Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging technicians observe an MRI procedure

Department: Medical Imaging

Program Type: Health Professions

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Overview

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technology that uses strong magnetic fields. It creates detailed images of nearly every internal structure in the human body. Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets for treatment support, monitoring, diagnosis, and disease detection. RAD/MRI technologists conduct MRI procedures and produce evaluation outcomes from those examinations.

Elgin Community College (ECC) students studying Magnetic Resonance Imaging gain hands-on experience with MRI scanners. They also calibrate consoles, peripheral hardware, and test equipment to ensure functional performance integrity. They oversee all safety measures, qualify and accommodate patient acceptability, manage appropriate imaging techniques, and tend to contrast media.

Learn more about earning a Bachelor’s degree, earning summer credits for transfer, or dual admissions with a university by making an appointment with an academic advisor.

MRI Technologist Program Entrance Requirements

Candidates must be ARRT registered in radiography or radiation therapy and graduates of a JRCERT-accredited imaging program. Alternatively, they may be ARRT or NMTCB registered in nuclear medicine technology and graduates of a JRCNMT-accredited nuclear medicine program. Candidates can also be ARRT or ARDMS registered in sonography and graduates of a JRCDMS-accredited sonography program. Additionally, candidates for the MR program must hold at least an Associate degree.

Accreditation

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

The program's current accreditation lasts 5 years. General accreditation information and the award letter are available here.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The future employment outlook for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) professionals is positive. The growing demand for medical imaging to diagnose and monitor chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease will drive growth. The aging population and technological advances are also expected to increase the demand for MRI services.

Overall, the employment outlook for MRI professionals is expected to be strong in the coming years. Elgin Community College’s advanced medical imaging program in magnetic resonance imaging focuses on hands-on clinical applications. This prepares you for advanced jobs in the field and enhances your earning potential. Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding related professions and compensation.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the magnetic resonance imaging plan of study and course descriptions.

Basic Vocational Certificate

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT) - application deadline 6/15
Mammography

Associate of Applied Science

Radiography - application deadline 12/15

What makes ECC’s program better?

Graduates of ECC's advanced certificate program are highly skilled and eligible to take the advanced certification exam by ARRT. ECC’s flexible online and evening curriculum allows students to complete the program full-time or part-time. Courses are offered in online or hybrid formats. You may also take courses to fulfill continuing education requirements for registered technologists.

How long does it take to become an MRI Technologist?

Candidates for the MRI program must possess at least an associate degree in radiography. The program at ECC consists of three semesters, beginning in the fall semester and ending in the summer. Students may enroll part-time (two-year track) or full-time (one-year track) in the Advanced Medical Imaging Programs.

What does an MRI Technologist do?

Are you interested in taking your current imaging career to the next level? If you’ve already completed the original program, ECC’s program accepts Nuc Med, Ultrasound, Radiation Therapy, and radiologic techs. You're an ideal candidate for this field if you embrace technology and possess communication, empathy, stamina, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This advanced certificate allows you to work in healthcare settings, capturing high-quality MRI images for interpretation and diagnosis. Magnetic resonance technologists work in hospitals, physician's offices, diagnostic imaging centers, outpatient clinics, orthopedic clinics, medical sales, and educational settings.

Operate MRI equipment and select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
Obtain IV access for use in injection of contrast media.
Intravenously inject contrast media, such as gadolinium contrast, following the scope of practice.
Conduct patient interviews to identify implants, devices, or medical conditions that may interfere with or contraindicate the MRI exam.
Modify standard procedures to accommodate patient conditions and other variables.
Maintain image quality, adjust exposure factors, and adapt protocols for patient conditions, equipment, accessories, and contrast media.
Evaluate image quality and make appropriate adjustments to obtain diagnostic images.
The technologist is responsible for maintaining a safe MRI environment.

How much do MRI Technicians make?

For MRI Technologists, new worker wages start at around $49,418. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists earn an average of $74,842 annually, with experienced workers earning up to $100,460.