Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an MRI Technologist
What MRI technologists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an MRI technologist?
Run scanner quality checks. From there, the day usually includes screen patients for MRI safety, position patients in the scanner, and select imaging sequences. Many imaging centers run evenings and weekends; hospitals run 24/7.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an MRI technologist working full time.
- Run scanner quality checks.
- Screen a patient for implants.
- Scan a knee.
- Scan a brain with contrast.
- Help a claustrophobic patient through a scan.
- Scan a spine.
- Send images to radiologists.
Where MRI technologists work
MRI technologists work in hospitals and outpatient imaging centers.
Hours and schedule
Many imaging centers run evenings and weekends; hospitals run 24/7.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Screen patients for MRI safety
- Position patients in the scanner
- Select imaging sequences
- Give contrast when ordered
- Monitor patients during scans
- Check image quality
- Maintain MRI safety zones
Tools you’ll use every day
- MRI scanners
- Coils
- Injector pumps
- Safety screening forms
- Ferromagnetic detectors
- PACS
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay
- Advanced technology
- No ionizing radiation
- Growing use of MRI
What’s hard
- Strict magnet safety
- Anxious or claustrophobic patients
- Shift work
- Physically positioning patients
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like advanced technology
- I’m calm with nervous patients
- I follow safety rules strictly
- I want good pay
- I like imaging
- I’m detail-oriented
Not sure? Take the free MRI Technologist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Screen every person entering the magnet room
- Keep ferromagnetic objects out
- Monitor for contrast reactions
- Know quench procedures