MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
MRI Technologists get the chance to really see what’s inside people! MRI scans reveal detailed 3D images of even the most hidden, unreachable parts of the human body.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology Degree Program
What is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist?
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist is an allied health professional who uses specialized MRI equipment to capture 3D images inside the human body. They work with patients, radiologists, and other medical staff to deliver a highly technical service to hospitals and medical facilities.
MRI Technicians offer vital contributions to the healthcare community including:
- Measuring heart health
- Providing cancer screenings on various organs
- Lower back pain and spinal injuries
- Assessing brain cell and blood vessel damage after strokes or heart attacks
- Preventative care
How Do You Become a Medical Resonance Imaging Technologist?
If you love technical work, practical hands-on problem solving, and teaching people, while also providing care and support, then becoming an MRI Technologist might be the job for you!
To become a MRI Tech generally requires a formal education, including an associate degree from a qualified, accredited school, and often a professional certification.
To prepare for these requirements, Casa Loma College combines in-depth classroom coursework in medical concepts and terminology with hands-on, clinical experience, all while following the curriculum recommendations and guidelines of the:
- American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT)
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
- American Registry of Radiographic Technologists (ARRT)
The Casa Loma College Medical Resonance Imaging program endeavors to help you prepare for certification exams and put your best foot forward in the pursuit of a new career.
What Will I learn?
Graduates of the Casa Loma College Magnetic Resonance Imaging program engage in a variety of career-specific skills, including:
- Interview the patient and recognize contraindication to an MRI exam.
- Demonstrate knowledge of MRI physics, theory, pulse sequence parameters, and image optimization.
- Perform MRI exams according to the Doctors orders and protocols set up by the facility.
- Properly film, format, and archive imaging studies.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues.
- Act in a professional and ethical manner.
- Respect all information as “privileged.” Adhere to all HIPAA policies.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Resonance Imaging Technologist?
Casa Loma College offers a flexible hybrid program, with in-person and online classes to help fit your busy schedule. Work towards your future career faster and earn your associates degree in less than two years!
| Program Name | CIP Code | Credits | Months | Instructional Weeks | Award | Terms |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging * | 51.0920 | 94.0 semester | 22 months | 92 weeks | A.A.S. Degree | 6 semesters |
How Much Does an MRI Tech Make?
MRI Technicians provide an essential service to many hospitals and clinics around the country. Competitive wage averages vary by state and location:
In California:
- Workers on average earn $107,450.
- 10% of workers earn $69,260 or less.
- 10% of workers earn $143,510 or more.
In the United States:
- Workers on average earn $74,690.
- 10% of workers earn $52,880 or less.
- 10% of workers earn $104,210 or more.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data
What is the Job Outlook for MRI Techs?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist is listed as a Bright Outlook career, with employment in California expected to grow 22 percent through 2028!
Why is there such a bright outlook? One reason may be that as the baby boomer generation ages, the demand for health care services like MRI scanning are expected to increase. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are on track to remain very in-demand and support our aging community!
| Employment (2018) | Projected Employment (2028) | Projected Growth (2018-2028) | Projected annual Job Openings (2018-2028) | |
| California | 3,200 employees | 3,900 employees | 22% | 260 |
| Employment (2019) | Projected Employment (2029) | Projected Growth (2019-2029) | Projected annual job openings (2019-2029) | |
United States
| 38,700 | 41,400 | 7% (faster than average) | 2,200 |
| California source: Projections Central 2018-2028 long-term projections. United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019-2029 employment projections. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period. “Projected annual job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement. | ||||
Recent Employers of MRI Graduates
- Radnet
- Radiology Associates
- St. Charles Imaging Center
- Valley Orthopedic Institute
- UCSD School of Medicine (Dept of Radiology)
- Imaging Specialists of Pasadena
- Imaging Specialists of Pasadena
- Radnet Imagine Ste 100
- Liberty Pacific Advanced Imaging
- SMI Imaging Center of San Diego
- Adventist Health Bakersfield
- Carlsbad Imaging Center
- ACCESS Emergency Animal Hospital
- Torrance Memorial Medical Center
- Rolling Oaks Radiology-St. Johns
“Casa Loma College in Van Nuys has been an amazing experience for myself and my family. Since day one, I have been provided with the tools necessary to exceed in the MRI course. Every staff member was available 24/7 for every single question, concern, or comment I had.” – Fortino R.
Who is Casa Loma College?
Casa Loma College is a non-profit college serving the professional health care community of Los Angeles, California since 1966.
The college offers accelerated hybrid programs to help you earn a degree in less than two years.
Is Casa Loma College Accredited?
Yes! Casa Loma is committed to providing quality education that prepares you to pursue a new career. We are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools as well as the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE).
Casa Loma College offers academic programs under Title 38, United States Code, to enroll veterans and other eligible persons who qualify for educational benefits, and The United States Department of Education has approved Casa Loma College to offer Title IV Financial Aid assistance to students.
For more information, visit our accreditation page.
Financial Aid
For those who are eligible, financial aid is an excellent tool to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs to attend college. Casa Loma College has a committed team of financial aid professionals on call to help students and parents navigate the process.
Casa Loma College participates in many programs to help reduce the cost of college, including:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Work Study
- Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS)
- CSAC Cal Grant
To learn more about the financial aid process, and what you may be eligible, please refer to our financial aid page.
Veteran’s Benefits
In addition, for those who qualify, Casa Loma College is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to offer academic programs under Title 38, United States Code, to enroll veterans and other eligible persons who qualify for educational benefits.
For a full list of benefits, and to learn more, please visit our Veteran’s Benefits page.