MRI Technician Schools in Kentucky
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is an important, noninvasive diagnostic tool that has become invaluable in medicine today. An MRI machine uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create an image of the interior of a patient’s body, and various body parts can be depicted with great clarity and dimension. After earning your MRI certification, you will be among the first to interact with a patient and help him or her during the MRI process.
From medical pre-screening, to writing reports on collected scan data, your expertise will be an essential part of the healthcare process. You will provide a reassuring and professional presence for patients, and help doctors and medical facilities get the information they need to provide the most effective treatments as quickly as possible.
To learn how to become a MRI tech, you can contact the schools that offer MRI programs below for details. The technical schools in Kentucky that offer an MRI certification are listed below. Contact them all to compare programs.
In 2012, according to the report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for an MRI tech in Kentucky was $65,360 per year. Between 2012 and 2022 (BLS 2012), the number of available MRI technician jobs nationwide is expected to grow by 21 percent, making it one of the career options considered to have a “bright outlook”.
Earning an Associate’s Degree in Radiology or a related field can be a key component to a successful career as an MRI technician. More than half of MRI technicians in the US have an associate’s degree or higher (O*Net 2014). An Associate’s degree will soon be required for certification by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). This certification is increasingly required by employees in the state of Kentucky.
MRI Technician Programs in Kentucky
Obtaining an associate’s degree takes approximately two years and is possible to obtain in many settings including community colleges and technical schools in KY. The coursework will involve learning about patient care, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, mathematics, and some of the science behind imaging. You will also need to complete hands-on training in the use of MRI equipment and necessary safety procedures.
Anyone pursuing higher education should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): you can access forms and learn how to fill them out on the official FAFSA website. You can learn more about the state of Kentucky’s student financial options here: FAFSA.gov – Kentucky State-Based Aid.
Additional financial aid for Kentucky residents may be available through the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. Also, whichever school you choose, be sure to contact their financial aid department. They can offer guidance and help you get the most out of your available options.
MRI Technician Careers in Kentucky
Kentucky is one of thirty-two states which requires MRI technologists to be credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Once you have completed MRI certification training at an accredited institution, you’ll need to pass this exam to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to give patients safe and effective care.
A career as an MRI technologist is a great choice if you are caring and compassionate, attentive to detail and comfortable working with technology. You’ll screen patients to verify that an MRI is an appropriate diagnostic tool for them, and then you will assist them in positioning themselves prior to the scan. Communicating with patients while you operate the MRI machine allows you to provide positive, reassuring support, especially when patients are anxious about the procedure and/or in pain, and also helps you obtain the best possible image. After the scan, you will compile a report so that the information you obtained can be used by the patient’s physician to make a correct diagnosis.
In addition to the nationwide American College of Radiology, in Kentucky you can join the Kentucky Society of Radiological Technologists. Being a member of organizations like these can help you network with colleagues, find sources for continuing education, and keep up with best practices in your field.
The majority of MRI jobs you are likely to find will be in a hospital (BLS 2012), though physicians’ offices and diagnostic laboratories are other places that employ MRI technologists. The projected job growth for MRI technologists in Kentucky is expected to match or slightly exceed national growth between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net 2012). MRI technologists are increasingly in demand, and starting on this career path today could be your key to a bright future.