Technologist Education

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program

Application deadlines: October 13th for January session. March 15th for July session.

Download the application:

As a Word document

or

As an Acrobad document 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program Overview

The University of Utah Health Care, Department of Radiology, offers a six (6) month certificate program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for certified Radiologic Technologists R.T. (R), Radiation Therapists R.T.R. (T) or Nuclear Medicine Technologists R.T. (N) or NMTB. Students will learn to produce computerized magnetic images of anatomy as an aid in the diagnosis of disease and injury.

University Hospitals and Clinics have eight superconducting magnets, to include two 3.o T magnets and one with a large 70 cm bore or opening. The program offers a combination of clinical and didactic educational experiences that provides the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an entry-level MRI technologist. Students will have opportunity to work with MRI technologists at the University Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, the INC out-patient facility, the Orthopaedic Center, the Clinical Neurosciences Center (CNC) and Primary Childrens Medical Center.

The program offers two academic sessions a year starting in January and July. The total number of students accepted ranges from 5 - 10 and is dependant on the students clinical needs and flexibility. The tuition for the 2010/11 academic year is $3,025.00 

Graduates of this program are eligible to take the advanced certification exam provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (MR).

A comparable program in Computerized Tomography (CT) is also available and offers starting times in July and January. This makes it possible for a student to complete educational programs in MRI and CT within a 12-month period. Information on the CT program can be found under the Department of Radiology web site or by calling (801) 585-6753.

 What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves in conjunction with a computer to generate cross; sectional, three-dimensional images of patient anatomy. It can be used to image many parts of the body, such as the brain, optic nerves, brainstem, spine, heart, abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal (muscles and joints), and blood vessels.

In MRI, there is no ionizing radiation utilized, however, care must be taken as to who is placed in the magnetic field as the field is so strong it may pull at any metal that is in or outside of the patients body. The MRI program assures that students use equipment and accessories, employ techniques, and perform procedures in accordance with accepted safe practices to minimize risk to patients, selves, and others.

Responsibilities of the MRI Technologist

The MRI technologist independently performs procedures with efficiency and skill. The technologist must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy and the ability to make judgments about the MRI pulse sequencing, gradiant magnetic fields and anatomic slice orientation. Knowledge about magnetic fields, electromagnets, atomic structure and computers is essential. Patient care responsibilities require knowledge of sterile technique, administration of contrast media, ability to handle emergency procedures and routine performance of venipuncture. The MR technologist needs to effectively work with claustrophobic patients and be constantly aware of magnetic safety of patients, self and co-workers. On the job training of MR technologists does not effectively meet the educational needs of todays MR technologists. As a technologist learning the art of MRI, you deserve a well structured educational process.

How do I become a MRI Technologist?

As of January 2006, MRI is recognized as a primary certification by the ARRT, however the majority of MR technologists are radiographers who have added MR as a post primary certification. Successful completion of the MR examination certifies a technologist as competent and knowledgeable in MR imaging. Certification in MRI is valued in the medical community and perceived as distinction non-certified technologists. Completion of the MRI program at the University of Utah qualifies and prepares the student for the ARRT examination. The MR examination consists of 200 multiple choice questions that pertain to the field of magnetic resonance imaging.

There are many different types of MRI programs available and students are encouraged to select the one that meets their needs. Some programs offer Bachelors degrees, Associate degrees, continuing education or Certificates of Completion. Many or offered online and others focus on classroom learning. Program lengths vary from 8 weeks to 12 months and program costs range from $430.00 to $12,300.00. For a complete listing of educational programs in Magnetic Resonance visit the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine at https://myvpn.med.utah.edu/smrt/,DanaInfo=www.ismrm.org+educate.htm

The University Health Cares MRI program has been very successful since it began in 2004. Favorable graduate feedback praises the University for program comprehensiveness, quality of teaching and state of the art equipment at a world class institution. The program can be completed within a reasonable length of time and tuition costs are competitive. Students will learn from the finest of instructors in an organized classroom setting and practice the most current procedures with experienced and certified MR technologists. The majority of the students are working in MR by the time they complete the program.

Tuition

The tuition for the 2010/11 academic year is $3,025.00. Students who pay tuition in full during the first week of the program will be granted a $275.00 discount and the total amount due will be $2,750.00  Students are allowed to pay tuition monthly with an initial deposit of $500.00 due the first week of the program. Minimum monthly payments of $500.00 will be due on the 10th of each month.  Students must pay the tuition in full in order to be granted a certificate of completion. 

Note: There are no federal loans or PELL grants available for this program.  The MRI program does not qualify for interntional student visas.

Is the Profession Right for you?

As an MRI student, you will learn to use a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to image the hydrogen content and configuration in body tissues. A computer is utilized to collect information and construct a cross-sectional image of the body. In researching the field, you may want to consider interviewing a technologist who is certified in MR and/or visit a MRI imaging department. The University Hospital would be pleased to accommodate your visit and questions.

Knowledge

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologist is required to have knowledge in Patient Care, Imaging Procedures, Data Acquisition and Processing and Physical Principles of Image Formation. You may contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) (www.arrt.org) for a complete listing of the Content Specifications for the Examination in Magnetic Resonance.

The MRI curriculum was developed utilizing the American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) (www.asrt.org) and the Association of Educators (AERS) (www.aers.org) curriculum guides

What are the technical and physical aspects expected of an MRI Technologists?
  • Lift 25 pounds routinely
  • Push and pull routinely
  • Bend and stoop routinely
  • Have full use of their extremities
  • Distinguish audible sounds
  • Adequately view computer images
  • Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick and injured
  • Assist patients
  • Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
  • Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedure
  • Perform venipuncture procedures
What are the Career Opportunities?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists can work in hospitals, medical centers, health care centers, outpatient facilities, cancer institutes and other medical settings performing examinations in their area of specialization. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research and medical imaging corporation application specialists and sales. For a listing of potential job opportunities, please visit the following web site: https://myvpn.med.utah.edu/smrt/employ/,DanaInfo=www.ismrm.org+.

Salaries

Salaries for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists are competitive with technologists in the medical imaging areas and vary on geographical location, medical institution and years experience as an RT or MRI technologists. In 2007, the ASART salary survey, the mean salary for MRI technologists nationwide was $61, 928, with the 5th percentile at $43, 410 and the 95th percentile at $83638.

Prerequisites for the Program

Applicants eligible for selection include individuals who have successfully passed one or more of the following certification categories or will have completed the exam by the start of the program.

  • Radiography (ARRT)
  • Radiation Therapy (ARRT)
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology (ARRT or NMTCB)

Students will be selected based on predictors of their ability to successfully complete the program, pass the MR examination and become a productive employee in the MR Field. Selected applicants must be currently certified in CPR and be able to document appropriate immunizations. Final admission for selected students is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and drug screening. The program admits 5 - 7 students each session. Students are selected each session from an applicant pool. Students who are not admitted each term are NOT placed on a wait list. They may reapply the following term.

Program Mission

To provide a quality entry level educational program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging that educates competent MRI Technologists to the meet the needs of the University Health Care and the community.

Program Objectives

The goal of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program is to educate students to perform the duties and responsibilities of an entry-level MRI Technologist and produce graduates that will successfully pass the MR examination and work in Magnetic Resonance.

Program Goals

Ensure that 100% of program graduates have completed clinical experience requirements as specified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Graduate competent entry level MRI technologists who are effective communicators, problem solvers and critical thinkers. A credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 75% at first attempt. A job placement rate of not less than 75% within one year of graduation. A program completion rate of not less than 80% .

Graduate students who are satisfied with their MR educational experience and feel that it was beneficial to their professional development and growth.

Curriculum

Education in MRI is accomplished with a combination of didactic and clinical learning experiences. Clinical schedules are arranged and class sessions are held two half days a week. Students are encouraged to complete 24 hours of clinical education a week and are expected to attend all classes. At the completion of the program, the student will have completed 550 clinical and 80 didactic hours and proven competency in all clinical experience requirements. All courses and clinical education are measured in clock hours.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This unit will provide the student with an overview of magnetic resonance imaging. The structure of the program and student responsibilities will be discussed.

Physical Principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This unit is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of MR imaging and is required to develop an understanding of MR image acquisition and the hardware used in the acquisition of images.

Imaging Procedures

This unit will provide the student with cross-sectional anatomy and imaging techniques through individual topics of the following; central nervous system, neck, thorax, musculoskeletal system and abdominopelvic regions. Anatomical structures and the plane that best demonstrates anatomy will be discussed as well as signal characteristics of normal and abnormal structures.

MRI Pathology

This unit will familiarize the student with the common pathologies found in magnetic resonance imaging and their appearance with various imaging protocols.

Sectional Anatomy

This is a study of human anatomy as seen in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Sectional anatomy is taught jointly with the CT program.

Clinical Education

Clinical education provides the students with a competency based clinical education system that is necessary to become proficient in the entry-level skills required of a MRI technologist. The student is required to complete a total of 550 clinical hours. Students work on completing the clinical experience requirements as defined by the ARRT. Clinical education provides students the opportunity to practice the skills that are necessary to obtain high quality MR images, to objectively alter protocols based on patient pathology or physical condition, identify image quality problems and make appropriate corrections and work effectively with patients.

Clinical Rotations

Students will have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations at the University Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Primary Childrens Medical Center, the Center for Advanced Medical Technology (CAMT) and the University Orthopoedic Center. Other medical institutions are used as clinical sites on occasion. The program faculty decide student placement. Students rotate clinical placements to ensure equitable experiences for all students. Students are allowed the flexibility to determine their own clinical schedule but are encouraged to complete a minimum of 24 hours a week.

Note: There are no federal loans or PELL grants available for this program.

Additional Fees : The following are approximate costs and are subject to changes:

Lab Coats or scrubs: 200.00

Parking Pass: 130.00

Textbooks: 250.00

ARRT Examination: 150.00 (ARRT-registered candidates)

300.00 (NMTCB-registered candidates)

Student Withdrawal/Refund Policy

If a student withdraws from the program voluntarily within the first 2 months and has paid the tuition in full, they are entitled a refund. They will be refunded the amount of tuition paid for the months they did not attend. Students are not eligible for a refund during or after the 3rd month of the program. If the student is paying monthly payments, they are responsible to pay for each month they have attended. A student who is dismissed for poor academic or clinical performance or disciplinary problems waives the right to a tuition refund.

Student Benefits

Students enrolled in the MRI program are not granted the same benefits as students attending the University of Utah. Students will be invited to Department functions and are allowed to have library privileges and use of the bookstore.

Note: The MRI program does NOT provide health coverage to students. Students MUST carry their own health care coverage. Students are also responsible for their own bus pass or other transportation.

Attendance

The 6-month program begins the second week of January and July each year. Students are required to attend a hospital orientation prior to the start of the program. A detailed calendar will be available on the day the program begins. Past calendars are available for student review upon request. The student is responsible for their clinical and academic attendance. All clinical time is recorded as a positive number and the student is finished when they have reached 550 hours and all of the required competencies have been completed. Students are eligible to graduate early if all competencies have been completed. This decision is made by the education director. The student is expected to be responsible to the clinical site by being punctual, dependable and cooperative. Students are never scheduled more than a total of 40 hours a week between didactic and clinical instruction.

The student is allowed to determine their clinical schedule based on their availability. Clinical placement is determined by program officials. If a student cannot complete 24 hours a week of clinical education, the program length may be increased until all contact hours are completed. The MRI clinical instructor shall determine final approval of clinical schedules.

Employment Policy

In the event that a MRI position becomes available through the University Health Care, a MRI student who is currently enrolled full-time within the MRI program and has satisfactorily completed 50% of the program, may be eligible to apply and be hired for the position. The student must have successfully completed fifty percent (50%) of the total didactic and clinical program. More details on the employment policy are found in the student handbook.

Students finding employment outside of the University may also exercise the employment option.

  1.  
    1. Pass all course sections.
    2. Complete the required number of clinical hours.
    3. Complete the ARRT clinical experience requirements.
  2. Academic Performance

    Students are provided with educational resources to learn the fundamentals and details of magnetic resonance imaging. The student is responsible for the failure or success of their academic progress. Students must maintain an overall acceptable progress throughout the program. Failure to do so will be cause for involuntary withdrawal from the program. At the end of the program practice MRI exams are conducted

    Transfer Credit

    Due to the difference in program structures, there is no transfer credit available for other MRI programs

    Graduation Requirements

    In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, students must:

    Students need to complete the clinical experience requirement documentation form with the appropriate signatures and number of cases in order to be eligible to complete the ARRT Magnetic Resonance exam. The forms must be available in case the student is audited. The education director will ensure that all competencies and forms are completed.

    Potential Workplace Hazards Associated with Magnetic Fields

    Occupational exposure to the energy fields of MRI is considered safe, however, because MRI is still developing, all of the radiobiological questions are not completely answered. Clearly, the most recognizable potential hazard to a MRI examination is the potential for injury by projectiles. Regardless of size, ferromagnetic material can come under the influence of the static magnetic field and become a projectile or missile. Because of the attractive force of the primary magnetic field, ferromagnetic materials accelerate to the bore of the magnet if they are not properly shielded. If an employee or a patient is in the way, injury can occur.

    All potential MR students are to undergo an MR screening process as part of their interview/application process to ensure their own safety in the MR environment. MR student applicants should discuss potential hazards with the MR Medical Director if they have been a member of an occupational risk group in the past to include: auto mechanic, machinist and welder or have been a patient with previous surgeries where prosthetics, surgical clips or other forms of metal were utilized. MR imaging is considered a safe procedure although the practice is relatively new. Therefore any pregnant student must take caution not to be in the MRI room when scanning.

    Dress Code

    The dress code varies between affiliate institutions and students will be advised to the requirements at time of their rotation. Students are always required to be neat and professional in appearance while in the MRI department.

    Disciplinary Procedures

    General Policy:

    The program strives to provide for an effective education of all students. Under program policies, disciplinary actions and terminations are expected to be handled in a manner to achieve the least adverse effects for the student and program. The student handbook contains a complete description of disciplinary procedures. Any student who is dismissed or involuntarily terminated waives the right to a tuition refund.

    Governing Body

    The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program is under the direction of the Education Director and Chairman, Department of Radiology. (Marlene Johnson M.Ed.R.T.(R) and Edwin A. Stevens M.D.) An advisory group of physicians, technologists, program faculty and clinical staff provide recommendations to the director and chairman on program matters. Any additional clinical education setting would join the University in providing quality competency based clinical education.

    Affirmative Action Employment Policy

    University president's statement -- August 1983

    The University of Utah is fully committed to policies of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. Accordingly, the University pursues a vigorous program of affirmative-action in all its classifications of employment in order to prevent any form of discrimination, Rasmussen or prejudicial treatment on the basis of race, color, religion, the national origin, sex, age, or status as a handicapped individual, disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. All University administrative and supervisory personnel are required in turn to assure that this policy will be furthered by imposing only valid requirements for employment decisions and for promotional opportunities, and to see that all personnel actions such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, institutionally -- sponsored training, education, social and recreational programs will be instituted and administer to comply with the standards of fairness and nondiscrimination which are the basis for the equal opportunity policy.

    Non-Acceptance Procedure

    Students that are not accepted into the MRI or program will be notified by mail and informed if they were non-accepted due to:

    A. Space Availability

    B. Competition

    A. Space Availability

    Students that were not accepted due to space availability are students that were considered acceptable for admission but due to limited clinical placements could not be accommodated. They will be encouraged to apply for the next program session which is offered six months later. They will be allowed to utilize the application documents that were originally submitted.

    B. Competition

    Students that were not accepted due to the competition are students who had a less favorable application score than the other applicants due to GPA, rated structured reference forms and/or interview scores. They will be allowed to reapply to the program of their choice12 months after the original application date. They will be required to submit new structured reference forms, biography updated transcripts and resume. The original application materials will be retained in their file for consideration.

    Reapplicants

    Students that are not accepted during their second attempt will not be allowed to reapply.

    Related links:

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (www.ismrm.org)

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists (www.ismrm.org/smrt)

    Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (www.scmr.org)

    American Society of Radiologic Technologists (www.asrt.org)

    American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (www.arrt.org)

    Further Information

    Further information on the program may be obtained through this web-site or by contacting the:

    Department of Radiology Education Director at: (801-585-6753)

    marlene.johnson@hsc.utah.edu

    Visit the Application Process for more details.