Academic Associate of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

At Smith Chason, our associate degree in MRI uses a combination of teaching methods and techniques, including online classes, in-person lectures, hands-on education in lab settings, and externship experience. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging program includes coursework on:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• MRI Cross-Sectional Anatomy
• MRI Fundamentals of Medical Imaging
• MRI Physics, Safety, Bio-Effects
• MRI Pathophysiology
• MRI Safety
• How to operate MRI scanners
• How to perform MRI pulse sequences to optimize image contrast
• Identify pathologies seen on MRI scans
• Demonstrate entry-level clinical knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the care of patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging procedures
• A commitment to ethics and professionalism
• Get hands-on learning throughout the program at offsite MRI clinics and labs

At Smith Chason College, our commitment to comprehensive education extends beyond the classroom. Through our externship programs, we integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, empowering our students to thrive in their respective fields. Collaborating with hospitals and clinics nationwide, we offer hands-on learning opportunities under a mentor’s guidance. Whether aspiring to become proficient sonographers, MRI technologists, or healthcare professionals, our students gain invaluable real-life experience, supporting their goals to become exceptional practitioners prepared to meet the demands of their chosen profession. 

These experiences are typically conducted toward the end of the program, allowing students to apply their accumulated knowledge in real-world settings. Moreover, these opportunities often serve as a gateway to potential job opportunities, enabling students to forge connections and establish themselves within their chosen field even before graduation. At Smith Chason College, we believe in equipping our students with not only the requisite skills but also the practical experience and industry connections necessary to support them on their journey toward a successful career in healthcare. 

Program Objectives:

1. Conduct screening of patients for MRI exams following all MRI safety requirements and patient care procedures as Level II MR personnel.
2. Determine patient specific care and education needs by interpreting physicians’ orders for MRI exams.
3. Perform MRI imaging procedures utilizing appropriate patient, technical and procedural, evaluation skills.
4. Apply legal aspects of patients’ rights and laws governing patient care in practice.
5. Choose appropriate imaging parameters, contrast, and options to optimize MRI image quality.
6. Integrate knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and patient set-up utilizing correct imaging planes to properly visualize anatomy and pathology.
7. Demonstrate essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required to apply and sit for nationally recognized certification exams and registration.

Class schedules are subject to change. Students will be notified of any change prior to the start of the quarter. Not all schedules are available at all campuses. Speak to an admissions representative to learn more about which schedules are available for your requested start date.

Weekday/Weeknight 

• Mornings: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Evenings: Monday through Friday, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Weekend:

• Saturday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Friday – May be required

All applicants must meet the Smith Chason College General Admissions Requirements and pass the entrance exam to be eligible for enrollment.

Entrance Exam  

All applicants for the Associates MRI program must pass the Wonderlic entrance exam with a minimum passing score of 25 at all College campuses.

About Tuition and Fees

Knowing what to expect is important when planning for your college education. We understand that this can be a big commitment for you in your life and for your finances. Combining quality with value is important and we aspire to give you both.

The current schedule of tuition and fees is included in the latest School Catalog under “Tuition and Fee Schedules”. The cost is dependent on the term and location; for exact financial information please contact your local representative.

See details about Tuition here

Financial Aid is available.

Smith Chason College is eligible to participate in federal financial assistance programs, California state aid programs, approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons, private student loans, and scholarships. Learn more about financial options available to those who qualify at Smith Chason College on our Financial Aid page

Of the different types of medical imaging out there, one of the most dynamic and capable is magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. MRI machines use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inner workings of your body. When an X-ray or ultrasound can’t provide a complete picture, doctors and physicians turn to MRIs in order to discover the root of a health issue. In particular, ultrasounds can’t look through bones or gas, so MRIs might be necessary to see through concealed areas of the body to what’s going on beneath. MRIs can be ordered for any part of the body, and teams of medical professionals then use those images and results to come to a diagnosis and a preferred method of treatment. It is a tool that can result in life-saving medical decisions.

An MRI technologist is trained to perform a number of different tasks and responsibilities, which might vary depending on the setting in which you’re working and the types of patients you interact with. It might include:

• Discussing the procedure with the patient, including answering any of their questions or concerns
• Preparing patients for the scanner, including injecting patients with contrast media and shielding exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
• Positioning patients on the equipment in order to precisely follow physician orders and get the correct image
• Operating, cleaning, and maintaining computerized MRI equipment
• Evaluating the images, determining whether more images are needed, and keeping detailed patient records of the results

For those who are interested in a career as an MRI technologist, the first step is to enroll in a quality, hands-on education program that can provide the education you need. The MRI associate degree program at Smith Chason is an ARMRT-approved program that can help prepare you for an entry-level career in this specialized medical field by teaching you how to use this dynamic technology to help diagnose and monitor diseases. We focus on the courses and technical skills that you need on the job, with additional preparation for registration and certification exams.

MRI technologists should also have:

• Strong attention to detail — Producing accurate and helpful magnetic resonance images requires following very precise instructions and producing careful work.
• Good people skills — MRIs are often ordered for patients who are stressed or experiencing pain, and a technologist must be able to work with them with compassion and care.
• Good math skills — MRI technologists may be asked to calculate the amount of magnetic resonance emitted in order to produce a quality image.
• Strong technical skills — Magnetic resonance imaging equipment is often complex, so technologists must feel comfortable working and maintain these machines.

The population of the U.S. is aging and significantly increasing the rates of things like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, which is increasing the demand for diagnostic and preventative medical services, like MRIs. Preventative and diagnostic services like MRIs will see the demand go up significantly, adding thousands of jobs to the field through 2030.

A little over half of the 42,000 MRI technologists employed across the U.S. in May of 2020 were at state, local, and private hospitals, including academic and research hospitals and specialty hospitals.

The rest of the techs were employed at the wide variety of other medical facilities that are in need of trained MRI operators, including:

• Medical and diagnostic labs
• Physicians’ offices
• Outpatient clinics
• Urgent care centers
• And more

Smith Chason College graduates are eligible to sit for their registry exams to become registered sonographers. Smith Chason strongly recommends obtaining certifications to provide you with the best knowledge and opportunities when entering the medical imaging field. Registry reviews and assistance with the registry exam process are available for students as they navigate through their program. Review our Pathways to Registry for Associates MRI Students to learn more about our suggested pathway and which exams are included in the program cost.

Other Registries to consider After Graduation and In Your Career

• ARMRIT Certified MRI Technologist
• ARMRIT Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
• ARRT Registered Technologist – Radiography (RTR)
• ARRT Registered Technologist – Computed Tomography (RTCT)
• ARRT Registered Technologist – Mammography (RTM)

The eligibility prerequisites of all registries can be changed at any time without Smith Chason College’s knowledge or consent. This document is meant to be a guide only, there are additional steps and requirements not listed here, and all students should refer to the Smith Chason registry disclosure and review the registry’s website for the most up-to-date information. Your previous education may allow you to have registry eligibility not addressed here, please see the registry’s website for details. 

Yes, Smith Chason College is accredited by the ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Our programs work in cooperation with community partners nationally in the medical field, including but not limited to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and assisted living.

Externships and clinical rotations may be attended during daytime hours, evenings, or weekends as approved by externship/clinical sites and Smith Chason. Students are responsible for transportation to and from their externship site and may be required to travel more than 75 miles from the campus each way including out of the area or out of state.

In addition, our partners require that we ensure that our students participating in externships or clinical practice at their facilities have required vaccinations, health screenings, and clear background checks.

All programs at our college require clinical applications on real patients as required by the Boards that license our graduates. Therefore, any person enrolling at Smith Chason will be required to perform all clinical requirements to meet graduation and state board requirements.

6 months for our Bachelor and Associates medical imaging students.

Yes. Smith Chason College is eligible to participate in federal financial assistance programs, California state aid programs, approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons, private student loans, and scholarships. Learn more about financial options available to those who qualify at Smith Chason College on our Financial Aid page

Smith Chason also offers and accepts a variety of scholarships. Our Smith Chason Scholarship booklet contains a sampling of various scholarships granted by Smith Chason and other sources for you to consider as you embark on your educational journey. Scholarships can be a great source of additional assistance to help you fund your education and your future!

For other scholarships not listed in our booklet, please visit FastWeb, an online resource to search over 1.5 million scholarships.

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*Smith Chason College does not control the availability, validity or selection criteria of outside scholarships. Scholarships and financial aid is available to those who qualify

Yes, graduates who have successfully completed all parts of their program are eligible to sit for their registry and NCLEX exams. This includes the SPI and CCT which can be taken after completing PHY202 and CAR220 respectively, ARRT(S), ARRT(MR), ARMRIT, ARDMS, NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN after graduation.  Smith Chason strongly recommends obtaining certifications to provide you with the best knowledge and opportunities when entering the medical imaging and nursing field. Smith Chason provides registry reviews, NCLEX prep with  robust ATI program and assistance with the exam process.

See our Pathways to Registry for Medical Imaging Students for more information.