Magnetic resonance yechnologists are licensed by the states in which they practice.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011, licensing requirements for magnetic resonance imaging technologists differ from state to state. Educational programs for MRI technologists vary as well. These programs include bachelor's degrees, associate's degrees, and certificates. The JRCERT or Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredited 35 bachelor's programs, 397 associate's programs and 213 certification programs in 2009.
Certification and Licensure
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers a certification for MRI techs. In fact, many states require MRI techs to pass ARRT-administered tests for state licensure. Therefore, candidates for MRI tech licensure benefit from attending educational programs accredited by the ARRT. ARRT lists 19 schools in the U.S. that it recommends for magnetic resonance imaging training on its website. These schools prepare individuals for ARRT testing and certification.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Eight schools offer bachelor of science degrees that lead to certification for MRI technologists. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston has the only program listed as a BS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Thomas Jefferson University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a BS in Radiologic Sciences. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas offers a BS in Diagnostic Imaging. Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas also has a BS in Radiologic Sciences. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois offers a specialization in MRI and Computed Tomography during the last year of its BS in Radiologic Sciences. Indiana University in Kokomo, Indiana has a BS degree in Medical Imaging Technology. The University of Cincinnati in Ohio offers a BS in Advanced Medical Imaging Technology. Weber State University in Ogden, Utah offers a BS as an option in its radiology practitioner assistant program.
Associate's Degree Programs
The ARRT recommends three associate's degree programs that lead to MRI tech certification. Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California has an associate's in science degree in diagnostic medical imaging sciences. Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan and Forsyth Tech in Winston-Salem, North Carolina both offer associate's degrees as one path toward MRI tech certification.
Certification Programs
Six schools on ARRT's list offer entry level certification programs for MRI techs that do not lead to a degree. Most certificate programs take 12 to 18 months depending upon previous education and experience of the program candidates. These schools are: West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia; Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan; Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina; Forsyth Tech in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Community College of Alleghany County in Monroeville, Pennsylvania; and Bucks County Community College in Newton, Pennsylvania.
Post-Degree Certification
Three of the programs listed by ARRT are intended for individuals who already have a degree. Galveston College in Galveston, Texas offers certification to students who already have an associate's degree in radiologic sciences. Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island has a 10-month post-baccalaureate MRI certification program. Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Georgia has a post-bachelor's degree in imaging science magnetic resonance imaging specialist certificate.
Other
One program listed on ARRT's site, East-West University in Chicago, was no longer listed in the school's programs of study.
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