How hard is it to crosstrain into MRI?

WannabeRadTech · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 19

I know it takes a few years as a Rad Tech.

However, hypothetically assume that Rad Techs are in demand AND the economy is back to normal. How long would it take a person to cross train into MRI with such pending conditions(if at all)?

Assume the person is good at physics and math.

There don't really seem to be that many MRI schools....Although, Weber State University offers a Bachelors in it.

I know hjhool said it takes an experienced rad tech to crosstrain...but just wondering how long it takes

954heat · Joined: 29 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: south florida

im kinda confused on what your asking but ill try and answer. i think your asking like how hard is it to learn mri? i graduated from a x ray program in oct. and passed the registry and started an mri program right after, and i would say mri is much harder to learn than x ray was. its like not that its hard, its just more things to study, more to learn. but if you study you'll be ok. as for how long it takes, the mri program im in is 6 months, and i believe you need to do 120 exams before you can take the registry.

hjhogle · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:22 pm Post subject:

Remember, it took heat app 6 months AFTER becoming an RT.

Also keep in mind that requirements for new technologies are changing and will continue to change as the field matures. Having the history behind ultrasonography that we do, it will not be surprising if .. sooner or later, MRI becomes a separate field with separate credentialling. (in the old days, there was no 'school' for US - you became an RT first, then did OJT to learn US).

hjh, RT

WannabeRadTech · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 19

You pretty much answered my question. Although, I feel I didn't phrase it properly.

http://www.weber.edu/RadSci/Degrees_Programs/b_mri_etc.html

So, a program like that would qaulify you to work in MRI? It's a Bachelors.

hjhogle · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 6:35 pm Post subject:

From the link you provided, it sounds as they they have a program designed for RT's who already have an associate degree. If you have your AA/AS, you can go through their program and can 1) be eligible to take the certification exam and 2) if you complete all the academic requirements, you can also earn a BS.

Is that what you're asking?

hjh, RT

WannabeRadTech · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 19

Ya, that is what I was pretty much asking Smile

Out here in Colorado, there is a MASSIVE demand for Ultrasound and Catscan Techs. In fact,there was a night position open for a Catscan Tech. at my job(I am a transporter).

They could not find ANYONE to fill it...even in this down economy!!! Could you tell me the demand for some of the other modalities....like MRI(my intrest).

I am semi curious why there is a demand for catscan techs more so than others.

hjhogle · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 1:09 am Post subject:

You cannot base your understanding of the industry on one particular job in one particular institution.

The truth is, you need to read a lot more. Blogs, this forum and others, the news - the CT position they cannot currently fill is an aberration. The entire economy is in the toilet and (for almost the first time) healthcare is no different. Declining insurance reimbursement, increased numbers of uninsured patients (which means hospitals have more patients to take care of even though they can't pay) means that facilities are taking care of more patients (as the boomers grow older, we get sicker), their expenses are up, they're bringing in less money to pay for those expenses with .. and they're cutting costs any place they can think of.

That means (at best) hiring freezes. It also means layoffs (yes, there are layoffs in healthcare). Jobs are few and far between. And since there are fewer jobs, employers are able to pay less ... people are happy to find a job, even if the pay is dropping.

So don't take your view of our industry from one job (or from the fact that your region of the country still has a demand for ANY kind of technologist). I have no idea why your particular facility can't find a CT technologist, even on the night shift. Ask other RT's that work in the department - I'm sure they'll have a better idea.

And I don't know enough to have a really good handle on why there are regional differences. But I can tell you that, as this continues, qualified imagers in CT and US will move to places that have jobs (like Colorado).

Good luck,
hjh, RT