Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) advanced certificate is a one-semester program that prepares radiographers to perform MRI procedures in hospitals and imaging centers. The program is offered in the spring semester and combines online courses with a hands-on practicum component to gain the required MRI competencies. Technologists already employed in MRI may seek enrollment in the online classroom-only portion of the program, if desired.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a specialized imaging modality that uses computer technology in conjunction with magnetic fields and radio-frequency signals to obtain sectional images in any body plane. MRI's ability to distinguish differences in tissue composition has made it the modality of choice in imaging the central nervous system and a variety of soft tissue structures. 

 

Application dates

The online application for the MRI program is open from June 1 to October 1. The application deadline date is October 1 for spring semester enrollment. 

If you're interested in this program, complete the steps to enroll to become a Carl Sandburg College student. Apply here!

You must meet with the MRI academic advisor prior to applying to the program. 


Pathways to other programs

Radiologic Technology

Computed Tomography (CT) 

Admission to the program: Selective

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program is an advanced certificate program. Applicants must be a graduate of an approved radiography program with a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale and have an active registration with the ARRT or registry-eligible status to be considered for admission. You must apply and be formally accepted into the program prior to enrolling in any Magnetic Resonance Imaging courses. Refer to the Eligibility & Admission requirements for this program to determine eligibility criteria and selection process.  

You will be notified approximately two weeks after the application deadline date whether or not you've been accepted into the program. If accepted into the MRI program, you must attend the required program orientation session.

If you'll be taking MRI 255 MRI Practicum, you must possess Healthcare Provider CPR certification throughout the program, show proof of immunizations and required titers, TB test, physical examination, criminal background check and drug screen.

Findings on the criminal background check and drug screen may void conditional admission and prevent entrance to the program, and findings on the physical examination and drug screen may prevent placement at the clinical sites. Technologists employed in MRI may seek enrollment in the online classroom-only portions of the program if desired.

Although the COVID-19 vaccination is not an admission requirement, most clinical sites require vaccination against COVID-19. Check with your program coordinator for more details.

Career and technical programs/courses are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Contact the Title IX coordinator at 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.

For additional information contact:
Welcome Center
309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu

 

 

Working Conditions

MRI technologists may work in a variety of healthcare facilities, although most are employed in hospitals or imaging centers. Technologists typically work 40-hour weeks that may include evening, weekend or on-call hours dependent upon their employment setting. Please refer to the Essential Skills & Abilities of an MRI technologist to determine if you are able to meet these functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

MRI Technologist 


Employment

As the cost of equipment declines and smaller units become available, MRI and other radiologic procedures are increasingly being used in physicians' offices and walk-in clinics, which increases the demand for technologists to operate the machinery. With life expectancy increasing, the demands of an aging population increase the need for healthcare providers. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Learn more.

View a sample schedule for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The program is offered in the spring semester and combines online courses with a hands-on practicum component.

 

CLASS FORMATS

Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit the needs of our students. To determine the formats for specific courses, please refer to our course schedule.

Regardless of the course format, you should have access to a reliable computer with broadband  (high-speed) internet. All courses use online resources and require students to access course information through mySandburg. Accessing courses through a phone is discouraged. Both campuses have open computer labs for student use.

View class formats.

Estimated costs for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) program

View the MRI cost sheet.


FINANCIAL AID

To apply for financial aid, visit our financial aid page for more information.

 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact the local office to see if you qualify for financial support. 

  • Hancock County | 550 N. Madison St. | Carthage, IL | 217.357.6749      
  • Warren/Henderson County |1025 S. 2nd St | Monmouth, IL | 309.734.4745
  • Knox County Bondi Building | 311 E. Main, Suite 612 | Galesburg, IL | 309.343.9832               
  • McDonough County | 440 N. Lafayette | Macomb, IL | 309.837.1280


SCHOLARSHIPS

Thanks to our generous donors, the Carl Sandburg College Foundation is able to award more than $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners and returning students are encouraged to apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year. 

  1. To prepare you to pass the ARRT post-primary examination in magnetic resonance imaging by providing didactic instruction in each content area identified in the ARRT Content Specifications and the ASRT Curriculum Guide.

  2. To provide you with an opportunity to participate in a variety of MRI procedures that will assist you in meeting the clinical experience requirements defined by ARRT.

  3. To develop professionalism and promote lifelong learning among program graduates.

FAQs

If I am not admitted to the program or am placed on an alternative list and no spaces are available, do I have to apply again? 

Yes, if you're not admitted to the program, including being placed on the alternate list, and no spaces became available, application files are not carried over to the next year. You would need to complete the application/admission process again for the next admission year.

 

How do you evaluate applications?

Only those applicants who submit the online program application by the deadline date and have met all admission requirements are considered. All qualified applicants are evaluated according to a point system that allows an objective means for selection ranking. We select applicants with the highest point totals first. Please refer to the Admission Selection Points Worksheet for ranking criteria.

 

When will I know if I am accepted to the program?

Applicant acceptance status will be one of the following:

  • Conditionally admitted
  • Placed on the alternate list
  • Denied
You will be notified approximately two weeks after the application deadline date whether or not you are accepted into the nursing program. If you receive conditional admission or alternate status into the program, you will be notified via email. If you're denied admission, you'll be notified via U.S. mail.

 

How do I hold my seat if I am accepted?

Applicants conditionally admitted will have 14 calendar days from the date of your conditional admission email to pay the $50 seat fee (intent to enter) to the Carl Sandburg College Business Office to hold your seat in the nursing program.

 

Will I receive credit for the $50 to hold my seat? 

We will apply the $50 seat fee to your tuition, or it will be refunded directly to you after the financial aid refund and within two weeks after the 100% drop date for 16-week courses. Your seat fee form will be included with your conditional admission email. If you accept your seat and withdraw for any reason, you forfeit the seat fee. Alternates will pay their seat fee if their status changes to conditionally admitted.

 

I have been conditionally admitted; do I need to attend orientation?

Conditionally admitted applicants and those on the alternate list must attend the mandatory admission orientation session. Information regarding registration for the mandatory admission orientation session is provided in the admission status email. Information will be provided at the meeting to complete all the necessary nursing program requirements for full admission status.

Those conditionally admitted who do not register for and attend the mandatory admission orientation session forfeit their conditional admission, and your seat will be offered to an alternate. Alternates who do not register for or attend the mandatory admission orientation session forfeit their alternate position.

 

I have been conditionally admitted; when will I know my full admission status?

Full admission status is provided after the conditionally admitted applicant attends the mandatory admission orientation session, appropriately completes all program requirements and submits all required admission documents by the designated deadline.

 

Licensure

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Post Primary Examination in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This certification is nationally recognized and enables the student to pursue employment throughout the United States.

Meet the instructors

Laura Rider, MS, RT(R)
Program Coordinator

Mikayla Strohmaier, RT(R), MRI
Adjunct Instructor

 

College of Nursing & Health Professions
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
309.341.5299

Radiologic Technology Club

The purpose of the Sandburg Society for Student Radiologic Technologists is to provide information for students interested in Radiologic Technology and to discuss values for the betterment of the society and the profession.

Advisor: Laura Rider: 309.341.5222 | lrider@sandburg.edu

View a list of all student organizations.