Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Degree Program

What is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist?

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist is an allied health professional who operates specialized MRI equipment to capture 3D images inside the body. Technologists view the images to ensure they are of good quality. They may administer an intravenous contrast medium to the patient. The contrast medium enters the blood stream and enhances the quality of the MRI images.

MRI technologists provide a highly technical and medically necessary service. They interview patients to determine if there are any contraindications for an MRI such as pregnancy, tattoos, any metal objects implanted in the body, and more.

Program Director, MRI – Simone Quinto

The MRI exam requires patients to lie on a gurney and be rolled inside a tube where they must lie very still while the machine takes its pictures. Technologists explain the procedure to patients and determines if they have any claustrophobic issues that may prevent them from undergoing the exam.

The technologist positions the patients on the examining table and make sure they are comfortable.

The technologist enters important data into the computer such as the patient’s relevant medical history and the anatomical area that will be scanned. An MRI s a non-invasive way for a physician to view what is going on inside the body.

MRI Technologists offer vital contributions to the healthcare community. Their skills are used for many different medical needs including:

• Assessing brain cell and blood vessel damage following a patient’s stroke or heart attack.
• Evaluating lower back pain and spinal injuries.
• Providing cancer screenings on various organs.
• Measuring heart health.
• Writing notes to physicians summarizing the testing procedure and outcome.
• Working with physicians to evaluate the images and determine if additional images should be taken.

An MRI technologist needs technology skills such as knowing how to:

• Use various software programs such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs), medical imaging processing software, and other relevant software.
• Analyze data and preparing reports.
• Perform simple repairs of the MRI equipment.
• Maintain the MRI equipment.
• Process the MRI images.
• Calculate the proper amount of radiation emitted in imaging procedures.

If you are detail-oriented, good at math, enjoy interpersonal skills for communicating with patients and their physicians, and have technical skills, a career as an MRI technologist may be for you.

How Do You Become a Medical Resonance Imaging Technologist?

Once you have decided, or are close to deciding, that you want to become an MRI technologist, the next step is learning how to become one. This generally requires a formal education.

An associate degree from a qualified, accredited school is the minimum requirement. Some states or hiring organizations require a professional certification.

Casa Loma College is a non-profit college that has been serving the Los Angeles professional health care community since 1966. The college offers an MRI Technology Degree program which combines in-depth classroom course work in medical concepts and terminology with hands-on, clinical experience.

The program follows 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 goal of the Casa Loma College Medical Resonance Imaging program is to prepare you for certification exams, making sure you put your best foot forward in the pursuit of a new career, and helping you develop the skills necessary for a career as an MRI technologist.

Some states do not require an MRI technologist to be certified. Regardless of state requirements, it is typically standard for employers to require, or at a minimum prefer, MRI technologists who are certified.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Resonance Imaging Technologist?

At Casa Loma College, our goal is to help you earn your associate degree in less than two years. We work with you to design a program to meet your specific needs. You can combine in-person and online classes to fit your schedule.

You can earn your associate degree in less than two years. The program requires completion of 94 semester hours and can be completed in 22 months.

You can complete your application to the MRI degree program at Casa Loma College without obligation.

What is the Job Outlook for MRI Techs?

This is a good time to become an MRI technologist in the U.S. in general and in California.

U.S. growth: The U.S. Department of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) projects growth for medical resonance technologists from 2021 to 2031 to be 6%. This is as fast as average. It means that there will be about 17,000 more technologists needed across the U.S. every year until 2031.

California job growth for MRI technologists is expected to be 12 percent between 2020 and 2030. This means a need for 210 more technologists every year until 2030.

California source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections and O*Net OnLine California Employment Trends.

United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021-2031 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.