300) + ARRT application fee ($225). High: 2-year radiography associate ($9,300) + ARRT R application ($225) + 1-year MRI certificate at the median public certificate tuition ($4,578) + ARRT MR postprimary application ($225). Not included: books, uniforms, state license fees where they apply, and ARRT annual renewal of $65.

Rough guide only: ignores taxes, aid, interest and earnings given up during training. How we calculate it.

• Radiology technician (adding X-ray)$80,110 median

  MRI techs who came through the primary pathway can add radiography through an accredited program and the ARRT R exam, which broadens their job options.

• Lead MRI technologist or imaging manager

  Experienced techs move into lead, MRI safety officer or department manager roles; a bachelor's degree in imaging sciences or health administration helps.

• Ultrasound technician$96,590 median

  Some imaging techs cross-train in sonography, which requires a separate accredited program and ARDMS or ARRT sonography credentials.

• Physician assistant$135,880 median

  Patient care experience as an MRI tech counts toward PA school admission, but you also need a bachelor's degree, prerequisite courses and a master's-level PA program.