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Magnetic Resonance Technologist

OaSIS code 32121.04

Magnetic resonance technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to produce anatomic images of the human body for diagnosis by radiologists of disease or injury. This occupation includes supervisors and instructors.

Overview

Also known as

  • Medical imaging technologist - nuclear medicine
  • Medical imaging technologist - radiodiagnosis

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to produce anatomic images of the human body for diagnosis by radiologists of disease or injury
  • Record and process patient data
  • Perform verification and quality control checks on magnet equipment
  • Safety screen all patients for contra-indicators present that could harm the patient or would exclude the patient from having the examination
  • Provide appropriate care and monitoring of the patient during the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination
  • Administer and follow the necessary safety precautions for entry to the magnet room to protect themselves, the patient, their colleagues, other members of the health care team and any other individuals who may be present
  • May train and supervise student magnetic resonance technologists or supervise other magnetic resonance technologists.

Additional information

  • There is no mobility between the four types of medical radiation technologists without further training.
  • Experience as a medical radiation technologist is required for supervisors and instructors.
  • Magnetic resonance technologists are included in radiological technologists in Quebec.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (32103)
  • Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (32104)
  • Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
  • Medical sonographers (32122)
  • Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123)
  • Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

3 – Health occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

32 – Technical occupations in health

Sub-major group

321 – Technical occupations in health (except practitioners of natural healing)

Minor group

3212 – Medical technologists and technicians

Unit group

32121 – Medical radiation technologists

Occupational profile

32121.04 – Magnetic Resonance Technologist

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Assisting and Caring for Others
4 - High Level
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
4 - High Level
Analyzing Data or Information
3 - Moderate Level
Applying New Knowledge
3 - Moderate Level
Clerical Activities
3 - Moderate Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
3 - Moderate amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
5 - Physically touching or very close

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
2 - Less than half the time
Standing
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
2 - Less than half the time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day
Duration
3 - About half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
3 - Important
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day

Workplaces/employers

  • Cancer treatment centres
  • Clinics
  • Colleges and universities
  • Hospitals
  • Radiological laboratories

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Near Vision
4 - High Level
Arm-Hand Steadiness
3 - Moderate Level
Auditory Attention
3 - Moderate Level
Colour Perception
3 - Moderate Level
Control of Settings
3 - Moderate Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Operation and Control
4 - High Level
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
4 - High Level
Critical Thinking
3 - Moderate Level
Digital Literacy
3 - Moderate Level
Equipment and Tool Selection
3 - Moderate Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Attention to Detail
5 - Extremely important
Concern for Others
5 - Extremely important
Analytical Thinking
4 - Highly important
Collaboration
4 - Highly important
Social Orientation
4 - Highly important

Interests

The OaSIS uses the Holland Codes to describe the work-related interests. According to the Holland model, people work best in work environments that match their preferences, which means that people and work environments can be matched for a best fit. Occupational environments in Holland’s theory are described according to a combination of main interests and the activities they represent. There are six interests in the Holland typology: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. All occupations in OaSIS have up to three interests assigned to them.

Interests

Preferences for work environments and outcomes.

Interests profile: RSC

Realistic (R)

Realistic occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the explicit, ordered or systematic manipulation of objects, tools, machines and animals. Many of these occupations do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Social (S)

Social occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the interaction with others to inform, train, aid, develop, cure, or enlighten. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others, teaching, working or communicating with people.

Conventional (C)

Conventional occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail following sets of procedures and routines. These activities may include systematic manipulation of data, such as keeping records, filing materials, reproducing materials, organizing written and numerical data according to a prescribed plan, and operating business and data processing. They often require following a clear line of authority and usually involve working with data and details more than with ideas.

Employment requirements

Employment requirements includes the education, training, certifications and the knowledge required to work in each occupation. The Knowledge category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency, and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of Knowledge descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Education, certification and licensing

  • Completion of a two- to three-year college or other approved program in diagnostic radiography or magnetic resonance imaging (for radiological technologists and magnetic resonance technologists), nuclear medicine technology (for nuclear medicine technologists) or radiation therapy (for radiation therapists) or a bachelor of health sciences in radiography, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy and a period of supervised practical training are required.
  • Magnetic resonance technologists require completion of a graduate certificate program in magnetic resonance imaging.
  • Licensure with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
  • Membership with a provincial association is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and Northwest Territories.

Knowledge

Knowledge level
Biology
2 - Intermediate Level
Electrical and Electronics
2 - Intermediate Level
Languages
2 - Intermediate Level
Mathematics
2 - Intermediate Level
Physical Health
2 - Intermediate Level

Skills for success

 
Skills for Success Model
 
Skills for Success are skills that help you in a quickly changing world. Everyone benefits from having these skills. They can help you to get a job, progress at your current job or even change jobs. The skills also help you become an active member of your community and succeed in learning.
 
 
Linkages Between ESDC Skills Models and Frameworks
 
ESDC makes available a dictionary of over 300 terms (or descriptors) and definitions, known as the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy (SCT). Descriptor information from the Taxonomy is used in the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).
 
While there is general commonality of meaning between the descriptors in the SCT and the Skills for Success model, there are some differences in their definitions due to their distinct purposes. The Skills for Success Model [9 broadly defined skills] identifies the skills that are universally applicable. The SCT displays specific skills and competency requirements for 900 occupations. Users of the Skills for Success Model and Essential Skills content may find competency information from the Taxonomy and the OaSIS to be complementary.
 
Stay tuned to this section for more information and updates regarding linkages between the Skills for Success model and the OaSIS.

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

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