Online MRI Degrees
To become a certified magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist, you need to spend hundreds of hours working with experienced professionals in a real-life clinical setting. For this reason, there are only a few programs that offer an only study option. Read on for more details about the programs available, online study options, accreditation and licenses, prerequisites and common course topics.
What Kinds of MRI Degrees are Available Online?
Most online MRI degree programs are offered at the baccalaureate level. You can earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Radiologic Technology, Medical Imaging or Radiologic Sciences with a major in MRI. Advanced certificate programs are also available online for certified radiologic technologists who already have an associate's or bachelor's degree in this field.
A few schools offer all regular coursework online, but most combine distance learning with campus-based courses and clinical work. All MRI programs have an internship or practicum component.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Programs Available</b></td><td> Specializations under bachelor programs, certificate programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Yes, but internship or practicum mandatory</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certifications Required</b></td><td> ARR-accredited program, annual registration</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Admission Requirements</b></td><td> Varies; For all but a bachelor's program, ARRT-accreditation is required <br/> State licensing may be necessary <br/> GPA scores <br/> Medical and criminal background check</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Course Duration</b></td><td> 2 -5 years, depending on the course</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> MRI instrumentation, sectional anatomy, MRI procedures</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $74,690 (<i>for all MRI technologists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all MRI technologists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatShouldILookForInAnOnlineProgram">What Should I Look For In an Online Program?</h3><p>Many employers and most state licensing agencies require technologists to have American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, so look for an ARRT-accredited program (<i>www.arrt.org</i>). If you are new to the field, an accredited program will qualify you for the primary certification exam in MRI. If you are already certified, there are accredited programs that can prepare you for the more advanced post-primary certification exam.
</p><p>While passing the ARRT exam gives you professional certification, there is also an annual registration process that requires continuing education credits. Registered technologists must keep up with the strict standards in the field and keep their skills current through ARRT-approved professional development coursework.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheRequirementsForAdmission">What Are the Requirements for Admission?</h3><p>Academic requirements vary widely, depending on whether you are seeking a degree and certification or you are already a certified technologist. Unless you are starting a bachelor's degree program, you will need ARRT certification for admission. Some programs require state licensing as well. A minimum 2.5 GPA in prior studies is preferred.
</p><p>Because the internship portion of your program will require direct contact with patients in hospitals or other types of clinical environments, you will also need:
</p><ul><li>Certification in CPR
</li><li>Hepatitis B immunization
</li><li>Varicella (chickenpox) immunization
</li><li>Criminal background check
</li><li>Drug screening
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectFromAnOnlineProgram">What Can I Expect From an Online Program?</h3><p>Depending on your prior education and experience, you can finish an MRI bachelor's degree program in 2-5 years. You will need to complete around 50 credit hours of professional MRI coursework along with general education requirements. Advanced certificate programs usually require from 22-26 credits and can be completed within a year. The following courses are commonly offered online in MRI programs:
</p><ul><li>Human anatomy and physiology
</li><li>MRI instrumentation
</li><li>Sectional anatomy
</li><li>MRI pathophysiology
</li><li>MRI procedures
</li><li>Physical principles of MRI
</li><li>MRI pharmacology
</li><li>Patient care in MRI
</li><li>Cross-sectional anatomy
</li><li>MRI procedures and safety
</li></ul><p>You can often access online learning at your convenience, but some programs require you to participate in scheduled lessons, just as you would in a regular classroom. Courses may also be in a hybrid format, offered part online and part on-campus. Campus-based orientation sessions or regular meetings may be mandatory.
</p><p>Remember that the clinical practicum is a huge part of any MRI program. You will complete several rotations through different hospitals and clinics, fulfilling a list of specific ARRT procedural requirements. The number of hours required can vary widely, from about 500 hours in a certificate program to over 1000 hours in a bachelor's degree program.</p>
