MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SHORT DIPLOMA

If you are an MRI technologist currently working in the field interested in becoming a registered MRI tech, it’s easier than ever to get started. WCUI School of Imaging offers a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Short) diploma program that can be completed in a matter of months, allowing you to grow your knowledge and become eligible to take the ARRT (MR) registry exam.

MRI SHORT DIPLOMA ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

In addition to meeting WCUI’s general admissions requirements, MRI Short applicants must also: 

Be a non-registered MR Technologist who has graduated from an associate’s degree program and meets at least one of the criteria below: 

• MRI associates degree (or higher) graduate from an educational institution not approved by ARRT at the time of graduation 
• Have three failed attempts of the ARRT Certification and Registration Examination 
• Did not apply for ARRT Certification and Registration Examination exam within three years of graduation 
• AAS degree (or higher) graduate in any discipline 

OR

• Provide proof of graduation from an accredited Full X-Ray Technologist program and possess a current Full X-Ray license through ARRT 

MRI Short applicants must meet with the Program Director prior to enrollment in the program and provide proof of completion/transcripts of the associate’s (or other) degree.

WHAT CERTIFICATIONS DO MRI TECHNOLOGISTS NEED?

Certification requirements for MRI technologists vary from state to state, with some requiring certification and some not. Most employers will tell you, though, that they look for candidates who have passed the necessary exams from the appropriate organizations when they’re hiring. That’s why WCUI provides resources to help you get ready for the exams you need. Our MRI diploma is geared toward a technologist that already has their ARRT(R) in radiography and would like formal education to help them sit for and pass the Advanced‐Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination through ARRT. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the ARRT (MR) exam.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING DIPLOMA PROGRAM?

Through classroom lectures and hands-on experience, including an externship, students in our Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Short) diploma will learn:

• Demonstrate their mastery in patient care, patient ethics, and MRI Safety requirements as Level II MR personnel to provide the highest patient care with ethical considerations to MR imaging patients
• Perform MRI imaging procedures utilizing appropriate patient, technical and procedural, evaluation skills. 
• Choose appropriate imaging parameters, contrast, and options to optimize MRI image quality.
• Integrate knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and patient set-up utilizing correct imaging planes to properly visualize anatomy and pathology. 
• Demonstrate essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required to apply and sit for nationally recognized certification exams and registration such as the ARRT(MR) and ARMRIT (R)

Our mission and values at WCUI are about promoting the academic excellence and integrity of our graduates in a way that is supportive and contributes positively to our students’ lives. We are here for you, to get you the healthcare training you need for success.

WHAT IS MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING?

Magnetic resonance imaging — often called MRI — is one of the more detailed and dynamic forms of medical imaging available. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the insides of the body, giving physicians a non-invasive way to see what’s going on in a patient. MRI is unique in that it can look through bones or gas-filled areas in ways that X-rays or ultrasounds can’t, giving us a more complete picture of the patient’s current state. MRIs can be used all over the body, including the head and brain.

WHAT DOES AN MRI TECHNOLOGIST DO?

As an MRI technologist, you’re tasked with managing both patients and equipment, so you’ll need to balance your technical skills with soft skills like communication and organization. You’ll like be asked to:

• Speak with patients about the procedure
• Answer any of the questions or concerns and calm their fears before proceeding
• Inject patients with contrast media needed for the scan
• Shield areas on the patient that don’t need to be image
• Operate the MRI equipment with care
• Follow precise and detailed physician orders in order to get an accurate image
• Clean and maintain the image equipment between procedures
• Keep detailed patient records of the results

HOW DO I BECOME AN MRI TECHNOLOGIST?

The path to becoming an MRI technologist starts with quality training through an accredited program, like the one at WCUI. Our MRI diploma program readies you with the skills and knowledge you need to begin a career as an entry-level MRI technologist. You’ll learn how to use this technology to help a team of medical professionals in the diagnosing, monitoring, and treatment of diseases.

MRI technologists also need:

• Good people skills — MRIs are often ordered for patients who are stressed or experiencing pain, and a technologist must be able to work with them with compassion and care.
• Good math skills — MRI technologists may be asked to calculate the amount of magnetic resonance emitted in order to produce a quality image.
• Strong attention to detail — Producing accurate and helpful magnetic resonance images require following very precise instructions and producing careful work.
• Strong technical skills — Magnetic resonance imaging equipment is often complex, so technologists must feel comfortable working and maintaining these machines.