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Program facts 
Get ready for a career in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) field by completing this 16-credit-hour certificate program. Designed for registered radiologic technologists, this program will teach you how to produce cross-sectional images of the body utilizing magnetic resonance equipment to diagnose abnormalities that are difficult to evaluate with conventional radiography.
This program combines clinical and didactic experiences to give you the knowledge and skills needed to become an entry-level MRI technologist. Learn about the physics and instrumentation of magnetic imaging, clinical procedures and protocols, patient care and safety. Upon completion of the program, you’ll qualify to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) MRI registry examination.
After graduating and successfully passing your MRI exam, you can explore career opportunities in health care facilities including hospitals and clinics, specialized imaging centers, urgent care clinics, and physician offices.
This is a limited-enrollment program. Please review this program's admission criteria and process.
This 16 credit-hour, year-long certificate program prepares ARRT registered radiologic technologists to produce cross-sectional images of the body, utilizing magnetic resonance equipment, in order to diagnose abnormalities that are difficult to evaluate with conventional radiography. The program offers a combination of clinical and didactic educational experiences that will provide the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an entry-level MRI technologist. Students will learn the physics and instrumentation of magnetic imaging, clinical procedures and protocols, patient care and MRI safety screening. Upon completion of the MRI program, the radiologic technologist will be eligible to sit for the registry examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in MRI.
Because of the nature of clinical experiences and individualized instruction in this program, and specialized technology, and the equipment necessary to offer this program, a higher tuition rate is assessed for career specific courses. These include courses with the RAD prefix. Students pay 1.5 the regular rate of tuition.
Admission Requirements:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a limited enrollment program. For admission requirements, please contact the Admissions Outreach Office at 847.925.6700 or visit harpercollege.edu.
Students who apply for this limited enrollment program are obligated to meet current admission requirements and follow program curriculum as defined at the time of acceptance to the program.
Hours Required: A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RAD 238 | Sectional Anatomy for Imaging | 2 |
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Description: Studies human anatomical structures in multiple imaging planes. Reviews images created by MRI and Computed Tomography as well as gross anatomical images. Focuses primarily on identification of normal anatomy, but also includes some pathological conditions. Discusses the role of MRI and CT in physiological imaging. Prerequisite: BIO 261 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 270 | MRI Patient Care and Procedures | 3 |
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Description: Provides detailed coverage of procedures for MR imaging. Procedures include, but are not limited to, indications for the procedure, patient education, preparation, orientation and positioning, patient history and assessment, contrast media usage, scout image, selectable scan parameters, filming and archiving of the images. MR procedures will be taught for differentiation of specific structures, patient symptomology and pathology. MR images studied will be reviewed for quality, anatomy and pathology. MR procedures vary from facility to facility and normally are dependent on the preferences of the radiologists. Prerequisite: Admission into the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program, and prior or concurrent enrollment in RAD 238 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 271. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 271 | MRI Principles I | 3 |
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Description: Reviews the historical development and foundation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Explains basic principles and fundamentals classically and through quantum physics. Explores MRI systems and interactions of the magnetic fields within the systems. Discusses advantages of MRI imaging through contrast characteristics exploring the important mechanisms that affect image contrast in MRI. Explains resonance, interaction of radiofrequency, gradients including data collection and image formation. Explores hardware required for production of magnetic resonance images to include magnet, radiofrequency source, image processor, computer system including MRI ancillary equipment. Discusses the artifacts causes and explores solutions to avoid artifact appearance. Prerequisite: Admission to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program is required or consent of instructor, and prior or concurrent enrollment in RAD 238 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 270. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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Hours Required: A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RAD 272 | MRI Principles II | 2 |
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Description: Continues the physical principles and instrumentation involved in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Explains data acquisition and processing, sequence parameters and imaging options. Explains quality control and quality assurance principles in magnetic resonance imaging. Incorporates magnetic resonance health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies and health care organizations. Prerequisite: RAD 271 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 273 | MRI Clinical Education I | 3 |
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Description: Applies principles of magnetic resonance imaging procedures under the supervision of a qualified registered American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) technologist. Emphasizes principles of exposure, image quality, patient care, radiation safety and other associated professional skills. Placement of clinical assignment by program coordinator. Prerequisite: RAD 270 and RAD 271 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 272. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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Hours Required: A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RAD 274 | MRI Clinical Education II | 3 |
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Description: Continues to apply the principles of magnetic resonance imaging procedures under the supervision of a qualified registered American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) technologist. Emphasizes the principles of exposure, image quality, patient care, radiation safety and other associated professional skills. Placement of clinical assignment by program coordinator. NOTE: American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification must be completed prior to placement in a clinical rotation. Prerequisite: RAD 272 and RAD 273 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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Students interested in radiological technology may also be interested in:
Please note: Certificate programs are open to those who have completed the AAS program in Radiologic Technology or are Registered Radiologic Technologists.
For more information about MRI courses at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.