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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist, MRI Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Magnetic resonance technologists use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to help:
In general, magnetic resonance technologists:
Magnetic resonance technologists work closely with other health-care providers and administrative personnel.
Magnetic resonance technologists work in hospitals and clinics. They work in a fast-paced environment and spend a lot of time on their feet. They may have to help lift or transfer patients to imaging equipment. Caring for patients in various states of health can be emotionally, mentally, and physically challenging.
Working hours vary. They may include extended shifts at all times of the day, or night shifts. In hospital settings, technologists are sometimes on call.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Magnetic resonance technologists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 17 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 24, 2022 and Jun 22, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 12 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 11 |
| Attention to detail | 11 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 11 |
| Security and Safety: Criminal record check | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 9 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 9 |
| Tasks: Operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 8 |
Magnetic resonance technologists need a diploma in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It must be recognized by the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT). For a current list of approved programs, visit the ACMDTT website.
Magnetic resonance technologists also require national certification from the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT).
Another way to become an MRI Technologist is to complete both an accredited MRI certificate program (MRI 2nd Discipline) and an accredited diploma program in one of:
Magnetic resonance technologists must also complete 24 hours of continuing medical education (CME) per year.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Medical radiation technologists may apply ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, and other forms of energy to produce diagnostic images. They then evaluate the technical sufficiency of the images. They may also use those forms of energy for treatment purposes. They assess the medical condition and needs of patients before, during, and after procedures.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf] ], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
Only those members can use the protected titles and initials of the specialties included in the medical radiation technologist (MRT) register:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Medical Radiation Technologist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Magnetic resonance technologists work in large urban hospitals and clinics. Without further education, prospects for advancement are limited.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group, 95.5% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 46 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $33.98 | $42.35 | $35.91 | $33.98 |
| Overall | $39.02 | $51.61 | $44.02 | $42.84 |
| Top | $44.75 | $55.41 | $47.54 | $47.30 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $75,822 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $76,077 |
Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic & Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website: acmdtt.com
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) website: www.camrt.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
