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Magnetic Resonance Technologist

Magnetic resonance technologists operate medical diagnostic equipment. This equipment uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the body.

Also Known As

Magnetic Imaging Technologist, Health Care Technologist, Medical Technologist

NOC Codes

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

  • 3215: Medical Radiation Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • D215: Medical Radiation Technologists

2011 NOC

  • 3215: Medical radiation technologists

2016 NOC

  • 3215: Medical radiation technologists

2021 NOC

  • 32121: Medical radiation technologists

2023 OaSIS

  • 32121.04: Magnetic Resonance Technologist
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Magnetic resonance technologists use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to help:

  • study all areas of the body (most commonly the brain and joints)
  • study the vascular system (arteries, veins and capillaries)
  • find and study tumours.

In general, magnetic resonance technologists:

  • explain procedures to patients and their families and answer questions
  • provide emotional support
  • take medical histories and screen patients (to make sure the procedure is safe for them)
  • prepare patients for the procedure
  • provide care during the procedure (when needed)
  • perform the technical steps to produce quality diagnostic images and data
  • inject contrast media (when needed)
  • troubleshoot technical problems
  • share findings with other health care providers
  • train student technologists
  • help educate other health care providers
  • follow strict safety procedures and rules as well as infection control measures (to ensure safety of patients, staff and visitors)
  • keep records and compile research data.

Magnetic resonance technologists work closely with other health care providers and admin personnel.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Magnetic resonance technologists work in hospitals and clinics. They work quickly and spend a lot of time on their feet. They may have to help lift or transfer patients to imaging equipment. Dealing with very sick patients can be stressful.

Working hours vary. They may include extended shifts at all times of the day. In hospital settings, technologists are sometimes on call.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Medical Radiation Technologists

2006 NOC: 3215

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

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.

METHODICAL

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.

INNOVATIVE

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.

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Magnetic resonance technologists need to possess:

  • a sense of responsibility
  • a high degree of integrity
  • patience and the ability to adapt
  • sensitivity
  • the ability to put people at ease
  • an interest in science and technology
  • the ability to be accurate
  • the ability to be organized
  • the ability to solve problems
  • the ability to think critically
  • willingness to keep up their skills and knowledge
  • speaking and listening skills
  • the ability to work well on a team
  • the ability to handle stressful situations.

They should enjoy:

  • using equipment to perform precise tasks
  • working with the public
  • having procedures and standards for their work
  • compiling data for research and statistics.

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Medical radiation technologists

2016 NOC: 3215

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 16 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 24, 2022 and Feb 16, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Construction Specialization: Team player
Health benefits: Health care plan
Security and Safety: Criminal record check
Attention to detail
Health benefits: Dental plan
Construction Specialization: Judgement
Health benefits: Vision care benefits
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication
Construction Specialization: Flexibility
Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Magnetic resonance technologists need a diploma in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It must be recognized by the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic & Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT). For a current list of approved programs, visit the ACMDTT website. Another way to qualify is to complete both:

  • an accredited MRI certificate program
  • an accredited diploma in one of:
    • medical radiology
    • diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound)
    • nuclear medicine
    • radiation therapy.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

British Columbia Institute of Technology

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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 Technologist

Medical radiation technologists apply ionizing radiation and other forms of energy to produce diagnostic images, evaluate the technical sufficiency of such images, use ionizing radiation and other forms of energy for treatment purposes, and take part in patient care through interdisciplinary, peer and public education, patient counselling, radiation protection, management and related research.

Legislation

Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation, only registered members of the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) may call themselves a magnetic resonance technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, radiological technologist or radiation therapist. Registered members provide health services listed in Schedule 12 of the Health Professions Act.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Medical Radiation Technologist.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Magnetic resonance technologists work in large urban hospitals and clinics. Without further education, prospects for advancement are limited.

Industry Concentration

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

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 57 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: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018

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.

Medical radiation technologists

2016 NOC: 3215
Average Wage
$44.02
Per Hour
Average Salary
$75,822.00
Per Year
Average Hours
33
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 3215 Wage Profile

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Health Care & Social Assistance

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
62%
62%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
33%
33%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
23%
23%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic & Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website: www.acmdtt.com

Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists website: www.camrt.ca

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.

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