Travel MRI Tech Career Guide: Jobs, Certification, Salary & Requirements
MRI Technologists are in high demand nationwide, and travel MRI jobs offer higher earning potential, schedule flexibility, and exposure to advanced imaging environments. Whether you're already a certified MRI Tech seeking variety or a radiologic technologist cross-trained to MRI, this guide explains how to become an MRI Tech, salary expectations, licensing and certification requirements, and how to start a travel MRI career.
What does an MRI technologist do?
MRI Technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners, work closely with radiologists, ensure patient safety (including IV contrast screening and contraindication checks for implants ), and produce high-quality diagnostic images in:
Hospitals
Outpatient imaging centers
Specialty practices
Mobile MRI units
Travel MRI Techs take on temporary assignments, usually 8 to 13 weeks, in locations experiencing staffing gaps. These roles come with premium pay, housing stipends, and the opportunity to gain experience with a variety of systems and protocols.
Career pathways to becoming an MRI technologist
Path 1: Primary ARRT MRI Certification
Complete an associate or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited radiography or MRI program
Apply for and pass the ARRT MRI exam via the primary pathway
Path 2: Postprimary Certification
Hold an active ARRT credential in radiography, nuclear med tech, or radiation therapy - all eligible for the post-primary MRI pathway
Complete ARRT approved structured education in MRI (minimum of 16 hours)
Complete MRI clinical competency requirements
Apply for and pass the ARRT MRI exam
This pathway is ideal for technologists expanding their skill set from X-ray, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy into MRI.
MRI tech certification & licensing requirements
Not all MRI Technologists hold the ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT credential. Many hospitals and imaging centers train clinicians internally through structured education and clinical sign-offs. These technologists often begin in radiography, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine and transition into MRI through on-the-job experience.
For travel MRI roles, Nomad considers both certified and cross-trained MRI professionals, depending on the client’s requirements. Some facilities require ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT, while others accept:
- R.T.(R), R.T.(CT), R.T.(N), or R.T.(T) candidates with documented MRI experience.
If you are not certified yet but have substantial MRI experience, you can still qualify for many travel assignments.
ARRT MRI Certification
To earn ARRT MRI certification, candidates must:
Meet ARRT ethics requirements
Hold an ARRT-approved associate degree or higher
Complete MRI structured education + clinical competencies
Pass the ARRT MRI exam
Renewal schedule
Certification is renewed every year
24 CE credits are required every 2 years
CQR (Continuing Qualifications Requirement) is required every 10 years for MRI credentials issued after 2011
State Licensing
MRI licensure varies by state:
Some states require state MRI licensure in addition to ARRT
Some accept ARRT(MR) alone
A few do not regulate MRI separately
Always verify licensing rules when applying for travel assignments, as requirements vary by facility and state.
Cross-training into MRI without ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT
Many MRI Technologists gain MRI competency through internal cross-training rather than certification. These technologists may transition into MRI from X-ray, CT, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy through structured department training.
Nomad accepts both certified and cross-trained MRI Techs, depending on client requirements. Some facilities require ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT, while others accept:
R.T.(R), R.T.(CT), R.T.(N), or R.T.(T) with documented MRI experience
Clinical sign-offs, skills checklists, or procedure logs
References confirming MRI competency
If you’ve been trained in MRI but don’t hold ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT, you may still qualify for many travel MRI assignments, depending on the client.
Cost of becoming an MRI technologist
- Education: Community college ($6,000–$20,000); University ($20,000–$40,000+).
- ARRT exam: $225 application fee.
Study materials: $100–$500 (books, courses, practice exams).
Renewal & CE: Annual ARRT renewal + CE credits every 2 years; costs vary by provider.
Renewal & continuing education
To remain in good standing with ARRT:
Renew certification every year
Complete 24 CE credits every 2 years
Complete CQR (Continuing Qualifications Requirement) every 10 years for MRI credentials issued after 2011
- Travel roles often expose techs to new modalities, helping meet CE needs
Join Nomad's travel nurse community
MRI tech salary & job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MRI Technologists earned a median salary of $78,980 in May 2024.
Travel MRI Techs often earn significantly more due to:
Short-term contract premiums
Tax-free housing stipends
Travel reimbursement and bonuses
Travel Pay Snapshot
Weekly average: $2,500–$3,500/week (Vivian Health data)
High-paying states: California, Washington, New York, Alaska, Massachusetts
Travel MRI tech job opportunities
Most travel MRI roles require:
ARRT certification (MRI) or documented MRI experience
1–2 years of recent MRI experience
BLS certification
Strong references and scheduling/location flexibility
Benefits commonly included in travel MRI contracts:
Housing stipends
Medical/dental insurance
401(k) contributions
Completion/extension bonuses
Advanced modalities & career growth
MRI Techs can specialize in:
Cardiac MRI
Breast MRI
Neuro/Functional/Angio MRI
PET/MRI
Career growth options include:
Lead or Chief MRI Tech
Imaging Supervisor or Manager
MRI Applications Specialist (vendor side)
Educator roles or modality trainer
Pros & cons of travel MRI tech careers
Pros
Higher earning potential
Flexible scheduling and location choices
Explore new cities and facilities
Career advancement and CE opportunities
Exposure to a wide range of scanners and imaging protocols
Cons:
Housing and relocation logistics
Adjusting to new EMRs and workflows
Credentialing and onboarding in multiple states
How to land your first travel MRI tech job
- Earn and maintain ARRT certification
- Gain 1–2 years of staff MRI experience
- Update your resume to highlight scanners, protocols, and certifications
- Obtain licensure in target states, if required
- Apply to agencies like Nomad Health that offer:
- Transparent pay
- Access to nationwide MRI jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Typically 2–4 years, depending on your education path and whether you're entering through the primary or post-primary route.
- No, MRI licensure requirements are different in every state. Most states accept the ARRT(MR) credential without requiring a state MRI license. A smaller number of states require a separate state MRI license. Some states also require a state radiologic technologist license even if the job is MRI only. Because rules vary by both state and facility, MRI technologists, especially travelers, should always check two things before accepting an assignment: Does the state require a license for MRI? Does the facility require a state radiology license even if the job is MRI only? If a license is required and you are ARRT(MR) certified, the licensing process is usually straightforward and involves an application, fee, and verification of certification. For our part, Nomad lists licensure requirements clearly on every job so clinicians know up front whether a state license is required for MRI and whether the facility expects a radiography license as well. Clinicians should still verify their target state and facility before applying because requirements can change.
- ARRT is more widely accepted, especially in hospitals. ARMRIT is an alternative recognized by some outpatient imaging centers. ARRT typically offers more career flexibility.
- Many earn $2,500–$3,500 per week, depending on location, experience, and shift.