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What is MRI Technology?

MRI Technology (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a division of diagnostic medical imaging used in radiology.  MRI's are utilized to create images of human anatomy and psychological processes in both health management and disease identification.  A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner utilizes radio waves, field gradients, and magnetic fields to create images inside the human body.

The MRI scanner is used by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists to create visible images if the inside the human body including the heart, abdomen, brain, breast, and blood vessels.  An MRI image is utilized by medical professionals and physicians to understand a patient and help make a formal medical diagnosis.  A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist will work directly with patients and help identify and solve problems with an attending physician.  MRI Techs will need to meld medicine, science, and technology with patient care and compassion.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best MRI Technology Degree

All told, MRI careers professions are increasing immensely with the constant growth of technology. St Luke's College provides its students with the essential experiences to propel their success in the field. The course combines classroom instruction and learning with clinical experiences for students passionate about this area. Graduates will be provided with the needed knowledge to excel in the field.

Acceptance Rate

29.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Bachelor of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Saint Louis University is one of only two programs of its kind in the United States. They have a solid science curriculum that equips individuals for job employment as well as graduate study. Students enrolled in the institution have unique training in the field. They have the opportunity to conduct research and create ideas that are qualified for publication.

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The course curated by Xavier University is created to aid passionate individuals to become MRI technologist. Preparing them for an advanced examination or to help radiographers widen their career in MRI imaging. The main mission of the program is to equip radiographers to navigate the world of MRI. Graduates will have the essential skills to combine theoretical knowledge and needed clinical skills to perform MRI procedures.

Acceptance Rate

76.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers a course in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Students will have access to their state of the-of-the-art resources that will help them elevate their education. Learning the anatomy, physiology, and MRI principles will allow individuals to safely operate the machine. The course will prepare them for this growing indispensable state of the art career in diagnostic imaging.

Acceptance Rate

85.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Iowa's Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides quality information outlined in The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) Examination Content Specification for MRI. Passionate individuals who are enrolled in the program have the opportunity to gain knowledge and training from the institution's prolific teachers. They offer a thorough education through their extensive curriculum. Graduates are equipped with the needed skills and abilities to excel in the field and help propel their career to the next level.

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Master of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the University of Mississippi has thorough training for individuals enrolled in the course. Completing the program requirements, they are awarded the Master of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging from the institution. Students are encouraged to have an overall grade point average in UMMC coursework of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale. Graduates are ready to have a successful career in the field.

Acceptance Rate

88.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program at Rhode Island College is a post-associate degree Certificate Program. The course is structured for cross-trained professionals such as Radiographer, Nuclear medicine Technologists, Ultrasound Technologists, and Radiation Therapy Technologists. Their main goal is to provide students with an affordable and realistic education that equips them with the essential skills needed to apply in the workplace. MRI technologists can work in various clinical environments such as hospitals, imaging centers, and outpatient facilities.

Acceptance Rate

78.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of New Mexico offers a program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The course consists of three semesters of clinical training to finish the required coursework. After finishing the program they are eligible to sit for the national MRI certification examination managed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Graduates will be prepared to succeed and excel in the area.

Acceptance Rate

94.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Associate of Science in Radiography program at Advent Health University is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as an MRI Primary Pathway Program. It prepares technologists to earn an advanced credentialing ARRT primary. The course is structured to accommodate working technologists and give them the freedom to go on in their full-time working positions while finishing the coursework. Graduates from the course have the opportunity to work in a variety of setting including hospitals, private clinics, mobile imaging, and research centers.

Acceptance Rate

50.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Northwest State University of Louisiana offers a Master of Science degree in Radiology Science. Preparing passionate individuals to become radiographers in the future. Their coursework is one the best in the state and students have the opportunity to utilize their state-of-the-art resources to better their understanding. Graduates are eligible to take the national examination for certification and registration administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Acceptance Rate

81.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

WVU has a robust suite of Imaging Science education programs at this top-flight university.  Degree programs for qualified students can include nuclear medicine, MRI, diagnostic medical sonography, radiation therapy, radiography, and echocardiography.  Each program has its own set of standardized curricula to help prepare students to sit for their own respective credentialing examination.  To learn more about the clinical, professional, and academic excellence at WVU check out their website today.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$0 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The online MRI degree at CBD College offers quality instruction in the field. This course will help individuals interested in the area to take their first step toward a profession in radiologic science. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical education within a high quality health care facility for 24 hours per week. Graduates are well equipped to navigate through the world of the medical technology industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$38,635 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Mitchell Technical Institute offers a robust academic program in Advanced Medical Imaging. It is designed to offer online coursework in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography to help them in becoming certified technologists in the future. Through their extensive curriculum, individuals enrolled in the program are prepared to have a successful career in areas related to the field. After finishing the course, they have career opportunities in Hospitals, MRI Technologists just to name a few.

 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Career Networks Institute offers an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with an extensive course of study. Combining the introduction to medical/patient care skills, physics, math, medical terminology, human anatomy, cross-sectional anatomy, theory, laboratory, computer skills, and a clinical externship. Students are taught how to operate an MRI scanner and interpret it for their patients. The program is designed to provide high-quality learning and give graduates opportunities after finishing the course.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$71,788 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

Autry Technology Center's Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) Degree Program offers a series of courses that equips individuals interested in the area. It emphasizes a combination of didactic and clinical instruction needed for successful employment. They shape their students to become competent and responds to the needs of every patient. Currently, the demand for radiographers are increasing and they are needed in local hospitals, clinics, and medical/surgical offices.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,100 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Southwest University's Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) course provides quality educational opportunities to the post-graduate registered Radiologic Technologists. It is designed to meet the highly competitive field of medical technology. The program provides students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to perform MRI exams. Graduates are more than ready to excel in the industry after completing the SU program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Midwest Career College offers a program in MRI Technology preparing individuals with the foundation, applied knowledge, technical skills, and work habits needed for an entry-level position. The course's main mission is to provide quality training and education to students required for a successful career in the industry. They aid students develop interpersonal skills for communicating with patients and medical professionals. Graduates from the program are qualified for national certifications.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$11,420 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

The top ranked MRI degree (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is equipped to produce images of structures inside the human body. MRI Technologies from the institution are encouraged to interact with compassion with people who range from healthy to critically ill. The program helps individuals to prepare them for performing clinical MRI examinations of the patient's body. After completing the course they are more than equipped to participate in a critical environment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$32,348 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

OTC offers a competitive radiological technology program for qualified students.  The two adjacent programs of interest include the AAS in radiological technology and the computed tomography specialist certificate.  Both academic pathways provide students with the technical, professional, and academic acumen to seek employment and level-up in the position as a healthcare professional.  To learn more about the academic programs at Ogeechee Technical College, visit their primary portal.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Through their hands-on training, Oconee Fall Line Technical College provides quality teaching and experiences to their students. Instructing students in today's high-technology equipment and will deepen their understanding and capabilities. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates are prepared for employment in a variety of clinical settings that include hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physician offices.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Another highly rated college on our ranking of the best MRI Technology school is the National Polytechnic College. They offer thorough training through their course designed to combine the introductory to medical/patient care skills, physics, math, medical terminology, human anatomy, cross-sectional anatomy, theory, laboratory, computer skills, and a clinical externship. Students are taught to operate the MRI scanner to create cross-sectional images of the patients for diagnostic purposes. The curriculum is structured to provide qualified students with an opportunity to gain knowledge, attitude, and skills. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,615 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Washburn University's Magnetic Resonance Imaging program has a unique approach to instructing their students. They provide extensive teaching to help their students excel in the field. Graduates from the course will possess entry-level knowledge and clinical skills. Gaining a certificate in MRI requires the completion of a minimum of twenty-two credit hours.  Learn more about this exciting academic program from WU today by requesting additional information. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Pennsylvania College of Technology provides education on how to sharpen the power of passionate individuals in radiographic technology. Career positions in the healthcare field are rising and radiography is no exception to this trend. Students have the opportunity to apply their technical skills in their fully energized digital radiographic imaging suite. After completing the program and earning to becoming a registered radiographer, individuals will work alongside other allied health professionals in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Athens Technical College radiography and MRI degree program provides individuals essential knowledge and skills needed to administer the machine. Giving students a wide variety of options to explore their passion in the sciences of medical imaging. Help them develop skills in specialized areas like computed tomography (CT), magnetic imaging (MRI), mammography, and others. They have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical training at hospitals and clinics.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

One of the top ranked schools on our list of the best institution that offers an MRI Technology program in the United States is the Edgecombe Community College (ECC). The faculty and staff have curated a highly regarded program and provide a diploma program in magnetic resonance imaging.  Qualified sonographers may be eligible by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) as well as the NMTCB.   Graduates are equipped with the necessary skills requirements to qualify for the examination. Students receive in-class instruction, online instruction, laboratory experience, and clinical experiences. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Top MRI Degrees

A path to becoming an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technician can be via a direct program or indirect program.  A direct program is a certificate or degree program specifically designed for an MRI professional.  On the other hand, an indirect program can include adjacent areas of study with discrete overlap to the MRI field.

Examples of an overlapping trade area include the field of study of the ultrasound technician, radiological technician, health services, allied professions, medical technician, medical assistant, surgical technician, and medical services.  In each case, an argument can be made as to the credibility of an indirect path to becoming an MRI Technician being as viable as a direct degree program.

Below you will find degree and certificate programs for the direct degree program to help you decipher the best path for you.

MRI Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are created to be a focused, intensive series of classes.  The objective of a certificate program is to provide valuable, relevant skills & knowledge to students in a compressed period of time.  A certificate will take six months to two-years to complete depending on the breadth of the program coupled with your course load & pace.  When considering a certificate program, it may highly important to seek schools with an ARMRIT qualification to bolster your career.

MRI Associate Degree

Online associate degree programs in MRI are curated to be two-years in length for full-time students.  Part-time students can expect the program to take longer as a function of course load and pace.  Associate degrees are conferred as either an Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Science in MRI (ASMRI), or an Associate of Arts (AA).  Schools will determine the weight of the classes included in the degree program and confer degrees accordingly.

The associate degree program consists of both general education courses and core curriculum.  General education classes may include sociology, psychology, economics, English composition, and communications.  Liberal arts classes are included in an associate’s degree program to provide a well-rounded educational experience and help build a set of robust integrative thinking skills.

Classes you can expect to see in an associate degree program in the field of MRI include an array of science, technology, and clinical classes.  Examples of courses include the following:

  • Biology
  • Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Medical Terminology
  • Patient Care
  • Basics of MRI
  • MRI Safety
  • Radiological Procedures and Protocols
  • Pathology in Diagnostic Imaging
  • PACS
  • Computer Imaging in Healthcare
  • Clinicals

MRI Bachelor Degree

Bachelor degree programs can be offered online or in class.  Online degrees in MRI will cover the essentials via distance learning tools with clinical experiences at approved healthcare facilities and hospitals.  A bachelor’s degree can be conferred as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA).  Most bachelor degrees will take student four-years of full time matriculation to complete while others may be compressed into a shorter timeframe.

In addition to the general education courses and core curricula found in an Associate’s degree, students in a bachelor’s degree program can expect to take additional upper-level classes.  Classes you may see include: Physics for MRI, Health Pscychology, Advanced Principles of MRI, Clinical MRI, Pathophysiology, ethics, various labs & clinical internships.

Educational Requirements for MRI Techs

In terms of educational requirements, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Employment Information & MRI Specializations

Degree and certificate holders in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology can have direct employment paths or indirect jobs in the medical field.   A direct-hire employment situation would allow students to have the training needed to move from school to an MRI Tech job in an approved medical facility.

An indirect job would take students into fields in healthcare utilizing similar skills and knowledge found in an MRI program.  Examples of similar vocations can include any of the following healthcare careers such as: dental hygienist, ultrasound technician, medical researcher, radiation therapist, immunologist, biological technician, medical scientist, veterinary assistant,  diagnostic medical sonographer, nurse assistant, and nuclear medicine technologist.

Job Duties of an MRI Tech

To best understand the role of a trained technician in the radiology field, it is important to know the intricacies of the job itself.  By understanding the job and associated activities of a tech, you can more accurately map classes to real-world requirements prior to entering the workforce.  The most common job duties of an magnetic resonance imaging technician include:

  • Operating a variety of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners
  • Accurately conducting medical and health screening interviews of patients to identify restrictions or health concerns in advance
  • Communicating the magnetic resonance imaging processes and procedures to patients, family members, and patient health representatives
  • Troubleshooting technical issues, calibrate devices, and making back-ups of images for patient files & associated medical providers
  • Creating written reports in a standardized fashion to summarize procedures or outcomes for medical professionals and physicians
  • Analyzing a variety of images with tools such as magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera to ensure quality images
  • Operating a variety of optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging including: trajectory visualization, functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy
  • Ascertain the viability of sedatives or similar medications from physicians to help patients with anxiety, claustrophobia, or similar responses to medical testing
  • Selecting the appropriate imaging coils and techniques to achieve the optimal images
  • Injecting patients with the appropriate contrast dyes per the scope of the practice
  • Helping office staff schedule appointments for clinical patients or research opportunities
Job Titles of MRI Professionals

As you approach college and think about a career in the radiological field, understanding the various job titles in the MRI business will help you detect jobs you may qualify for.  Popular job titles in the industry may include a combination of the following:

  • Medical Imaging Director
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator
  • Staff Technologist
  • Radiological Technologist
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Supervisor
  • Chief Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Director
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

Careers for MRI Technicians & Job Growth

Job growth for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technicians are expected to grow at nearly twice the rate of all other jobs in the coming decade. The average job in the U.S. is expected to grow by 6% while MRI Techs should swell 13% during this timeframe. Meanwhile, jobs in radiation therapy will rise a brisk 14% with veterinary techs jumping by 20% over the same period.

The median annual income for MRI Techs is currently $60,070 which is $28.88 per hour. Income and total compensation will depend on several factors such as work experience, organization type, education level, skills, and work ethic. The largest employers of MRI Techs is currently hospitals and medical diagnostic laboratories followed by outpatient care facilities and physician's offices.

Resources for MRI Techs

Two of the most prominent and noteworthy associations in the United States for MRI professionals include The American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT) and the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT). Both entities are highly regarded with a substantive membership base & resources for radiological professionals around the country. To learn more, simply connect to these associations for training opportunities, membership benefits, and continuing education courses.

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