Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certificate - Career Certificate

Pathway to MRI certification

Produce cross-sectional images using advanced technology

Your structured education will provide you the opportunity to develop mastery of discipline-specific knowledge, integrate theory into practice, and hone effective and critical thinking skills required to demonstrate professional competence.

Your clinical education will verify that you have demonstrated competency in performing the clinical activities fundamental to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Together, these educational practices will help you master the knowledge you’ll need to obtain your credential.

What can you do with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging certificate?

The MRI certificate prepares radiographers to work in medical facilities as MRI technologists. As an MRI technologist, you'll perform a variety of imaging procedures using a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in the patient's body. The MRI technologist's goals are to get high-quality diagnostic images, maintain patient safety and provide optimal patient care.

You will be eligible to take the post-primary certification exam in MRI by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) after completing the program.

Please note that MRI is an advanced certificate and is open only to students who are registered in radiography or radiation therapy by the ARRT or in nuclear medicine technology by ARRT or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or in sonography by ARRT or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Screening Requirements
A. Students must submit the following documents to the Welcome and One-Stop Center:
1. Student Information Form
2. MRI Screening Form (PDF)
3. Copy of current certification of your imaging field
4. A professional resume documenting years of experience in a related imaging field (must include employer, job responsibilities, and dates employed)
B.   Meet minimum technical performance standards as defined for the profession.
Screening Deadline
The MRI Certification program has a deadline of June 24, 2024 for the Fall 2024 cohort. If space is available in the program after the initial screening deadline, qualified students will be accepted in an order based on academic qualifications. All required materials must be submitted to the Records Office.
The number of students that can be admitted to any clinical education course is limited for any given session. Therefore, a screening procedure is used to select the academically best qualified from those who request consideration.
- Preference is given to residents of CLC’s district, or a community college district that does not offer a Medical Imaging program and is a member of the CAREER consortium. Students who live outside of CLC’s district but are eligible for in-district tuition because they are employed by a district employer are NOT considered residents of the district for purposes of selection into the program.
- Students who are selected for the program are required to undergo a background check and a urine drug screen. The results of the background check and drug screen may result in the student losing his/her seat in the program. The costs are borne by the student.

Highlights

PATH Grant Stipends

Get extra financial support for school and living expenses through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) grant.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $71,028
  
  Median
  
  $88,040
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $106,413
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34.14
  
  Median
  
  $42.32
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.15
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.35%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.04%
  
  Some college
  
  4.35%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  65.22%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  13.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
MIM 251	MIM 251 MRI Physics & Instrumentation Class Description This course introduces the principles of magnetic resonance imaging. The course will focus on imaging sequences/parameters and their effects quality exams. Imaging hardware and production, quality assurance, and safety considerations are also presented.	3
MIM 253	MIM 253 MRI Procedures & Sectional Anatomy I Class Description This course introduces MRI scanning procedures, applications, sectional anatomy and pathology. Scanning parameters and patient care will be emphasized for examinations of the brain, spine and bony pelvis. Radiographic critiques and quality assurance will also be emphasized.	3
MIM 272	MIM 272 MRI Practicum Class Description This course introduces the student to supervised competency based clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on patient care, safety considerations, positioning and scanning parameters, MR imaging procedures, and non-imaging procedures.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MIM 251
Course Title	MIM 251 MRI Physics & Instrumentation Class Description This course introduces the principles of magnetic resonance imaging. The course will focus on imaging sequences/parameters and their effects quality exams. Imaging hardware and production, quality assurance, and safety considerations are also presented.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MIM 253
Course Title	MIM 253 MRI Procedures & Sectional Anatomy I Class Description This course introduces MRI scanning procedures, applications, sectional anatomy and pathology. Scanning parameters and patient care will be emphasized for examinations of the brain, spine and bony pelvis. Radiographic critiques and quality assurance will also be emphasized.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MIM 272
Course Title	MIM 272 MRI Practicum Class Description This course introduces the student to supervised competency based clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on patient care, safety considerations, positioning and scanning parameters, MR imaging procedures, and non-imaging procedures.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
MIM 255	MIM 255 MRI Procedures and Sectional Anatomy II Class Description This course introduces MRI scanning procedures, applications, sectional anatomy and pathology. Scanning parameters and patient care will be emphasized for the examinations of the upper extremities, lower extremities, thorax, abdomen and soft tissue pelvis. Radiographic critiques and quality assurance will also be emphasized.	3
MIM 272	MIM 272 MRI Practicum Class Description This course introduces the student to supervised competency based clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on patient care, safety considerations, positioning and scanning parameters, MR imaging procedures, and non-imaging procedures.	3
MIM 257	MIM 257 MRI Procedures & Sectional Anatomy III Class Description This course covers MRI scanning procedures, applications, sectional anatomy and pathology. Scanning parameters and patient care will be emphasized for examination of advanced imaging procedures such as breast, prostate and cardiac imaging. In addition, biopsy procedures will be discussed.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MIM 255
Course Title	MIM 255 MRI Procedures and Sectional Anatomy II Class Description This course introduces MRI scanning procedures, applications, sectional anatomy and pathology. Scanning parameters and patient care will be emphasized for the examinations of the upper extremities, lower extremities, thorax, abdomen and soft tissue pelvis. Radiographic critiques and quality assurance will also be emphasized.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MIM 272
Course Title	MIM 272 MRI Practicum Class Description This course introduces the student to supervised competency based clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on patient care, safety considerations, positioning and scanning parameters, MR imaging procedures, and non-imaging procedures.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MIM 257
Course Title	MIM 257 MRI Procedures & Sectional Anatomy III Class Description This course covers MRI scanning procedures, applications, sectional anatomy and pathology. Scanning parameters and patient care will be emphasized for examination of advanced imaging procedures such as breast, prostate and cardiac imaging. In addition, biopsy procedures will be discussed.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

18

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Medical Imaging at CLC

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Learn about courses, faculty, related programs and more.

View the Medical Imaging program overview

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You must have and maintain registration in radiography or radiation therapy by the ARRT or in nuclear medicine technology by ARRT or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or in sonography by ARRT or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The education that you will receive in the MRI program will result in your ability to:
- operate MRI scanners
- evaluate a patient’s medical history
- screen patients for MRI safety
- position patients
- produce cross-sectional images of a patient's internal organs and tissues for diagnosis
- perform 3D image post-processing
- administer contrast materials
- evaluate MRI scans for quality and accuracy
- assist the radiologist with special procedures
Yes, most of them. Our structured education in this program is offered in an online format, and our clinical education will be completed at a clinical education medical facility.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in-person with faculty and peers.
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work as an MRI technician in the state of Illinois.

You may be able to work elsewhere with this certificate.

View professional licensure disclosures

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Pathway to MRI certification

Produce cross-sectional images using advanced technology

What can you do with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging certificate?

Admission: More Needed

Screening Requirements

Screening Deadline

Highlights

PATH Grant Stipends

WIOA Program

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 9 Credits

Semester 2 9 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Medical Imaging at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior medical experience before I apply?

What skills will I learn?

Can I take my classes online?

Where can I work as an MRI technician?

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Be debt-free at CLC

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