CT Scan Technician course vs MRI Technician Course

Updated Post: 18 Feb 2026

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 CT Scan Technician course vs MRI Technician Course

CT Scan Technician Course vs MRI Technician Course: Eligibility and Syllabus for the course
 

Overview
 

There are different types of paramedical course that a student that opt for 12th and with high chances of job opportunities. CT technician and MRI technician is one of the best courses that can be done to look for the good job opportunities. CT technician is one of the course in which student can get job more easily comparing to other courses. MRI is another course which uses magnetic waves for the detection of abnormalities in the body. These are imaging courses and due to increase in the diagnostic centers and hospitals there are huge opportunities.
 

What is a CT Scan Technician Course?
 

This course is designed for job market and can be done with short duration of time. CT is the short form of computed tomography which helps to produce 3D images for the detection of abnormalities in the body.


CT scan is commonly used for:
 

  • Head injury and brain hemorrhage
  • Accident and trauma cases
  • Chest and lung problems
  • Abdominal pain diagnosis
  • Kidney stone detection
  • Tumor and cancer screening
  • CT angiography (advanced)
     

What is an MRI Technician Course?

The MRI technician course is designed to skill the students for the MRI diagnostic techniques. This is an imaging course which is having good future scope due to increase in the diagnostic centers and centers in and on the both rural and urban areas.
 

MRI is commonly used for:
 

  • Brain and spine disorders
  • Slip disc and nerve issues
  • Joint, ligament, and sports injuries
  • Tumor detection
  • Soft tissue imaging
  • MRI of abdomen and pelvis
  • Detailed neurological imaging
     

What is the Difference between CT Scan vs MRI?
 

Before comparing the courses, it is important to understand how CT and MRI differ. CT Scan 

Uses X-ray radiation

  • Fast scanning time
  • Best for emergency and trauma cases
  • Widely available in hospitals
  • Lower cost than MRI

MRI

  • Uses magnetic field and radio waves
  • Takes more time
  • Best for brain, spine, joints, soft tissues
  • More advanced technology
  • Higher cost than CT

CT Scan Technician vs MRI Technician: Comparison Table : 

S No.FeatureCT Scan TechnicianMRI Technician Course:
1TechnologyX-ray basedMagnetic field based
2 RadiationYesNo
3Scan Time Fast Longer
4 Best ForTrauma, emergency, internal
bleeding
Brain, spine, joints, soft
tissue
5 Course Duration6 months to 2 years6 months to 2 years
6Eligibility 12th pass (science
preferred)
12th pass (science
preferred)
7Difficulty ModerateModerate to High
8Job Demand Very High Very High
9Salary Growth Good Very Good
10Scope ExcellentExcellent

 

What is the Eligibility Criteria for CT and MRI scan Technician?
 

CT Scan Technician Course Eligibility :

Most institutes accept:

  • 12th pass
  • Science stream (PCB/PCM) preferred
  • Some institutes accept students after X-ray course also

 

MRI Technician Course Eligibility :
 

Most institutes accept:
 

  • 12th pass
  • Science stream preferred
  • Some institutes prefer students with radiology background
     

CT scan courses are usually offered as:
 

  • Certificate: 6 months to 1 year
  • Diploma: 1 to 2 years
  • Included in BRIT/BSc Radiology: 3 years
  • MRI Technician Course Duration
     

MRI courses are offered as:

  • Certificate: 6 months to 1 year
  • Diploma: 1 to 2 years
  • Included in BRIT/BSc Radiology: 3 years
     

What is the Subjects and Syllabus for CT Scan Technician Course?
 

Common subjects include:

Basics of radiology

  • CT scan machine components
  • Patient positioning and protocols
  • CT brain, chest, abdomen, spine procedures
  • Contrast CT basics
  • CT angiography basics
  • Radiation protection and safety
  • Image quality and reconstruction
  • Patient care and emergency handling
     

Practical training includes:

  • Performing CT scans
  • Contrast injection preparation (under supervision)
  • Trauma case scanning
  • Image quality improvement
     

What are the Subjects and Syllabus for MRI Technician Course?
 

Common subjects include:
 

  • Anatomy (detailed study)
  • MRI physics basics
  • MRI machine and coils
  • Patient screening and safety
  • Contrast MRI basics
  • Image processing and reconstruction
  • MRI room safety rules
  • Emergency handling in MRI room

 

Practical training includes:

  • Performing MRI scans
  • Coil selection and patient positioning
  • Safety screening for implants and metals
  • Image optimization and quality control