Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) advanced certificate is a one-semester program that prepares radiographers to perform MRI procedures in hospitals and imaging centers. The program is offered in the spring semester and combines online courses with a hands-on practicum component to gain the required MRI competencies. Technologists already employed in MRI may seek enrollment in the online classroom-only portion of the program, if desired.
What is magnetic resonance imaging?
It's a specialized imaging modality that uses computer technology in conjunction with magnetic fields and radio-frequency signals to obtain sectional images in any body plane. MRI's ability to distinguish differences in tissue composition has made it the modality of choice in imaging the central nervous system and a variety of soft tissue structures.
Admission & application requirements
Application timeframe
The online MRI program application is open June 1-Oct. 1. The application deadline date is Oct. 1 for spring semester enrollment. You have to meet with your MRI academic advisor before applying to the program.
Admission requirements
The MRI program is an advanced certificate program, which is a selective admission.
You must be a graduate of an approved radiography program with a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale and have an active registration with the ARRT or registry-eligible status to be considered for admission. You have to apply and be formally accepted into the program prior to enrolling in any MRI courses. Approximately two weeks after the application deadline date, you'll be notified if you've been accepted into the program.
If you're accepted, you're required to attend the program orientation session. If you'll be taking MRI 255 MRI Practicum, you have to have your Healthcare Provider CPR certification throughout the program, show proof of immunizations and required titers, TB test, physical examination, criminal background check* and drug screen*.
If you're a technologist employed in MRI, you can ask for enrollment in the online classroom-only portions of the program if you want.
Career and technical programs/courses follow our equal opportunity & non-discrimination policy.
*Findings on the criminal background check and drug screen may void conditional admission and prevent entrance to the program, and findings on the physical examination and drug screen may prevent placement at the clinical sites.
MRI careers
As the cost of equipment declines and smaller units become available, MRI and other radiologic procedures are increasingly being used in physicians' offices and walk-in clinics, which increases the demand for technologists to operate the machinery. With life expectancy increasing, the demands of an aging population increase the need for healthcare providers.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Working conditions
MRI technologists work in a variety of healthcare facilities, although most are employed in hospitals or imaging centers. Technologists typically work 40-hour weeks, which may include evening, weekend or on-call hours depending on your employment setting.
LICENSURE
Once you graduate, you're eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Post Primary Examination in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This certification is nationally recognized and enables you to pursue employment throughout the United States.
Sample course schedule
This advanced certificate in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is delivered using a combination of online coursework and an approved practicum.
Spring semester — 16 weeks
|
Courses |
Format |
|
RDT.121 |
Online |
|
MRI.250 |
Online |
|
MRI.252 |
Online |
|
MRI.255 |
Practicum |
*RDT.262, MRI.250 and MRI.252 are available only online.
**MRI.255 requires three days per week of clinical experience in affiliate hospitals or imaging centers.
Program total: 16 credit hours
Program goals
- To prepare you to pass the ARRT post-primary examination in magnetic resonance imaging by providing didactic instruction in each content area identified in the ARRT Content Specifications and the ASRT Curriculum Guide.
- To provide you with an opportunity to participate in a variety of MRI procedures to assist you in meeting the clinical experience requirements defined by ARRT.
- To develop professionalism and promote lifelong learning among program graduates.
Course info
Class formats
This program offers both online and practicum formats; however, the program can’t be completed entirely online.
Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit your needs. Regardless of the format, make sure you have access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet. All courses use online resources and require you to access course information through mySandburg. The Galesburg and Carthage campuses have open computer labs for your use as a student.
Estimated costs
The cost for this 16 credit-hour course is approximately $5,023.75.
Financial aid, grants & scholarships
Learn how you can take advantage of financial aid, grants and scholarships available to Sandburg students.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Learn more, and complete this form to determine your eligibility.
Career and technical programs/courses follow our equal opportunity & non-discrimination statement [link to 11.4.10]. For more information, email the Title IX coordinator, or call 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
FAQs
If I'm not admitted to the program or placed on an alternative list and no spaces are available, do I have to apply again?
Yes, if you're not admitted to the program, including being placed on the alternate list, and no spaces became available, application files aren't carried over to the next year. You'd need to complete the application/admission process again for the next admission year.
How do you evaluate applications?
Only those applicants who submit the online program application by the deadline date and have met all admission requirements are considered. All qualified applicants are evaluated according to a point system that allows an objective means for selection ranking; applicants with the highest point totals are selected first. Refer to the Admission Selection Points worksheet for ranking criteria.
When will I know if I'm accepted to the program?
Applicant acceptance status will be one of the following:
- Conditionally admitted
- Placed on the alternate list
- Denied
You'll be notified about your acceptance status approximately two weeks after the application deadline. If you receive conditional admission or alternate status, you'll be notified via email. If you're denied admission, you'll be notified via U.S. mail.
How do I hold my seat if I am accepted?
If you're conditionally admitted, you have 14 calendar days from the date of your conditional admission email to pay the $50 seat fee (intent to enter) to the Business Office to hold your seat.
Will I receive credit for the $50 to hold my seat?
The $50 seat fee is applied to your tuition, or it's refunded directly to you after the financial aid refund and within two weeks after the 100% drop date for 16-week courses. Your seat fee form will be included with your conditional admission email. If you accept your seat and withdraw for any reason, you forfeit the seat fee. Alternates pay their seat fee if their status changes to conditionally admitted.
I have been conditionally admitted; do I need to attend orientation?
Yes. Conditionally admitted applicants and those on the alternate list have to attend the mandatory admission orientation session. Information regarding registration for the mandatory admission orientation session is provided in the admission status email. Additional program requirement info is provided at the meeting.
If you're conditionally admitted and don't register for — and attend — the mandatory admission orientation session, you forfeit your conditional admission, and your seat will be offered to an alternate. Alternates who don't register for or attend the mandatory admission orientation session forfeit their alternate position.
I've been conditionally admitted; when will I know my full admission status?
Full admission status is provided after you do all of the following:
- Attend the mandatory admission orientation session
- Appropriately complete all program requirements
- Submit all required admission documents by the designated deadline.