MRI Technologist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: ARRT (MR), ARMRIT certification (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: MRI scanners; coils; injector pumps; safety screening forms
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in MRI Technologist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Screen every person entering the magnet room
Keep ferromagnetic objects out
Monitor for contrast reactions
Know quench procedures
Shadow an experienced MRI technologist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: screen a patient for MRI safety
Supervised practice: help a claustrophobic patient
Supervised practice: run a brain MRI with contrast
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Screen patients for MRI safety: independently
Position patients in the scanner: independently
Select imaging sequences: independently
Give contrast when ordered: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, ARRT (MR))
Discuss the career path: Radiologic Technologist → MRI Technologist → Lead MRI Tech
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Screen a Patient for MRI Safety
Help a Claustrophobic Patient
Run a Brain MRI with Contrast
MRI physics basics
Safety screening
Scan protocols
Patient positioning

How to measure onboarding success

Days until the new hire works without a preceptor
Competency sign-offs completed on time
Documentation or charting error rate
90-day retention

How MRI Technologist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the MRI Technologist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential MRI Technologist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your MRI Technologist Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

MRI Technologist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)