Becoming an MRI technologist in Texas requires completing an accredited education program, passing a national certification exam, and obtaining a state license from the Texas Medical Board. The full process typically takes two to four years depending on your starting point, and the career pays well: MRI technologists in Texas earn an average of about $2,245 per week, or roughly $117,000 annually, based on recent job postings.
Education You’ll Need
The foundation of this career is an accredited MRI technology program. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the primary national certification body, requires candidates to earn at least an associate degree and complete an approved educational program specifically in magnetic resonance imaging.
You have two main educational routes. The first is enrolling directly in an MRI-focused program, which some colleges offer as a standalone associate degree. The second, and more common, path is completing a radiologic technology program first (usually a two-year associate degree), then adding MRI training through a certificate or bridge program afterward. That second route can take three years or more total, but it gives you dual credentials and more flexibility in the job market.
Programs must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to satisfy ARRT requirements. You can search for accredited MRI programs in Texas on the JRCERT website at jrcert.org using their “Find a Program” tool. Filter by “Magnetic Resonance” and select Texas to see your options. Program availability, length, and cost vary, so compare several schools before committing. Community colleges tend to be significantly cheaper than private institutions for the same credential.
Prerequisite Coursework
Before you’re admitted to most MRI or radiologic technology programs, you’ll need to complete prerequisite courses. These typically include anatomy and physiology, college-level math, medical terminology, and English composition. Some programs also require physics, which is directly relevant to understanding how MRI machines generate images using magnetic fields and radio waves.
If you’re starting from scratch, expect to spend one to two semesters completing prerequisites before your program formally begins. Many students knock these out at a community college to keep costs low. Competitive programs may also require a minimum GPA, usually around 2.5 to 3.0, and some prioritize applicants with healthcare experience or relevant volunteer hours.
National Certification Through ARRT
After finishing your accredited program, you’ll need to earn certification from the ARRT. This involves three components: meeting the education requirement (your completed program), satisfying an ethics review, and passing the ARRT certification exam in magnetic resonance imaging.
The ethics requirement asks you to demonstrate good moral character. ARRT reviews your background, and certain criminal convictions or professional misconduct can delay or disqualify your application. If you have concerns about your background, ARRT offers a pre-application ethics review so you can check your eligibility before investing years in school.
The certification exam itself is a computer-based test covering MRI physics, patient safety, image production, and clinical procedures. You’ll schedule it at a testing center after ARRT confirms your eligibility. Most graduates pass on their first attempt if they’ve studied consistently through their program, but review courses and practice exams are available if you want extra preparation.
Getting Your Texas State License
Texas requires MRI technologists to hold a state license issued by the Texas Medical Board. The state offers a general unrestricted license as well as limited and temporary permits. For most new MRI techs, the general unrestricted license is the goal.
You’ll apply through the Texas Medical Board’s online portal. The application process requires proof of your completed education, your ARRT certification, and standard personal information. Processing times vary, so submit your application as soon as you have your certification in hand. You cannot legally perform MRI scans in Texas without this license, even if you hold national certification.
Keeping Your License Current
Once licensed, you’ll need to complete continuing education to maintain both your ARRT certification and your Texas license. The Texas Medical Board requires 24 hours of continuing education every 24 months, aligned with your biennial registration period.
Of those 24 hours, at least 12 must come from formal courses designated as Category A or A-plus credits through an organization recognized by ARRT. The remaining 12 hours can come from self-study or courses that don’t carry formal CE approval. Many MRI techs fulfill these requirements through online courses, professional conferences, or employer-sponsored training. Missing your CE deadline can result in your license lapsing, which means you can’t work until it’s reinstated.
What the Career Pays in Texas
MRI technologists in Texas earn strong wages. Based on salary data from roughly 1,800 job postings updated in April 2026, Indeed reports an average weekly pay of $2,245, with a range from about $1,851 on the low end to $2,723 at the high end. That translates to roughly $96,000 to $142,000 annually depending on experience, location, and whether you’re working staff or travel positions.
Pay varies by metro area. Smaller cities with fewer MRI techs sometimes offer higher wages to attract talent. Weekly averages by city include around $2,538 in Abilene, $2,342 in San Angelo, $2,265 in Fort Worth, $2,226 in Dallas, and $2,212 in Houston. Travel MRI positions, where you take short-term assignments at facilities with staffing gaps, often pay at the higher end of the range and may include housing stipends.
Timeline From Start to First Job
If you’re starting with no college credits, expect the full journey to take roughly two to four years. A direct MRI associate degree program runs about two years, not counting prerequisite semesters. If you go the more common route of completing a radiologic technology program first, then adding an MRI certificate, you’re looking at closer to three or four years total.
If you’re already a licensed radiologic technologist, you can shorten this significantly. Postprimary MRI certificate programs for existing rad techs often run 12 to 18 months. Some programs offer evening or weekend schedules for students who need to keep working during their training. After completing your program, allow a few weeks for ARRT exam scheduling and a few more weeks for your Texas license application to process before you can start working.