Whether you’re a seasoned MRI tech or just dipping your toes into the world of travel allied healthcare, one thing’s certain: a strong, travel-focused resume can make all the difference in landing the assignments you want. You already know how to become an MRI tech, but what about crafting a compelling resume that sets you apart from the competition and lands you the best travel assignments?

As a travel MRI technologist, your resume is more than just a list of jobs and certifications—it’s your ticket to new adventures, diverse clinical experiences, and fulfilling patient care. 

But what exactly makes an MRI technologist resume stand out to a potential employer? It’s all about highlighting your adaptability, showcasing your technical expertise, and making it clear that you’re ready to hit the ground running. Let’s break it down, step-by-step, so you can create a resume that feels as confident, capable, and flexible as you are.

1. Start With a Strong Summary

Your summary is the first thing a recruiter sees, so make it count. Recruiters are specifically looking for travel MRI techs who demonstrate adaptability, clinical versatility, and the ability to integrate quickly into new teams. They want to know that you can manage steep learning curves, handle different imaging equipment, and provide excellent patient care in unfamiliar settings. 

Use your summary to highlight these qualities, along with your key strengths and areas of specialization.

Think of it as your “elevator pitch”—a few sentences that highlight who you are, what you specialize in, and what makes you a great travel MRI technologist. 

Instead of a generic “I am an MRI technologist with professional experience in various clinical settings,” try something punchier and more specific, like: “Certified MRI Technologist with 7+ years of experience in Level I and Level II trauma centers, proficient in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Skilled in adapting quickly to new environments and committed to providing compassionate, high-quality diagnostic imaging.” 

If you’ve got any specialties or unique skills (like experience with pediatric patients or cardiac MRI), mention them here. This is your chance to set yourself apart right out of the gate.

2. Highlight Key Skills 

Travel staffing agencies look for MRI techs who can do more than just operate the machine. In travel assignments, adaptability and versatility are essential because you’ll often be stepping into unfamiliar clinical settings with different workflows, protocols, and technologies. 

The ability to quickly learn new systems, communicate effectively with new teams, and maintain top-notch patient care regardless of setting is invaluable. Employers need to trust that you can integrate seamlessly and deliver consistent results, even when the environment shifts. 

Highlighting your flexibility shows you’re ready for the challenges and rewards of life as a travel MRI technologist.

All that said, they want professionals who are flexible, reliable, and clinically versatile. Here are some key skills you’ll want to spotlight: 

  • Adaptability – Emphasize your ability to learn new systems, workflows, and protocols quickly. For example, “Adapted seamlessly to different PACS systems and hospital workflows in multiple short-term assignments.” 
  • Technical expertise – Mention the specific MRI machines and software you’re experienced with (GE, Siemens, Philips, etc.). If you have experience with advanced imaging techniques (e.g., fMRI, spectroscopy), highlight that, too. 
  • Clinical versatility – Show that you can handle a variety of patients and settings, like trauma, outpatient clinics, and inpatient care. For instance, “Performed scans on diverse patient populations, including trauma, oncology, and pediatric patients.” 
  • Communication and collaboration – Travel assignments mean you’ll be working with new teams regularly. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with radiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Patient care – Don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills. Compassion, patient comfort, and communication are key. “Known for putting anxious patients at ease and ensuring a positive imaging experience.”

For example, your MRI tech resume might look something like this:

  • Proficient with GE Signa HDxt, Siemens Magnetom Skyra, and Philips Ingenia systems. 
  • Skilled in fMRI, diffusion-weighted imaging, and cardiac MRI. 
  • Adapt quickly to new EMR and PACS platforms, including Epic and Cerner

3. Detail Your Clinical Experience Clearly and Effectively 

When listing your work experience, make it easy for recruiters to see how your background translates to travel roles. 

Recruiters are looking for MRI techs who have successfully navigated the unique challenges that come with temporary assignments, such as quickly adapting to new workflows or working with unfamiliar teams and imaging equipment. For example, you could briefly mention a travel-specific challenge like this: “Adapted to a new PACS system within 24 hours during a short-term assignment at a Level I trauma center, ensuring seamless workflow and maintaining imaging efficiency.” 

Highlighting such accomplishments shows that you not only have the necessary skills but also the flexibility and problem-solving abilities that are crucial in a travel MRI technologist role.

Further, instead of just listing job duties, focus on your accomplishments and the types of settings you’ve worked in. For example, you’ll want to include your: 

  • Job title
  • The name of the facility
  • Its location
  • Your dates of employment

All that said, don’t forget to mention key aspects of the job, such as: 

  • Trauma level – Whether it’s Level I, II, III, or IV, this helps recruiters gauge the intensity and pace of your previous roles. 
  • Setting type – Did you work inpatient, outpatient, or both? Travel assignments vary, so versatility is a plus.
  • Volume – Mentioning the number of scans you handled per shift can show your efficiency and stamina.

4. Show Off Your Certifications and Special Training

Certifications are your best friend when it comes to standing out to a potential employer. 

Make sure to include your ARRT (MR) certification front and center, along with any additional credentials, such as certifications from the American Registry of MRI Technologists (ARMRIT).

When listing certifications like the ARRT (MR) and ARMRIT, the key is to showcase them prominently where employers will notice them first. Here’s how to strategically place them for maximum impact:

  • Under the “Certifications” section – If you have multiple relevant certifications, create a dedicated section titled “Certifications” or “Professional Certifications.” Place it near the top of your resume, ideally after your contact information and professional summary, but before your work experience.
  • In your professional summary – If certifications are a key part of the job you’re applying for, briefly mention them in your professional summary or objective statement to highlight your expertise right from the start.
  • In the “Skills” section – You can list certifications as part of your skills section to demonstrate your qualifications in specific technical areas. This is particularly effective if your certifications are in high demand.
  • In the “Work Experience” section – In cases where a certification is directly tied to your job duties, you can reference it within your work experience, especially if it enhanced your ability to perform specific tasks.

5. Include Testimonials and References from Previous Assignments

A glowing recommendation from a past assignment can establish yourself as a reliable and capable candidate. 

If you’ve received praise from a supervisor, radiologist, or colleague, consider including a brief testimonial or quote in your resume or cover letter. 

This can look something like: “Megan’s ability to adapt to our fast-paced trauma center and work seamlessly with our team was exceptional. She consistently delivered high-quality imaging and compassionate patient care.” — Dr. Smith, Lead Radiologist, XYZ Hospital 

Also, have a separate document with two to three references ready to provide when requested. Make sure they’re familiar with your work in travel settings, if possible.

6. Tailor Your Resume for Each Assignment

Travel assignments can vary widely—some might be at rural hospitals, others at major urban trauma centers. Take a few minutes to tweak your resume for each opportunity, and highlight the skills and experiences that match the specific job description. 

For example, if an assignment emphasizes pediatric imaging, make sure your experience with pediatric patients is front and center.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid 

Even the best MRI technologists can fall into a few resume traps. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

  • Being too generic – Tailor your resume to the specific skills and experiences that travel healthcare employers are looking for. 
  • Neglecting soft skills – Patient care and teamwork are just as important as technical expertise. 
  • Leaving out trauma levels and settings – Employers want to know where you’ve worked and how intense those environments were. 
  • Skipping the proofread – Typos and formatting issues can make you look less professional. Double-check everything, or ask a friend to review it.

Embark on New Travel MRI Technologist Opportunities with Host Healthcare

Creating a standout travel MRI technologist resume is all about showcasing your unique skills, experience, and certifications in a way that aligns with the demands of travel healthcare positions. 

By focusing on a clear, concise format, highlighting your technical expertise, and emphasizing relevant certifications like ARRT (MR) and ARMRIT, you’ll present yourself as a highly qualified candidate—and don’t forget to tailor your resume for each job application, ensuring that you demonstrate how your skills match the specific needs of the employer. 

Ready to take the next step in your travel career? Apply today to work with Host Healthcare, where you’ll be paired with a dedicated recruiter who will help you find your next exciting opportunity. Let Host Healthcare connect you with top-tier assignments across the country and take your career to new heights in dynamic and fulfilling travel roles in MRI technology.

 

Sources:

“Radiologic and MRI Technologists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 29, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm. Accessed December 19, 2024.

 “MRI System Comparison and Review – Making the Right Choice for You,” MXR, https://mxrimaging.com/Blogs/MRI-System-Comparison-and-Review. Accessed December 19, 2024.

 “What are the Best Electronic Medical Record (EMR/EHR) Systems for your practice?,” Praxis, https://www.praxisemr.com/top-ehr-physicians-systems.html. Accessed December 19, 2024.]

“How To Become an MRI Technologist in 6 Steps,” Indeed, July 11, 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-mri-tech. Accessed December 19, 2024.

 “Avoid These 5 Common Resume Pitfalls,” Forbes, March 11, 2024, https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewfennell/2024/03/11/avoid-these-5-common-resume-pitfalls/. Accessed December 19, 2024.