College Catalog

This professional certificate curriculum is designed to educate students (U.S. registered radiographers) to use MRI equipment, conduct image scans of cross-sections of the body, and reconstruct those scans into 3‐D images. Students learn how contrast agents aid in viewing specific areas during an MRI. Students also gain an understanding of how MRI technology uses a combination of powerful magnetic fields, pulsing radio‐frequencies, and a computer to produce images of almost any area of the body. Graduates of this major can apply the earned credits toward the Applied Health Studies bachelor’s degree.

Career Opportunities

MRI technologists work in diagnostic imaging centers, hospitals, physicians’ offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers.

Recommended High School Subjects

Two years of algebra; physics and/or general science is also suggested.

Special Admissions Requirements

Students interested in this professional certificate must be certified (or registry-eligible) by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography. Those in the category of registry-eligible must provide proof of certification before admission to the program.

Transfer Procedures

Students must be U.S. Registered Radiographers ‐ RT(R) to enroll in this professional certificate program.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• exhibit exceptional skills in communication, patient care, critical thinking, and proper use of medical ethical concepts.
• contribute to a strong health care community by filling the need for competent diagnostic MRI technologists.
• differentiate resonance, excitation and the concepts of image formation, the function and purpose of the gradient, shim and radiofrequency systems, imaging parameters and how they determine image contrast and spatial resolution.
• explain the differences in pulse sequences, image weighting, scan parameters, how they affect image quality and how to select appropriate pulse sequences in the clinical setting.
• discriminate anatomical structures as seen in orthogonal imaging and describe normal anatomical structures, positioning criteria, tissue characteristics, and pathology of the human body.
• synthesize knowledge and skills relating to quality assurance, differentiate common artifacts that occur during imaging, and describe how to remedy them.
• identify and implement the safety measures and screening procedures that are needed for the patient or other personnel within the MR environment.
• describe the actions required and methods used if a patient needs sedation.
• distinguish considerations in coil selection and the design of an imaging protocol; state the application of protocols in specific situations and differentiate the various imaging planes and pulse sequences that maximize the diagnostic value of various anatomy seen on MR images.
• demonstrate knowledge of contrast media, its specific applications, methods of delivery, and its effect on tissue characteristics.
• recognize and handle emergencies in the MR environment.

Performance Standards

Students are graded on a scale of A, B, C, and F (D's are not considered passing and will be recorded as an F on the student's transcript). Students should work closely with their adviser and program faculty to ensure they are meeting all criteria for satisfactory progress in the program.

Curriculum