If you can handle a fascinating technological and medical career, consider MRI technician school. Magnetic Resonance Imagery provides a way for doctors to see their patients' problems deep inside the body in three dimensions, revealing images that X-rays can't. the MRI tech facilitates that.

Formal MRI technician school is required. You can pursue a certificate program in radiography that typically lasts 21 to 24 months. The most common radiography program types are associate degree programs. Some bachelor degree programs in radiography are available, just not near as many. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, programs for Radiologic Technology are plentiful:

35 bachelor degree programs
213 certificate programs
397 associate degree programs

To be an MRI tech, you have to have on the job experience and certification, as most radiological imagery types require certification.

Radiological Technologist on the Job

An MRI tech uses magnetic resonance imaging to see a three dimensional image for diagnosing medical problems. MRIs can be used anywhere on the body and for several types of problems: Tumors, heart problems, cancer, organ bleeding, broken bones, joint problems or torn ligaments. As a radiologist, you need to keep safety in mind, as you need to protect yourself, your patient and your coworkers from radiation exposure.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that radiologic technologists and technicians will grow 17 percent by 2018, much faster than average with a median annual salary of $53,240. While job growth in hospitals is expected, a greater increase in openings is at the offices of physicians and special diagnostic centers.

Matt Riddle is a freelance writer based out of Reno, Nev. A journalism graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, Riddle was a newspaper reporter and then an account coordinator for a political consultant in Reno where he worked for several successful campaigns. His interests are many, but CrossFit, rock climbing, reading and writing, skiing, snowboarding, fatherhood and acting round up the list.

Bureau of Labor Statistics • Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians • Dec 17, 2009 • http://www.bls.gov/oco • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm#earnings
Bureau of Labor Statistics • Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009: 29-2034 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians • May 14, 2010 • http://www.bls.gov/oes • http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm