MRI TECHNOLOGY

Associate of Applied Science

Start Date

May 6, 2024

More Start Dates
Length

24 Months

Schedule
The schedule for this program is based on a 15-week semester. The daily schedule and weekly hours will vary each semester based on the required lecture, lab, and clinical hours. Students must have flexible schedules and be able to attend classes during morning, day, and evening hours.

Daily schedule varies

Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program (scholarships, training grants, payment plans, etc.). Please contact our financial aid department to learn more.

YES

Start Date

May 6, 2024

More Start Dates
Length

24 Months

Schedule
The schedule for this program is based on a 15-week semester. The daily schedule and weekly hours will vary each semester based on the required lecture, lab, and clinical hours. Students must have flexible schedules and be able to attend classes during morning, day, and evening hours.

Daily schedule varies

Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program (scholarships, training grants, payment plans, etc.). Please contact our financial aid department to learn more.

YES

MRI Technologist Training

Hybrid / Distance Education Program

The Associate of Applied Science in MRI Technology is programmatically accredited by ARMRIT. This program prepares students for entry-level employment as an MRI technologist. Graduates will be able to seek employment opportunities in hospitals, imaging centers, and other healthcare related facilities. The MRI program is taught using a hybrid/blended learning environment.

Graduates will have the basic skills and knowledge required for a career in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. They will be able to perform MRI procedures competently and safely on patients, and they will be capable of explaining procedures, preparing patients for scans, and monitoring and adjusting scans. MRI graduates will demonstrate behaviors consistent with professional standards and will meet employer expectations for an entry-level position.

Hybrid Learning

The MRI Technology program is taught using a hybrid learning environment. All hybrid courses will utilize online and in-person instruction. Lectures may be offered on campus or remotely via a Learning Management System (LMS). Most laboratory classes and practical training will be held on campus or at a clinical site.

Online classes will be taught synchronously. Synchronous instruction is real-time instruction that requires students to attend classes at scheduled times.

MRI Clinical Internship

Students are required to complete 965 clinical hours prior to graduation. Students will be placed at a clinical site by the AIMS Internship Department. The internship courses are designed to provide practical training in a real work environment; students will have a mentor who trains and guides them. The clinical internship courses must be completed within the semesters they are scheduled. 

AIMS Education has clinical affiliations with numerous healthcare facilities throughout New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Students will be placed at one or more of these affiliated sites and must complete their clinical hours based on the schedule provided by the school. Internship schedules are based on the availability of clinical sites. All students (Day and Evening) must be prepared to complete their internship courses during normal business hours (Monday through Friday). The majority of clinical sites do not allow students to complete clinical hours in the evening or on the weekend.

Employment Opportunities for MRI Technologists

The number of MRI job opportunities is growing at a fast rate. This has resulted in tremendous career opportunities for MRI graduates. Most of the employment opportunities are in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers. MRI Technologists can expect to work in clean, well lit, and comfortable environments. Jobs may require a moderate amount of physical activity working with the MRI equipment and maneuvering patients.

MRI Technologist Responsibilities

An MRI Technologist specializes in magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They operate the machine to obtain scans of patients' muscles, spinal cord, or brain, which help diagnose clients' diseases and illnesses. 

They also help physicians diagnose results from MRI scans and prepare patients for MRI procedures. 

An MRI Technologist must carefully follow the direction of their attending physician to ensure they are scanning the appropriate area of the body needed for diagnosis. 

MRI Technologists perform duties such as:

  • Calmly handling high-stress environments when dealing with physicians, technicians, and patients.
  • Providing new technologists with qualified work samples, direction, and regular checks from experienced team members.
  • Ensuring patient safety before procedures.
  • Maintaining the MRI machine, and ordering repairs when necessary. 
  • Troubleshooting scanners and peripheral equipment to avoid delays or downtime that affect patient satisfaction.
  • Communicating effectively with other health care professionals to convey messages appropriately.
  • Using poise, courtesy, and tact when interacting with patients, keeping them calm and comfortable during all procedures.
  • Explaining the MRI process to patients in a way that's reassuring and informative while addressing all concerns.
  • Operating equipment for imaging on various areas of the body in order to provide high-quality information and imaging for patient diagnosis. 

Required and Preferred Job Qualifications

An MRI Technologist entering the workforce is required to have:

  • A current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
  • Current certification or state licensing (if applicable).

Many employers prefer the following skills and capabilities:

  • The ability to travel to various facilities
  • Self-direction and self-motivation
  • Experience working in high-stress environments

MRI Technologist Education Requirements 

MRI Technologists play a crucial role in health care, but they must first complete formal training. There are two main ways to become an MRI technologist: 

  • Complete a certificate or associate degree program that focuses solely on MRI technology, and get certified in MRI.
  • Complete an associate degree or higher in radiologic sciences and specialize in MRI through additional education, clinical training, and certification. 

AIMS Education offers an Associate of Applied Science in MRI Technology, and our graduates are eligible to take the MRI certification exams from ARMRIT and ARRT.

MRI Technologist Required Skills 

MRI Technologists develop the following skills through clinical experience and coursework:

  • Critical thinking capabilities: Techs must determine the best process for gathering high-quality images and what images need to be captured.
  • Communication skills: MRI techs convey information to doctors before and after a procedure and communicate with patients at all stages of the scanning process.
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills: Many technicians encounter patients who feel uneasy about entering an MRI scanner.
  • Keen attention to detail and organization: Technicians must capture accurate images following radiologists' instructions.
  • Technical skills: Producing images and operating MRI scanners requires specific skills and training.

Certification / Registry Exam Eligibility

Graduates of the MRI Technology associate degree program are eligible to sit for the ARMRIT national certification exam for magnetic resonance imaging. MRI graduates are also able to pursue primary pathway certification through ARRT. The MRI program at AIMS is officially recognized by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). 

MRI graduates with a foreign degree, who are pursuing certification through ARRT, must have their degree evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service.

Eligibility requirements for the MRI certifications are solely determined by ARMRIT and ARRT, and are subject to change at any time. ARMRIT and ARRT are independent organizations. AIMS does not guarantee certification/registry exam eligibility.

Classroom and Clinical Training Schedule

Students who enroll in a semester-based program must have flexible schedules and be able to attend classes and/or clinical training sessions during morning, day, and evening hours. Certain courses will only be taught in the evening regardless of the program’s standard schedule.

Program Length

The MRI Technology associate degree can be completed in 6 semesters, or approximately 24 months. Students will enroll as a cohort and progress through the program at the same pace. Each cohort will complete three semesters per academic year.

  • 24 Months
  • 66 Credit Hours
  • 960 Clinical Hours

Contracting Agreement for General Education Coursework

AIMS Education has entered into a contracting agreement with Geneva College in partnership with Portage Learning (Geneva-Portage). This agreement involves specific arrangements for general education coursework. As part of the MRI Technology program, students will be required to complete three general education courses (9 credits) through Geneva-Portage. These courses, which must be completed during the first semester, will consist of ENG 101, MAT 104, and PSY 102. Additional information about the courses taken with Geneva-Portage is provided at the link below.

First Semester Courses with Geneva-Portage

Comprehensive Education and Training

  • Medical Terminology
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Patient Care & Safety
  • IV Administration
  • MRI Physics and Instrumentation
  • MRI Parameters & Procedures
  • Cross-Sectional Anatomy & Physiology
  • PACS & Image Acquisition

Minimum Admission Requirements

Prerequisites for Enrollment

Applicants must have at least one of the prerequisites listed below.

  • 30 college credits or more
  • 1 year of healthcare experience related to direct patient care
  • Graduate of the Patient Care Technician program at AIMS Education
  • Graduate of the Medical Assistant program at AIMS Education

Selective Enrollment

The MRI Technology program has a selective application process. Meeting the minimum requirements or recommendations does not guarantee you will be accepted into the program. From the pool of applicants, those who are considered most qualified for the study and practice of MRI technology will be admitted.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

AIMS Education has determined that its MRI Technology curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in New Jersey. If you live outside of New Jersey or you are planning to seek employment in another state, please review our professional licensure disclosures for more information.

* New Jersey currently has no state licensure requirements or laws regulating employment in this field. 

Upcoming Start Dates

Start Dates
Schedule
Program Length
May 6, 2024
Monday - Friday
Class schedule varies per semester
24 months

The daily schedule and weekly hours will vary each semester based on the required lecture, lab, and clinical hours. Additional information regarding the class schedule, internship schedule, and school holidays is available on the academic calendar page. 

Employer Testimonials

Accreditations and Approvals

The Associate of Applied Science in MRI Technology is accredited by the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) and approved by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

AIMS Education is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). 

Graduate Spotlight

Betty Mesrobian

Betty Mesrobian

Betty Mesrobian is a graduate of the MRI Technologist certificate program. After graduation she became certified through ARMRIT and ARRT, and was hired as a full-time MRI Technologist by Kayal Orthopaedic Center.

Program Gallery

Visit Our Campus

Take the first step in achieving your career goals by visiting the AIMS campus. During your school visit you'll get to meet one-on-one with an admissions specialist. They'll help you choose the right career path and answer any questions you have. You'll also get the chance to tour the AIMS campus, including all of our classrooms, medical labs, and student facilities.