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MRI Technician School

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 23 2010

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is responsible for approving educational radiologic programs for accreditation, including MRI training programs. All states require MRI technicians to complete an accredited educational program, usually in radiologic technology. Several options exist for pursuing a career in radiologic technology. Courses are offered through vocational institutions, colleges, universities and major medical facilities. However, to enroll in such a clinical program, you typically must have completed general healthcare prerequisite courses.

MRI tech schools are rare. Most medical facilities and hospitals offer on-the-job training through their MRI department. Then, it is up to the individual to complete the bookwork learning and meet the states license and certification requirements.

Some radiology schools may offer specialty training programs for radiologic technicians who want to become trained in performing MRIs. Such training programs will offer hands-on learning opportunities as well as classroom instruction. This includes lecture sessions taught by experienced MR instructors or professionals, MRI texts and DVD resources, and training at local MRI clinical sites.

At the completion of a MRI tech program, students should be able to:

• Explain and review the basic principles of MRIs.
• Apply the correct MRI pulse sequences in clinical imaging.
• Determine and minimize MRI artifacts.
• Integrate current knowledge of biological effects and safety considerations when working with MRIs.
• Define techniques in manipulating MR parameters to optimize image quality.
• Describe proper selection and usage of MR coils to optimize image quality.

Passing exams administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board will come easily to potential MRI techs who have mastered the above skills.