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    MRI Technologist Certificate Program: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist Certificate

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    MRI Technologist Certificate: Add a High-Demand Specialty to Your Imaging Career.

    MRI is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools in modern healthcare. MRI produces detailed cross-sectional images that help clinicians evaluate disease processes, injuries, and brain function with a precision no other modality matches. As an MRI technologist, you're not just operating equipment. You're giving physicians the visual information they need to make life-changing decisions. MRI is most commonly used to evaluate many types of disease processes, injuries, and functions of the brain.

    Magnetic resonance imaging technologists are integral members of the healthcare team who are proficient in performing cross-sectional images using sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment. These healthcare professionals work closely with patients, fellow technologists, and many other members of the healthcare team.  If you're already working in radiologic technology, diagnostic medical sonography, or nuclear medicine, NMC's online MRI Certificate gives you the specialty credentials to move into this sought-after role.

    MRI technologists work across a wide range of healthcare settings from major trauma centers/hospitals to outpatient imaging facilities. This makes an MRI specialization one of the most versatile credential additions an imaging professional can earn.

    MRI Technologist Career Outlook

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the U.S. median salary for an MRI Technologist was $77,660 per year in May 2024, with a faster than average projected job growth of 5 percent between 2024 and 2034. Adding MRI to your credentials doesn't just expand what you can do, it expands what you can earn.

    What Makes NMC's MRI Certificate the Right Choice

    • Program is for those who already have an ARRT (R) Certification and radiologic technologists.

    • This online MRI certificate program can be completed in as little as one semester or 12 credit hours.

    • Curriculum focus on advanced cross-sectional anatomy, instrumentation and procedures for a MRI technologist.

    • Program prepares students for the ARRT MRI exam.

    • Individuals with credentials in diagnostic medical sonography are eligible to apply.

    • Financial aid is available and important for students; contact us for specific questions regarding financial aid.

    • Individuals with certification in nuclear medicine are eligible to apply.

    • Program prepares students for careers as MRI technologists.

    • Program includes coursework and clinical experiences specific to radiologic technology.

    • Program is a selective admission program; details about the application process are available on our website.

    • Credits transfer directly into the Bachelor’s of Imaging Science degree completion program.

    • Course material can be accessed at any time of the day from anywhere with Internet access.

    ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) MRI certification


    Completion of NMC's MRI Certificate prepares graduates to apply for ARRT MRI specialty certification. The ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) MRI certification is the nationally recognized credential for MRI technologists and is required or preferred by most employers. For current ARRT exam eligibility requirements, visit arrt.org.

    Accreditation & Licensure

    Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Admissions Information

    Criteria

    Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

    Requirements

    To be considered for admission the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office:

    Please mail your official transcript information to the following address listed exactly:

    Nebraska Methodist College
    Attn: Division of Professional Development
    720 N 87 ST Omaha, NE 68114

    Alternately, you may email your official transcripts to: pd@methodistcollege.edu

    Deadlines

    Prospective students may apply anytime and are accepted from deadlines throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and students will be notified of their application status by letter or phone.

    Starting Term - August

    Standard Deadline - Rolling

    Costs & Financial Aid

    NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

    Cost Per Credit Hour

    $623

    Cost of Attendance

    Private Student Loans

    The Financial Aid Office can help facilitate this process for you. Check out our private education loans page to find out how to make an informed choice when selecting a lender.

    Employee Education Benefits

    Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the internal Employee Center.

    External Scholarships

    Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.

    Curriculum

    All MRI certificate program students are required to complete specific coursework. This list should only be used as a curriculum guide. Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change. All credit earned may be applied to the BS Imaging Sciences Program.

    First year - First Semester

    ISC 315
    ADVANCED CROSS-SECTIONAL ANATOMY I
    DETAILS
    Advanced Sectional Anatomy I will discuss anatomical structures of the upper and lower extremities, abdomen, and pelvis located in an array of multiple imaging planes and modalities.  Characteristic appearances of anatomical structures will be discussed as it applies to Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Ultrasound.  Pathology and physiological aspects of major anatomical structures will be addressed and reviewed through identification exercises and assignments when applicable.

    Prerequisites: RAD/DMS 262, ARRT(R) candidacy or credential or Instructor Permission

    ISC 320
    ADVANCED CROSS-SECTIONAL ANATOMY II
    DETAILS
    Advanced Sectional Anatomy II will discuss anatomical structures of the neck, head, spine, and thorax as identified and located in multiple imaging planes and modalities.  Characteristic appearances of anatomical structures will be discussed as it applies to Computed Tomography (CT), magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Ultrasound images.  Pathology and physiological aspects of major anatomical structures will be addressed and reviewed through identification exercises and assignments when applicable.

    Prerequisites: RAD/DMS 262, ARRT(R) candidacy or credential or Instructor Permission

    ISC 325
    INTRODUCTION TO MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
    DETAILS
    This course will cover basic principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Instrumentation, equipment, and MRI safety are topics that will be covered in detail within this course. Instruction on Image Weighting and Contrast, Encoding and Image Formation, and MRI Parameters and Trade-offs will also be included within the course.

    Prerequisites: ARRT(R) candidacy or credential

    ISC 330
    ADVANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
    DETAILS
    This course is a continuation of ISC325 Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Students will engage in an in-depth lecture on pulse sequences that are specific to MRI. MR Flow Phenomena as well as Vascular/Cardiac Imaging will be discussed. Students will explore functional imaging techniques, and MRI contrast agents and artifacts. Course content will include anatomy specific imaging, protocols, and pathology relevant to MRI.

    Prerequisites: ISC 325

    Meet the Faculty

    Our MRI certificate program faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use.

    While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal experience. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

    Meet the Faculty

    Additional information

    Technology Requirements

    To be successful with your online courses, you should have a basic understanding of computers and the internet. Read more about the minimum knowledge and hardware requisites on our Online Technology Requirements page.

    Technical Standards

    Since the completion of the Associate of Science Degree in Radiologic Technology signifies that the holder is eligible to sit for the A.R.R.T. certification board examination and is prepared for entry into the profession of Radiologic Technology, it follows that graduates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations.

    The following information allows the student to make an informed decision in their educational career by providing a breakdown of student expectations within the program. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to the program, however, it is the student's responsibility to notify administration of the college if there are any reasons why he/she cannot adequately meet the expectations described below.

    1. Problem solving: the culminating activity in the preparation of a radiographer is clinical reasoning. Therefore, a student must be able to make correct observation, and have the skills of measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis.
    2. Judgment: the student will be expected to demonstrate judgment in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings, which illustrates an ability to make mature, sensitive, effective and ethical decisions in the following areas: Relationships with supervisors, peers, and patients Professional behavior The effectiveness of intervention strategies An understanding of the rationale and justification of his/her performance
    3. Communication:
      • Written Communication: the student must be able to assimilate information from written sources (i.e., texts, journals, medical/school records, etc.), and attain, comprehend, retain, and utilize new information presented in written formats. The profession calls not only for the initial learning of a new body of knowledge, but also the continual updating of knowledge from current sources. Students are required to utilize information from written sources and must be able to produce appropriate written documentation.
      • Verbal and Nonverbal Communication: the student must be able to produce the spoken word and elicit information from patients, supervisors, and peers with skills in describing factual information, including subtle cues of mood and temperament. Communication must be accurate, sensitive, and efficient within all facets of healthcare. Response time to emergencies/crisis situations as well as routine communication must be appropriate.
    4. Sensorimotor: the student must have gross motor, fine motor, and equilibrium functions reasonably required to carry out radiographic examinations. Task requirements range from transferring a child or adult from a wheelchair to a radiographic table, to the fine motor manipulation required to draw up emergency medication. Quick reactions are necessary not only for safety, but for one to respond efficiently in most clinical situations. The student must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the visual, auditory, and tactile senses. The student can expect to lift and manipulate patients and radiographic equipment up to 50 lbs or more.
    5. Attitude: the student is expected to exhibit professional behavior and attitudes during his/her participation in classroom and clinical situations. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate language, flexibility toward change, and acceptance of responsibility for one's own conduct. The student is expected to exhibit a positive attitude toward patients, peers, and supervisors.
    6. Observation: the student will be required to use instruments requiring visual acuity. These devices include, but are not limited to, radiographic equipment, health assessment tools and devices (i.e., blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, etc.). The student will be required to make observations and evaluations, while observing the results of treatment and reactions.
    7. It is the responsibility of the student to understand the duties, responsibilities, skills and abilities required of  this chosen program/profession. In addition to the technical standards as described above, please review the information regarding radiologic technology at the O*NET website.

    The MRI Certificate Is Just the Beginning

    For imaging professionals who want to keep building, NMC offers a full pathway from specialty certificate to bachelor's degree — and your credits get you there faster:

    • BS in Imaging Sciences: Complete your bachelor's degree online while you work, using the Mammography Certificate credits you've already earned.

    • CT Certificate: Round out your cross-sectional imaging expertise with CT specialty credentials.

    Questions about your options? Contact NMC Admissions at (402) 354-7200.