A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technician is a medical professional who uses MRI to take detailed pictures of structures inside the body. A physician uses the images captured the equipment to diagnose diseases. Hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers employ the majority of MRI technicians.
MRI technicians must be skilled at operating MRI equipment as well as compassionate and professional in their treatment of patients. Those who want to work as an MRI technician must go to school and receive specialized training. Students can earn an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree.
The MRI scanner is a donut-shaped magnet with a tunnel running through the center. The table is moved into the tunnel after the patient is placed on it. Radio waves are used to take pictures of the patient’s internal body while he or she is resting inside the tunnel. The resulting images can be converted into three-dimensional images to help doctors diagnose a medical condition more precisely. The MRI can be used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions.
The MRI scanner can detect problems with joints, the spinal cord, the brain, the lungs, the chest, and other body parts. The test is painless, safe, and usually takes only 20 to 90 minutes to complete. Patients who are claustrophobic may require sedation to remain completely still during the procedure.
The scanner makes humming and thumping noises while the test is running. Earplugs can be used to block out some of the noise. MRI scanners are sometimes equipped with music to help patients relax during the procedure. A radiologist reviews the report after the MRI technician completes the scan. The radiologist will then send the report to the physician, who will discuss the results of the test with the patient.
The exam can be used to diagnose a variety of medical conditions when an MRI technician scans a patient. This type of scan can detect heart disease, tumors of the reproductive organs, and tumors in the chest, pelvis, or abdomen. An MRI scan can also be used to detect endometriosis, breast cancer, liver diseases, and other health issues.
Receiving an MRI has numerous advantages. The MRI, for example, does not use radiation and is a useful tool for detecting medical issues such as tumors and other abnormalities within internal organs. This scan is noninvasive and can reveal images that x-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans cannot. The MRI should not be used on pregnant women, despite the fact that it is safe for most patients. Despite its many advantages, the exam is costly and takes longer than other imaging exams.