Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist Diploma Program is a comprehensive training program which provides didactic and clinical instruction in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive, usually painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography.

MRI has become a vital tool in medical imaging today. The evolution of MRI applications continues to grow as the medical community finds new uses for this imaging tool. MRI exam volumes are continuously increasing. New career opportunities are expanding in hospital based MRI departments and the growing number of new private MRI facilities. Completion of the prescribed curriculum will help prepare a student for the National Certification Examination in Magnetic Resonance Imaging to become a Certified MRI Technologist.

The Diploma in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The program curriculum consists of the following courses:

Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology
MRI Physics and Instrumentation I
Patient Care in MRI
MRI Safety
MRI Physics and Instrumentation II
MRI Positioning and Procedures I
Sectional Anatomy I
Laws and Ethics in Imaging Sciences
Venipuncture for Imaging Professionals
MRI Clinical Externship I
MRI Positioning and Procedures II
Sectional Anatomy II
Medical Imaging Pathology
MRI Clinical Externship II
MRI Positioning and Procedures III
Advance topics in MRI
MRI Clinicals III

Citi College of Allied Health has established clinical externship agreements with several hospitals and MRI centers. Students enrolled in the MRI program will start their clinical externship once they successfully complete first term and complete all other requirements for the clinical externship listed in the college catalog. Clinical externship will start during the second term. It is the College s obligation to assign each student to a clinical site. However the College reserves the right to assign a student to any available affiliated clinical site. Externship is unpaid and the hours of attendance are determined by the College and the externship site.

The MRI program consists of six academic terms. The duration of the entire program is approximately eighteen (18) months.

Following are the admission requirements for the MRI program:

Applicant must be at least 17 years old.

Has a High School diploma, certificate or other proof of graduation from an institution providing secondary education or the relevant equivalent of such graduation. Verification of high school completion or equivalent will be required in the form of an appropriate documentation like transcript, diploma, or GED.

A clear criminal background check. Criminal background check indicates certain felony convictions and/or misdemeanors, may prohibit a student from taking the certification exam.

Meets minimum physical needs as listed in this catalog.

Meets minimum health related requirements as listed in this catalog under the externship requirements.

Acknowledge the acceptance of all the institute’s requirements and policies for the MRI program listed in the course catalog, clinical handbook or in any other school document.

Passes the institute’s entrance test.

Write an application essay, length must be between 100 to 150 words. The essay topic is determined by the MRI Program Director. Essay will be judged on content, Coherence, grammar, and usage.

Interview with the MRI Program Director.

Meeting all the above listed requirements does not automatically entitle admission in the MRI program. Admission in the MRI program requires that the applicants have adequate educational preparation, as measured by entrance test scores, and have completed all admission requirements. The MRI program includes a competitive admissions criteria including but not limited to: entrance test scores, cumulative GPA of science subjects in the high school or equivalent, only top ranked students are admitted to the program as per the capacity of the program.

Admission procedure

Set up an appointment with an admissions representative

Submit photo identification

Submit proof of meeting all the above listed admission requirements and take the written test

Complete the Enrollment Agreement

Pay the registration fee

Finalize the means and methods of payment and make initial payment as per the payments schedule

MRI Technologist National Certification

Upon completion of the MRI program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) National Certification examination.

What is MRI?

For your information and understand in MRI, the college has compiled following links to some of the websites providing information in MRI. These websites are available in the public domain. We encourage you to explore these websites to develop your understanding of the MRI profession.

Following link will take you to Mayo Clinic website where you may WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT MRI:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mri/MM00395

Following link will take you to Radiology Info website where you may find information on MRI procedures, MRI Equipment, MRI Safety and other MRI related topics:

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=bodymr

Following link will take you to National Library of Medicine website where you may use an INTERACTIVE MRI TUTORIAL PROGRAM to gain basic information regarding MRI:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/mri/htm/lesson.htm

Additional Resources and Courses Schedule:

Nature of the Work, Working Conditions, Employment, Job Outlook, Earnings etc.