Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists use non-ionizing radio frequency electromagnetic waves (low-energy electromagnetic waves in conjunction with a magnetic field) to generate image contrast and create a 3-dimensional image of a part of the body. MRI technologists operate MRI and related auxiliary equipment, perform venipuncture and communicate with radiologists, members of the health care team, patients and their families.
MRI technologists work directly with healthy and critically ill inpatients and outpatients of all ages. They must be able to move and lift patients from exam tables to and from MRI scanning rooms, sit at computer consoles in a small, low-lit room and adhere to safety policies working in or near a magnetic field.
To perform/assist with MRI procedures on patients, students must initially undergo the same screening procedures as patients in order to enter the scan room. The MRI scan room contains a region of intense magnetic field. Objects that display any form of ferromagnetism are therefore of particular concern for MRI. Contraindications for entering the MRI scan room include:
- Certain biomedical implants, materials, and devices (e.g., aneurysm clips, brain clips)
- Certain electrically, magnetically and mechanically activated implants and devices (e.g., cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants)
- Certain metallic foreign objects (e.g., shrapnel, bullets, metal in eyes)
MRI students must be re-screened for MRI safety clearance, should their status change during the academic year, with regard to any potentially hazardous implants, devices, or objects, prior to MRI rotations or observations.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the MRI Program is to provide a comprehensive education preparing students for entry-level practice in medical imaging and radiation sciences as competent, caring members of the health care team, cultivating professionalism and life-long learning.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Concentration within Your Degree
Students may complete this concentration as part of any of our department's bachelor programs. Dual-Concentration students can choose Magnetic Resonance Imaging in either their first or second year.
Students must consult an admissions counselor or a Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences faculty member when choosing concentrations, to help make sure that the combination you choose is the best option for your future career.
Goals
MRI Program students will be clinically competent and able to demonstrate appropriate patient care techniques and appropriate equipment skills techniques.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1-A. MRI Program students will demonstrate appropriate patient care techniques.
1-B. MRI Program students will demonstrate appropriate equipment skills and techniques.
MRI Program students will apply critical thinking and problem solving skills in making decisions about MRI exams, and demonstrate appropriate image evaluation techniques and optimization techniques.
Student Learning Outcomes:
2-A. MRI Program students will demonstrate appropriate image evaluation techniques.
2-B. MRI Program students will demonstrate appropriate optimization techniques.
MRI Program students will master the communication skills necessary to interact successfully with patients and other members of the healthcare team, demonstrating appropriate oral and written communication techniques.
Student Learning Outcomes:
3-A. MRI Program students will demonstrate appropriate oral communication techniques.
3-B. MRI Program students will demonstrate appropriate written communication techniques.
MRI Program students will demonstrate potential for professional development and growth.
Student Learning Outcomes:
4-A. MRI Program students will develop effective work habits and professional values.
4-B. MRI Program students will function as professionals in the healthcare setting.
Certification Exams
Upon successful completion of the MRI Program, graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) MRI certification examination. Students who pass this examination receive national certification. Dual-Concentration students may not be able to take board exams until they receive their BS.
Program Effectiveness
The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. Go directly to the JRCERT webpage.
Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Credentialing Examination Rate | number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation | ||
| Year | Results | ||
| Year 1 | 2019 | 8 of 8 | 100% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 16 of 16 | 100% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 7 of 9 | 78% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 10 of 12 | 83% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 8 of 8 | 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 49 of 53 | 92% |
Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Job Placement Rate | number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation | ||
| Year | Results | ||
| Year 1 | 2019 | 8 of 8 | 100% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 14 of 14 | 100% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 11 of 11 | 100% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 11 of 11 | 100% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 8 of 8 | 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 52 of 52 | 100% |
Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the state program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%.
| Program Completion Rate | number graduated divided by number started the program | |
| Year | Results | |
| Year 1 | 2023 | 10 of 11 |
| Annual Completion Rate | 91% |
*Data from Program Director (updated annually).
Data collected October 2024.
The JRCERT has defined “not actively seeking employment” as:
- graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts OR
- graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation OR
- graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours OR
- graduate is on active military duty OR
- graduate is continuing education.
Accreditation
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program is accredited by the:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300 | 312-704-5304 fax
[email protected]
The program's current accreditation award is eight years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter.