Medical Imaging Technology

As an MRI Technologist at Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, you will play a vital role in providing high-quality diagnostic imaging using advanced MRI technology. You'll work as part of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring patient safety and comfort while producing detailed scans that aid in diagnosis and treatment. With access to ongoing professional development, career progression opportunities, and a supportive national healthcare network, MRI Technologists at Health NZ enjoy a dynamic and rewarding work environment where they can make a real difference in patient care.

MRI Technologist Salary & Benefits in New Zealand

• Salary Progression:

  • MRI Technologists have a 10-step progression salary scale, with salaries ranging from NZ$77K - NZ$116K.

  • Designated MRI Technologists (e.g., Team Leaders, Professional Advisors) follow a 19-step progression salary scale, with salaries between NZ$111K - NZ$151K.

• Overtime & Penal Rates:

  • Additional compensation applies for overtime, weekends, nights, and public holidays.

• Allowances:

  • Higher duties and night allowances.

• Leave Entitlements:

  • Annual leave: 4 weeks of paid leave (increasing to 5 weeks after 5 years of service).

  • Shift workers: Eligible for up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave after 12 months of continuous shift work.

  • Sick leave: A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per year.

  • Parental leave: Between 6-12 months (depending on length of service), with up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

  • Public holidays: 12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on.

  • Long service leave is available under certain conditions.

• Professional Registration and Indemnity:

  • Reimbursement of annual practising certificate fees.

  • Employer-provided professional indemnity insurance.

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD):

  • A minimum of 5 days of approved education leave each year, accumulated up to three years.

  • Reimbursement of actual and reasonable expenses for CPD activities, up to $2,500 per annum, accumulative up to $7,500 over three years.

• Superannuation:

  • If eligible, a minimum employer contribution of 3% to your superannuation scheme.

• Career Development Opportunities:

  • Opportunities to specialise in advanced imaging modalities, assume supervisory roles or transition into healthcare administration or education.

  • Exposure to a diverse case mix, including paediatric, breast care, cancer care, and gastrointestinal imaging.

  • Access to internal educational courses and regular in-house CPD sessions.

  • Coaching, mentoring, and support to achieve learning outcomes for all staff.

MRI Technologists' Collective Agreement

In New Zealand, salaries and benefits for some MRI Technologists are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website.

Education & Registration Requirements:

• Professional Registration Requirements:

  • Registration: All MRI Technologists must be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).

  • Annual Practising Certificate: A current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) is mandatory for practice.

• Qualifications:

  • New Zealand-Trained Technologists: A Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (MRI) from an accredited institution, such as the University of Auckland, is required. This program is approved by the MRTB and leads to eligibility for registration in the MRI scope of practice.

  • Internationally Trained Technologists: Holders of overseas qualifications in medical imaging or radiation therapy can apply for registration with the MRTB. Their qualifications and experience will be assessed for equivalence to New Zealand standards,

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Patient Care:

  • Preparation and Positioning: Inform and prepare patients for MRI procedures, ensuring they are correctly positioned and comfortable.

  • Safety Assurance: Adhere to safety protocols to minimize risks associated with strong magnetic fields, ensuring patient and staff safety.

• Imaging Procedures:

  • Operation of MRI Equipment: Utilize MRI scanners to capture detailed images of internal body structures, following established imaging protocols.

  • Image Quality Evaluation: Assess images for clarity and accuracy, adjusting techniques as necessary to meet diagnostic standards.

• Collaboration and Communication:

  • Team Coordination: Work closely with radiologists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to discuss imaging results and contribute to patient diagnosis and treatment plans.

  • Training and Mentorship: Provide guidance and support to junior staff and students, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Administrative Duties:

  • Record Maintenance: Accurately document patient information, and imaging procedures, and maintain comprehensive records within the Radiology Information System.

  • Quality Assurance: Perform regular checks and maintenance of MRI equipment to ensure optimal functionality and compliance with safety standards.

Image Source: University of Auckland

At Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, Nuclear Medicine Technologists are dedicated professionals who operate advanced imaging equipment and administer radiopharmaceuticals to obtain functional images of patients' organs and tissues, playing a crucial role in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment within a collaborative healthcare environment.

NMT Technologist Salary & Benefits in New Zealand:

Salary:

• Nuclear Medicine Technologists' have a 10-step progression salary scale 

  • Salaries range between NZ $107K - NZ $136K

• Overtime and penal rates

Allowances:

• Higher duties and night allowances

Leave:

• 4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service)

  • shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work

• A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per annum

• 6-12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service

  • up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave

• 12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on

• Long service leave

Nuclear Medicine Technologists' Collective Agreement:

In New Zealand, the salary and other benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Nuclear Medicine Technologists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.

Education & Registration Requirements:

Professional Registration Requirements:

• Registration: Nuclear Medicine Technologists must be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).

• Annual Practising Certificate: A current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) is mandatory for practice.

Qualifications:

• New Zealand-Trained Technologists: Completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences in Medical Imaging (Nuclear Medicine Pathway) from an accredited institution, such as the University of Auckland, is required.

• Internationally Trained Technologists: Holders of overseas qualifications in nuclear medicine can apply for registration with the MRTB. Their qualifications and experience will be assessed for equivalence to New Zealand standards.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Patient Care:

  • Preparation and Administration: Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients, ensuring correct dosage and adherence to safety protocols.

  • Safety Assurance: Implement radiation safety measures to protect patients, staff, and the public.

• Imaging Procedures:

  • Operation of Imaging Equipment: Utilize gamma cameras, PET scanners, and other specialized equipment to capture functional images of organs and tissues.

  • Image Analysis: Process and analyze images, ensuring clarity and accuracy for diagnostic purposes.

• Collaboration and Communication:

  • Team Coordination: Work closely with physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to interpret imaging results and contribute to patient management plans.

  • Training and Mentorship: Provide guidance to junior staff and students, promoting a culture of continuous learning.

• Administrative Duties:

  • Record Maintenance: Accurately document patient information, and procedures performed, and maintain comprehensive records.

  • Quality Assurance: Conduct regular equipment checks and calibrations to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.