The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program at College of DuPage provides students with educational experiences and practical skills required to function as a successful MRI technologist.
Students will take MRI courses in physical principles and instrumentation, anatomy and pathology. Classes are held at the COD campus in Glen Ellyn. Hands-on experience will be completed at an affiliated medical facility.
The program is just under 12-months long, beginning in fall of each year. As part of the program, students will be prepared to become qualified practitioners who can provide quality care to the community as well as be prepared to meet the changing requirements of the profession.
Applying to the Program
The MRI program can admit only a limited number of students. Students applying to the MRI program must be:
- Registered as a Radiographer or Nuclear Medicine Technologist and
- In good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
- Applicants must also possess either an Associate in Applied Science or Bachelor of Arts of Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology.
In addition to enrolling at College of DuPage, students must also complete a separate admissions process for this program. For more information, read through the MRI Application Packet.
Students are expected to provide proof of a Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan prior to the start of the program or clinical start for PTA and SLPA. The insurance plan must cover you throughout the length of your clinical experience, which is most cases, consists of the entire length of the program. If you are in need of Health Insurance, please note the following important dates and visit cod.studentbenefitplans.com.
Important Dates
- November 1 through January 15: Open Enrollment
If you will need health insurance ANYTIME within the next year, you must apply during the current open enrollment period. - December 15: Deadline to enroll in a plan that will start January 1.
- January 15: Deadline to enroll in a plan that will start February 1.
- After January 15: Enrollment is closed.
If you miss open enrollment, but have a qualifying life event, you can still apply during a Special Enrollment Period.
While we cannot guarantee your official acceptance into the program, you need to be aware that there is short timeframe of when you are able to purchase a Health Insurance plan. The purpose of this step is to make you aware and that the time to research and purchase is NOW. Purchasing health insurance outside of this timeframe will take months and may prohibit your admittance into the Program. NOTE: Obtaining Health Insurance is NOT an application requirement but it is a requirement to be in the program.
First Step to Apply - Attend an Information Session
Determine Your Path
MRI technologists typically work in a hospital setting with physicians and supportive care personnel. They are responsible for operating the MRI scanner to develop an image that assists doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Whether you are changing fields or continuing your education in the MRI program, COD offers:
- Dedicated instructors with years of experience and certification.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
- Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Advanced Certificate
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields and radio-frequency waves to obtain cross-sectional anatomical images of the human body. The MRI program at the College of DuPage is a three semester advanced certificate program designed for graduates of a two-year radiography program. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology certificate requires 27 credits in the courses listed below.
The primary goal of the program is to educate competent, efficient, and effective Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, capable of functioning in any environment, within 12 months.
- Provide a complete, up-to-date, competency-based curriculum.
- Educate the student to properly perform the procedures associated with entry-level Magnetic Resonance Technologist employment responsibilities.
- Support the development of a diverse set of skills necessary to participate in both current and emerging technologies in magnetic resonance imaging.
- To promote development of integrative, critical thinking, and written, verbal and computer-based communication skills.
- Prepare the student to achieve a satisfactory result on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing examination for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. College of DuPage and/or its faculty and staff do not guarantee successful candidate performance on the ARRT Certification exam, as a condition of successful Program completion.
- Provide accurate student advisement to aid in student retention, course completion, program completion and possible future job placement.
- Provide opportunities for continuing education for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in the MRI program is to read the MRI application packet. The packet contains an admission checklist that you will need to follow in order to be eligible for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology Program graduates will:
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning, and MRI sequence parameters to accurately demonstrate anatomical structures.
- Determine imaging parameters to achieve optimum imaging.
- Evaluate images for appropriate positioning, coil selection, and image quality.
- Apply the principles of ferromagnetic safety and contrast application for the protection of the patient, technologist, and others.
- Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate life-saving first aid and basic life-support procedures.
- Evaluate the performance of MRI systems, know the safe limits of equipment operation, and report malfunctions to the proper authority.
- Participate in MRI quality assurance programs.
- Provide care and comfort in regard to the holistic health of the patient, technologist, and others.
- Provide patient education related to MRI procedures.
Career Information
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