MRI Tech Degree Program

What Is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging — which is more commonly referred to as MRIs — is the process of using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to create detailed diagnostic images of the body.

The scanner uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images that help physicians diagnose medical conditions.

MRIs can be conducted for several different areas of the body. An MRI of the brain and spinal cord, for example, looks for blood vessel damage, brain injury, cancer, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and strokes; an MRI of the heart and blood vessels looks for blocked blood vessels, heart disease, damage caused by heart attack and problems with the structure of the heart; an MRI of the bones and joints looks for bone infections, cancer, joint damage and disc problems in the spine; and an MRI can also check the health of breasts, liver, kidneys, pancreas and many other areas and organs of the body.

MRI Technologists are integral to the health care team, in charge of taking on tasks like adjusting and maintaining the imaging equipment, preparing patients for the procedure, and answering any questions they might have, ensuring all areas of the body that are not being image are properly shielded, positioning everything in order to get the correct image, operating the MRI machine, assisting physicians with evaluating the images, and including all their findings in a patient’s records.

How Do You Become an MRI Technologist?

Generally speaking, MRI Technologists will need an associate degree from an accredited, well-qualified school, and while few states license MRI Technologists, most employers look for candidates who are certified by a professional organization like:

• the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT),
• the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT),
• or the American Registry of Radiographic Technologists (ARRT).

At Casa Loma College, our MRI associate degree program has been designed to follow the curriculum recommendations and guidelines of all of those organizations and provides graduates with the necessary eligibility requirements to qualify for examination by the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT)* and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)** MRI Primary Pathway Certification and Registration.

It’s important to note that any good MRI degree program should also include a significant number of hours dedicated to hands-on clinical work.

What Will You Learn in MRI Technologist Classes?

The 22-month Associate of Applied Science Degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Casa Loma College is a blended learning program that covers general education, medical-focused topics, and clinical practicum by utilizing a combination of online and in-person classes.

Students get practical experience through lab work, and in a wide variety of health care settings, and it is all completed in just six consecutive semesters.

The program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved by the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists for MRI Primary Pathway Certification.

Our MRI courses cover topics like:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Magnetic resonance physics and instrumentation
• Cross-sectional anatomy
• Ethics in the health and science fields
• MRI safety
• Patient care and management
• Medical terminology
• Medical resonance imaging and procedures

Get Started With a Medical Resonance Imaging Degree Program

If you’re ready to meet this increasing demand for excellent medical imaging professionals increase throughout the State of California and the United States, Casa Loma College is here for you.

Enroll in our Associate of Applied Science Degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and be on your way to a new career in less than two years.

At Casa Loma, we’re here for our students, from enrollment to graduate and beyond, with everything from assistance with financial aid to career placement and job search resources.

Be a part of the community at Casa Loma and contact us today about our MRI associate degree program.

*ARMRIT: To obtain MRI Certification, candidates must be a graduate of an approved MRI Program. You can learn more about the requirements by visiting MRI Candidate Handbook.

**ARRT: To obtain the ARRT Credential, you must meet three requirements, education, ethics and examination. You can learn more about the requirements for certification through ARRT by visiting ARRT MRI Requirements.

What’s the Outlook for Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) Careers?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for MRI technologists will grow by 7 percent through 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Most of these jobs will likely come from imaging centers and hospitals given that, as of 2019, they employed well over half (61%) of all medical resonance imaging technologists.

As Americans continue to age, the need for qualified operators of diagnostic equipment like the MRI to detect everything from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease will continue to grow, so MRI technologists from accredited degree programs are projected to be in-demand.