MRI TECHNOLOGY

MRI Technologist Responsibilities

An MRI Technologist specializes in magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They operate the machine to obtain scans of patients' muscles, spinal cord, or brain, which help diagnose clients' diseases and illnesses. 

They also help physicians diagnose results from MRI scans and prepare patients for MRI procedures. 

An MRI Technologist must carefully follow the direction of their attending physician to ensure they are scanning the appropriate area of the body needed for diagnosis. 

MRI Technologists perform duties such as:

• Calmly handling high-stress environments when dealing with physicians, technicians, and patients.
• Providing new technologists with qualified work samples, direction, and regular checks from experienced team members.
• Ensuring patient safety before procedures.
• Maintaining the MRI machine, and ordering repairs when necessary. 
• Troubleshooting scanners and peripheral equipment to avoid delays or downtime that affect patient satisfaction.
• Communicating effectively with other health care professionals to convey messages appropriately.
• Using poise, courtesy, and tact when interacting with patients, keeping them calm and comfortable during all procedures.
• Explaining the MRI process to patients in a way that's reassuring and informative while addressing all concerns.
• Operating equipment for imaging on various areas of the body in order to provide high-quality information and imaging for patient diagnosis. 

Required and Preferred Job Qualifications

An MRI Technologist entering the workforce is required to have:

• A current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Current certification or state licensing (if applicable).

Many employers prefer the following skills and capabilities:

• The ability to travel to various facilities
• Self-direction and self-motivation
• Experience working in high-stress environments

MRI Technologist Education Requirements 

MRI Technologists play a crucial role in health care, but they must first complete formal training. There are two main ways to become an MRI technologist: 

• Complete a certificate or associate degree program that focuses solely on MRI technology, and get certified in MRI.
• Complete an associate degree or higher in radiologic sciences and specialize in MRI through additional education, clinical training, and certification. 

AIMS Education offers an Associate of Applied Science in MRI Technology, and our graduates are eligible to take the MRI certification exams from ARMRIT and ARRT.

MRI Technologist Required Skills 

MRI Technologists develop the following skills through clinical experience and coursework:

• Critical thinking capabilities: Techs must determine the best process for gathering high-quality images and what images need to be captured.
• Communication skills: MRI techs convey information to doctors before and after a procedure and communicate with patients at all stages of the scanning process.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills: Many technicians encounter patients who feel uneasy about entering an MRI scanner.
• Keen attention to detail and organization: Technicians must capture accurate images following radiologists' instructions.
• Technical skills: Producing images and operating MRI scanners requires specific skills and training.

Certification / Registry Exam Eligibility

Graduates of the MRI Technology associate degree program are eligible to sit for the ARMRIT national certification exam for magnetic resonance imaging. MRI graduates are also able to pursue primary pathway certification through ARRT. The MRI program at AIMS is officially recognized by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). 

MRI graduates with a foreign degree, who are pursuing certification through ARRT, must have their degree evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service.

Eligibility requirements for the MRI certifications are solely determined by ARMRIT and ARRT, and are subject to change at any time. ARMRIT and ARRT are independent organizations. AIMS does not guarantee certification/registry exam eligibility.

Classroom and Clinical Training Schedule

Students who enroll in a semester-based program must have flexible schedules and be able to attend classes and/or clinical training sessions during morning, day, and evening hours. Certain courses will only be taught in the evening regardless of the program’s standard schedule.

Program Length

The MRI Technology associate degree can be completed in 6 semesters, or approximately 24 months. Students will enroll as a cohort and progress through the program at the same pace. Each cohort will complete three semesters per academic year.

• 24 Months
• 66 Credit Hours
• 1000 Clinical Hours

Comprehensive Education and Training

• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Patient Care & Safety
• IV Administration
• MRI Physics and Instrumentation
• MRI Parameters & Procedures
• Cross-Sectional Anatomy & Physiology
• PACS & Image Acquisition

Minimum Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum score of 250 on each of the required Accuplacer tests
  • Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic
• Additional Requirements

To be eligible to apply for this program, applicants must also have at least one of the following:

• 30 college credits or more
• 1 year of healthcare experience related to direct patient care
• Graduate of the credit-bearing Patient Care Technician program at AIMS Education
• Graduate of the credit-bearing Medical Assistant program at AIMS Education

*International students seeking an F-1 visa must have completed at least one year of college-level coursework (equivalent to 30 credits) to be eligible for this program.

Prerequisites for Enrollment

The MRI Technology program requires completion of a prerequisite course before the first semester begins. This requirement may be fulfilled through college-level coursework from an accredited institution or by selecting one of these recommended options.

• College-level Algebra or higher

*Applicants are encouraged to complete all prerequisite courses before submitting an application, but it is not required.

Selective Enrollment

The MRI Technology program has a selective application process. Meeting the minimum requirements or recommendations does not guarantee you will be accepted into the program. From the pool of applicants, those who are considered most qualified for the study and practice of MRI technology will be admitted.