MRI Technology Program

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technologist is a healthcare professional who uses specialized MRI equipment to create images of structures inside the human body. MRI technologists must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill. The MRI Techs will be supervised by board certified radiologists, but will be afforded a greater amount of responsibility and independence in the performance of their duties.
This course is designed to prepare the student to perform clinical MRI examinations of the human body with special consideration to image production, quality control, signal to noise ratio and basic pulse sequences.

MRI Program is a full-time course of study and takes place over a period of 52 weeks. The program is offered once per calendar year. Classes start right after the summer break. The curriculum encompasses all principles of magnetic resonance imaging technology and includes 640 hours of didactic instruction and 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience. The program is based on the parameters suggested by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the Association of Educators in Radiological Sciences (AERS), and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
The initial two weeks of the program is daily with a total number of 80 instructional hours. After the initial two weeks of orientation and introduction to MRI principles and safety, the remaining didactic courses take place twice per week for the duration of the program and the student is expected to be present on that day at the San Mateo campus for eight hours. Beginning with Week 3 and throughout Week 52, students will attend their clinical training at an assigned MRI facility for a period of 45 weeks thirty-two hours per week.

To be considered for acceptance into the MRI Technology program, the applicant must meet the following minimum criteria:
1. Student must have graduated from high school, or earned a GED and is at least 18 years of age.
2. Minimum of AA or AS Degree.
3. Student must pay all applicable fees, as per the current published fee schedule prior to the issuance of an enrollment contract or make other arrangements acceptable to the school.
4. Students must complete an Ability to benefit test (SLE – Scholastic Level Exam), with a score of at least 29.
5. ESL test is required for non-native speakers.
6. Student must pass an interview with the Program Director.
7. Applicant must pass all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C.” All prerequisite courses (see list below under “Prerequisite Courses and General Education Requirements”) must be completed and official transcripts submitted at the time of application to the program.

It’s suggested to see an admission counselor prior to the submission of the application and other related materials. It’s also recommended to complete the application at the time of the visit with admission counselor.
Applications are available from the admissions office and are accepted year round. To be considered for the program, the applicant must (checklist):
1.Submit a completed application (Recommended be done on site with the admissions officer)
2.Submit a seventy-five dollar ($75) non-refundable application fee
3.Submit a copy of your high school or BS or AS degree and an official copy of transcripts from the Allied Health program, and all other postsecondary educational programs attended (if available)
4.Report for a scheduled interview with a counselor. (You can also make an appointment with the Admission Counselor and fill out all the appropriate documents on site).
5.Pass Ability to Benefit Test (SLE – Scholastic Level Exam) with a score of at least 29.
6.Pass an Interview with Program Director.
Please note that students with foreign educational background such as H.S. diploma, AA/AS, BA/BS or Master’s Degree must have it evaluated prior to enrolling into the program.

Length: 12 months, 5 times per week (1640 Hours)
Internship: 11 months in an affiliated medical facilities.
Session Schedule: Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM

Tuition: $ 21,320.00
Books and Materials: $ 700.00
Application Fees: $75.00
Total Program Cost: $22,095.00

Sallie Mae student loans are available now for those who qualify.
For details please call 650-685-6616

MRI Technology program is seeking a programmatic accreditation by JRCERT, Joint Review Committee in Education of Radiologic Technologists. JRCERT recommends 18-24 months for the accreditation process. The process will be initiated in February of 2008. Please contact JRCERT for more explanation of the accreditation requirements and practices.
RCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: (312) 704-5300
Fax: (312) 704-5304
Web: http://www.jrcert.org

Please note that the completion of the program might not automatically qualify you to sit for the ARRT examination. Furthermore, in the event if MRI program doesn’t receive the accreditation from JRCERT, students won’t be able to sit for ARRT (MR) exam. We don’t guarantee that we will receive JRCERT accreditation.

Upon completion of the MRI Technology program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) National Certification examination.
To get more infomation about ARMRIT national certification please visit www.armrit.org

According to the statistics of US Labor Deportment, Median annual earnings of MRI Techs were $48,660 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,420 and $56,020 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,800, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,680. Median annual earnings of MRI Techs in 2002 were $50,390 in Imaging Diagnostic Centers and $47,530 in hospitals.

The expansion of hospital MRI departments and the increasing number of new private MRI facilities, create many opportunities for a career in MRI technology. MRI provides the most detailed images available today; its more accurate than any other imaging procedure.