top of page
MRI Scan Room

MRI

TECHNOLOGIST

CAREER INFORMATION

Meet Jennifer!

Hi, I’m Jennifer! I grew up in Lacey, Washington and graduated from Seattle University. I started working as an imaging technologist at a major hospital in Seattle and then moved to Maui and worked at Maui Memorial. After seven years, I transitioned to the Kaiser Wailuku Clinic.

 

I chose a career in the healthcare field because I am fascinated by the human body. In the diagnostic imaging department, we are investigators and artists in creating pictures to help solve medical problems. It is very rewarding when I figure out why someone is sick and help them on the path to recovery. I like my job because I always see new things, meet different people, and have opportunities to grow professionally.

SELECT A TOPIC TO EXPLORE

What do they do?

  • Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners to produce detailed images of organs, tissues, bones, and other structures inside the body.

  • Prepare patients for MRI procedures by explaining the exam, screening for safety concerns, and positioning patients correctly.

  • Monitor patients during scans and ensure their comfort and safety.

  • Administer contrast agents when required and monitor for adverse reactions.

  • Work closely with radiologists and other healthcare professionals to obtain high-quality diagnostic images.

  • Maintain MRI equipment and follow strict safety protocols involving powerful magnetic fields.

  • Review images for quality and repeat scans if necessary.

What equipment do
they use?

  • MRI Scanner

  • RF Coils

  • Operator Console

  • Patient Table

  • Contrast Injector

  • Intercom System

  • Hearing Protection

Examining an X-Ray
RESPONSIBILITIES
EDUCATION
Education Guide

To become an X-ray technologist, complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Next, pass a certification exam and obtain a license to practice.

STEP 1

 Complete Prerequisite Coursework

High School Diploma

​Core Academic Subjects 

  • English: 4 credits

  • Social Studies: 4 credits

  • Math: 3 credits

  • Science: 3 credits

  • Health, PE, and Transition (2 Credits)

  • Physical Education: 1 credit

  • Health: 0.5 credit

  • Personal Transition Plan: 0.5 credit

Electives and Pathways (8 Credits)

  • Language, Arts, or CTE: 2 credits

  • General Electives: 6 credits

  • Total Required: 24 credits

OR

GED (General Educational Development)

  • Acts as an alternative to a traditional high school diploma.
     

  • Proves high school-level academic skills.

​

  • Accepted by most U.S. colleges and employers. 

General Courses

  • Anatomy & Physiology

  • Biology

  • Physics

  • Algebra or College Mathematics

  • Medical Terminology

  • English Composition

What opportunities are in Hawaiʻi?

University of Hawaii Associate's Degree

1200px-University_of_Hawaii_seal.svg.png

University of Hawaiʻi System

Students interested in becoming MRI technologists commonly complete prerequisite coursework through UH campuses before applying to imaging programs.

​

​

​

​

​​

Kapiʻolani Community College

  • Offers an accredited Radiologic Technology Program.​​

  • Provides classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experience.​​

  • Graduates may pursue MRI certification after completing radiography training. 

Other UH campuses may offer prerequisite science coursework that transfers into radiologic technology programs.​

​

STEP 2

Complete an Accredited Radiologic Technology or MRI Program

Licensing and Certification

  • Most MRI technologists begin by earning an Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology (2 years).

​

  • Some programs allow students to pursue MRI-specific education directly.

​

  • Clinical training in hospitals and imaging centers is required

CAREERS
CAREERS

Imaging Technologist Positions

Salary in the State of Hawai’i

  • Entry Level: $63,981

  • Average: $88,442

  • Experienced: $107,598

  • Angiography Technologist 

  • CT Technologist 

  • Mammography Technologists 

  • MRI Technologist 

  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist 

  • Sonographer 

  • Tech support and sales

  • Research and development

Screenshot 2024-03-21 at 6.55.01 PM.png

A starting x-ray technologist position allows movement into other higher-paying professions such as CT, MRI, and angiography technologists.

Select the image for full view.

Source: Hawaii Career Explorer

Work Environments

Analyzing Scans

  • Hospitals

​

  • Outpatient imaging centers

​

  • Diagnostic imaging clinics

​

  • Physician offices

​

  • Emergency departments

​

  • Mobile MRI services

​

  • Research and academic medical centers

​

Doctor's Clinic

RESOURCES

  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)​

  • American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT)

  • KapiÊ»olani Community College Radiologic Technology Program

  • University of HawaiÊ»i System

  • Salary.com MRI Technologist Salary in Hawaii

  • CareerExplorer MRI Technologist Salary in Hawaii

bottom of page