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.

Students are expected to provide proof of a Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan prior to the start of the program or clinical start. The insurance plan must cover you throughout the length of your clinical experience, which in 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

• Open Enrollment: Typically opens November through mid-January
  If you will need health insurance ANYTIME within the next year, you must apply during the current open enrollment period.

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.

Incoming health science students have certain requirements that must be met throughout the program. Refer to the resources below for more information.

• Clinical Requirements Packet - Learn more about health requirements you may need to complete prior to registration or after program admission.
• Social Security Number (SSN) Requirements - While the College may not require an SSN for admission to all healthcare programs, students should be aware that the absence of an SSN may limit or prevent their ability to participate in certain clinical experiences, obtain required licensure or certification or secure employment upon graduation. Many healthcare employers, clinical education sites, licensing agencies and credentialing organizations require a valid SSN for employment, criminal background checks, payroll processing and/or professional licensure or certification. Students are strongly encouraged to verify SSN requirements with the applicable licensing board, certifying agency and prospective employers before enrolling in a healthcare program.
• Policy for Professional Conduct - Learn what will be expected of you in the classroom, lab, simulation and clinical sites.
• Violation of Professional Conduct Policy Form - Used to document violations of the Professional Conduct Policy.

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.

The mission of the program is to educate MRI students with the knowledge, skills and attitude to become qualified practitioners who provide quality service and care to the community, as well as to prepare students for the changing needs of the profession.

College of DuPage prepares students for responsible citizenship, broadens intellectual perspectives and fosters ethical and humanitarian values in responding to diverse populations.

Program Goals

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. In addition, other goals include;

• 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.
• Promote the enhancement of written and verbal communication skills through the use of critical thinking and integrative technology practices.
• 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 the candidate's successful performance on the ARRT Certification exam as a condition of the completion of the MRI program.
• Provide accurate student advising to aid in student retention, course completion, program completion and possible future job placement.
• Provide opportunities for continuing education for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.

Applicants are also advised that the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology program follows a rigorous curriculum that requires serious student memorization, practical application of theory and coursework.

To participate in the clinical education portion of the program, the applicant must possess additional non-academic skills. These technical standards are consistent with the duties of the entry-level technologist in a professional position. The applicant should have:

Technical Skills

• The ability to operate the MRI scanner, coils and equipment to perform diagnostic procedures in a manner consistent with MRI safe practices and maximum image quality
• The ability to evaluate and interpret requests for MRI procedures and determine the best method of achieving optimal image results

Physical Requirements

Sufficient strength and fine motor coordination to:

• Lift 25 pounds for short distances
• Pull and push heavy objects
• Assist in moving patient from stretcher, wheelchair, or bed to and from MRI table
• Manipulate MRI coils/table and accessory equipment
• Reach equipment at heights greater than 6 feet

Adequate eyesight to:

• Observe the patient's condition
• Read MRI computer screen/imaging equipment
• Evaluate MRI images for appropriate image quality
   

Sufficient hearing to:

• Respond to patient's verbal inquiries
• Communicate with other personnel involved in the care of the patient
• Initiate timely response to audible alarms and signals

Interpersonal Skills

• Work in a professional manner with patients of all ages, races, creeds and physical conditions while maintaining and respecting patient confidentiality
• Work with newborns, children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics in a safe and helpful manner
• Communicate and receive written and verbal instructions and carry them out using proper channels of communication
• Use accurate verbal and written communications in English to:
  Interpret clinical data
• Obtain and document relevant clinical information
• Comprehend and carry out physician requests
• Provide patient/public education related to MRI procedures and safety

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability to:

• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of MRI procedure
• Perform mathematical problems quickly and accurately
• Work efficiently in stressful situations
• Complete program requirements
• Pass the National Registry Examination in MRI

Interpersonal Skills

• Work in a professional manner with patients of all ages, races, creeds and physical conditions while maintaining and respecting patient confidentiality
• Work with newborns, children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics in a safe and helpful manner
• Communicate and receive written and verbal instructions and carry them out using proper channels of communication
• Use accurate verbal and written communications in English to:
  Interpret clinical data
• Obtain and document relevant clinical information
• Comprehend and carry out physician requests
• Provide patient/public education related to MRI procedures and safety

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability

• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of MRI procedure
• Perform mathematical problems quickly and accurately
• Work efficiently in stressful situations
• Complete program requirements
• Pass the National Registry Examination in MRI

After successfully completing the program and meeting ARRT eligibility requirements, graduates may take the ARRT Magnetic Resonance Imaging certification examination. Those who pass the exam earn nationally recognized MRI certification, allowing them to practice as certified MRI technologists throughout the United States, subject to any applicable state licensure requirements.