Every MRI technologist out there has to take MRI programs and training courses, as well as passing standardized ARRT tests before they can become a qualified MRI technologist. However, evidently, not every MRI technologist is the same as another, as there are technologists who excel in what they do and there are those who have a hard time adjusting to their work.
The key lies in the different skills and qualities that each MRI technologist holds. With the right skill combination and the right qualities, some MRI technologists will become more successful than others. Here are four key qualities and skillsets you will often need to be a successful MRI technologist.
Interpersonal skills
A subject that MRI programs always teach is how to communicate with people. Remember that you will have to work with people who are sick, and when people are sick, they can’t communicate effectively. As an MRI technologist, it is your job to guide your patients through the process, its benefits, consequences, and the dos and don’ts after an MRI session, among other things. You are also in charge of explaining the patients’ current medical situation to them if needed be, so interpersonal skills play a pivotal role in your development as an MRI technologist. Failure to acquire these skills will mean that you won’t be able to effectively communicate with your patients, reducing your work efficiency.
A good mechanical understanding of MRI and how it works
It’s important to understand your tools of trade before you can start making money out of it. If you don’t understand every aspect of your MRI machine, it would be extremely difficult for you to operate it properly. A bad MRI technologist might even get the wrong result from the machine! For that reason, you will need to get a good grasp of the machine’s mechanism and other related matters before you start.
A detail-oriented mindset
As an MRI technologist, your job will be to look out for tiny faults that could be telling signs of an underlying condition. If you are not a conscientious person, it is very easy to miss out on these faults in your scans, and you might misdiagnose your patients’ current situation. Therefore a details-oriented mindset is absolutely crucial when you work as an MRI technologist.
The ability to work well under pressure
MRI technologist is not an easy occupation. There will be a lot of pressure from many parties, be they your patients, your superiors, or the diagnoses themselves. To work effectively under all these pressures, you will need to train your mindset to become calm and steady no matter how bad the situation looks.
Get the Best MRI Programs
Fortunately, the best qualities and skills for MRI technologists aren’t innate attributes that you can never gain. MRI programs will offer training on these skills, and if you take part in these training programs, you will become an expert MRI technologist in no time. Contact us now for the best MRI programs!
