The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in Radiology/Imaging Departments and related businesses and industries. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement placement. The program emphasizes a combination of didactic and clinical instruction necessary for successful employment. Graduates receive a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology diploma; have the qualifications of an MRI technologist, and are eligible to apply for a nationally recognized certification examination for MRI Technologists. Request more information or schedule an appointment today.

Introduction to Healthcare/MRI
Provides the student with an overview of magnetic resonance imaging. Program policies and student responsibilities will be outlined. The fundamental principles of MRI, an overview of MRI equipment and terminology will be introduced. The role of the technologist in maintaining patient safety and comfort will be discussed as well as personal safety and safety of coworkers. Students will be provided with an overview of nuclear magnetic resonance properties, their discovery and initial applications in the clinical setting.

Cross Sectional Anatomy I
Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body and provides the student with an overview of cross sectional anatomy of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on identification of organs and the systems relationship of these structures to other organs. Topics include anatomy of the brain and spine. This course will provide a study of human anatomy as seen in axial, sagittal and coronal planes. Other imaging planes are studied when relevant for demonstration of anatomy in specific regions. Correlations to CT, MR and cadaver images are practiced in this course. Bony, muscular, vascular, organs and soft tissues of the following anatomical regions are studied: central nervous system (brain & spine), other structures in the head and soft tissue neck.

Cross Sectional Anatomy II
This course continues the study of cross sectional anatomy of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on identification of organs and the systems relationship of these structures to other organs. Topics include anatomy of the upper and lower extremities. This course will provide a study of human anatomy as seen in axial, sagittal and coronal planes. Other imaging planes are studied when relevant for demonstration of anatomy in specific regions. Correlations to CT, MR and cadaver images are practiced in this course. Bony, muscular, vascular and soft tissues of the following anatomical regions are studied: shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, long bones of the upper extremity, hip, knee, ankle, foot and the long bones of the lower extremity.

Medical Terminology
Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include origins, (roots, Prefixes and Suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, terminology related to the human anatomy, reading medical orders and reports, and terminology specific to the student's field of study.

Clinical Applications I
Introduces the student to the magnetic resonance imaging department and provides opportunity for practice of hands-on clinical skills in the clinical environment. Emphasis is placed on patient care, imaging protocols and image evaluation. Topics include patient assessment, preparation, patient positioning, protocol selection, parameter selection, image display, filming and archiving, and image evaluation. Students will perform activities under direct supervision.

Clinical Applications II-VII
Provides an opportunity for the student to participate or observe MR procedures and to continue developing proficiency in the hands-on skills as demanded by a technologist specialized in magnetic resonance imaging. Activities include observation and participation in MR activities such as preliminary patient assessment, patient preparation, patient care and handling, imaging techniques. Emphasis is placed on skill improvement of patient care, imaging protocols and image evaluation. Advanced activities include imaging and measurement applications, anatomy, image viewing and recognition and work efficiency. Students will perform activities under direct supervision.

MRI Physics I & II
This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of MR imaging, including instrumentation, magnetism, magnetic resonance signal production, tissue characteristics, spatial localization, pulse sequencing, imaging parameters/options, and special applications. Introduces the concepts of basic physics and instrumentation for MRI. Also included are MRI system principles, operation and components, imaging processing and display, image quality, and artifact recognition and reduction.

Imaging/Processing
Content is designed to introduce the factors that govern the production and recording of images used in radiologic science. Film and electric imaging with related accessories will be emphasized.

Imaging Procedures and Sequencing I
This course will provide the student with imaging techniques related to the CNS (brain and spine), soft tissue neck regions. Specific clinical applications, coils that are available and their use, considerations in the scan sequences, specific choices in the protocols, and positioning criteria are practiced. Anatomical structures and the plane that best demonstrates anatomy will be discussed as well as signal characteristics of normal and abnormal structures.

Imaging Procedures and Sequencing II
This course will continue provide the student with imaging techniques related to the thorax and musculoskeletal (upper/lower extremity) system. Specific clinical applications, coils that are available and their use, considerations in the scan sequences, specific choices in the protocols, and positioning criteria are practiced. Anatomical structures and the plane that best demonstrates anatomy will be discussed as well as signal characteristics of normal and abnormal structures.

Advanced Imaging Procedures
This course continues to provide a study of human anatomy as seen in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Other imaging planes are studied when relevant for demonstration of anatomy in specific regions. Correlations to CT, MR and cadaver images are practiced in this course. Bony, muscular, vascular, organs and soft tissues of the following anatomical regions are studied: head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Topics include imaging protocols, contrast media, scanning procedures.

Equipment Quality Assurance
Content is designed to impart an understanding of the tasks and protocols making up the quality management activities of a typical Imaging Department. The roles and responsibilities of all parties contributing to the quality management effort will be presented. Tools, procedures and evaluation criteria used in the performance assessment of imaging modalities and image processing will be discussed.

Pathology
These courses will introduce the student to the concepts of disease and familiarize the student with the common pathologies found in magnetic resonance imaging and their appearance with various imaging protocols. The course content will be inclusive of all commonly imaged body systems and areas including CNS, head and neck, thorax, pelvis, musculoskeletal, vasculature, and abdomen. Topics will include pathology fundamentals, trauma/physical injury, systemic classification of disease and medical terminology. Case studies and images of the pathologies will be used to reinforce the lectures.

Patient Care and Professional Ethics
Provides the student with an overview of radiography and patient care. Students will be oriented to the radiographic profession as a whole. Emphasis will be placed on patient care with consideration of both physical and psychological conditions. Topics include ethics, medical and legal considerations, "Right to Know Law," professionalism, basic principles of equipment introduction, health care delivery systems, medical emergencies, contrast agents/media, patient preparation, death and dying, and body mechanics/transportation.

Patient Care Lab
Provides the student with a hands-on opportunity to develop skills necessary for patient care. Topics/skills will include venipuncture, blood pressure, pulse, respirations and basic first aid and CPR. Topics include patient preparation, patient assessment and monitoring, IV procedures, basic first aid, CPR and delivery modes of contrast agents. Will prepare the student to take and pass CPR certification.

Pharmacology
This course will provide the student with an introduction to the most commonly used contrast agents in MR. Topics will include dosage, side effects, reactions, contraindications and types of contrast (paramagnetic and superparamagnetic). Students will be introduced to laboratory terms and meanings: GFR, BUN and creatinine.

Radiographic Critique
Content is designed to introduce the student to analysis of radiographic images. Included is the importance of minimum imaging standards, discussion of problem solving techniques for image evaluation and the factors that can affect image quality.

Radiation Protection/Radiobiology
This content is designed to present an overview of the principles of radiation protection including the responsibilities of the radiographer to patients, personnel and the public. Radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies and health care organizations are incorporated. The radiation effects on molecules, cells, tissue and the body as a whole are presented. Factors affecting biologic responses are presented including acute and chronic effects of radiation.

Registry Review
Provides a review of basic knowledge from previous MRI courses and helps the student prepare for the national certification examination. Topics include patient care and MRI safety, imaging procedures, data acquisition and processing, and physical principles of image formation.