Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Learn about our MRI courses RESTRICTED to students registered in or eligible for ARRT primary certifications in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, or Sonography.

Do I qualify for the courses?

MRI students must ALREADY be a RAD TECH or SONOGRAPHER - be registered in or eligible for these ARRT primary certifications:

• Radiography
• Radiation Therapy
• Nuclear medicine -your Nuclear Medicine Technology credentials may be through ARRT or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
• Sonography -your Sonography credentials may be through ARRT or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

How do I enroll in the program?

• If you are not ALREADY a rad (x-ray) tech or sonographer, start at HACC by completing one of these programs:
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • Radiologic Technogist (X-Ray)
• If you already hold an elgible credential:
  • Download Clinical Course Admission Criteria, Essential Requirements, Code of Ethics (pdf).  It includes Application & Registration Information.
• Apply to the College
  • Looking to obtain an associate degree while attending: use Health Science 3656- as your major
  • Looking to just take MRI courses: use General Studies 7606- as your major

• Prior to clinical placement all students must submit a health examination form, drug screen and criminal background check within the past year (at the student's expense)

• MRI didactic courses must be completed before or in conjunction with the clinical courses.

MRI Specialty Course Application

• Contact Elizabeth Sasser - ejsasser@hacc.edu - 717-358-2870 - to discuss clinical options and learn more about the program.
• If you have any questions about this process and what you should do, contact Tami Burkholder, 717-358-2837 TLBURKHO@HACC.EDU.

What are the required courses?
MRI- Annually beginning Fall Semester.

Students have the option to take the didactic courses without the clinical portion, however the clinical courses have to be taken with the didactic courses.

• Fall (1st 7wks): RADT 281C Safety and Instrumentation (2 credits)
• Fall (2nd 7 wks): RADT 281D Anatomy, pathology and Procedures (2 credits)
• Spring (1st 7 wks): RADT 282K MRI Principles and Image Formation (Physics) (2 credits)
• Spring (2nd 7 wks): RADT 282L Parameters and Pulse Sequence (2 credits)
• (1st 6 wks): RADT 281E Special Procedures (2 credits)
• Clinical I RADT 281F starts the 2nd 7 weeks of the fall
• Clinical II RADT 281 G runs in the spring following 281F in case the student needs more time to complete the number of repetitions needed to sit for boards. (125 procedures/ repetitions) (2 credits)

When does HACC hold classes?
MRI courses are sequenced in Fall and Spring semesters.
The didactic courses will be on-line and the clinical courses will be at an affiliated clinical site in the region.

How much does the program cost?
All Courses are eligible for ARRT continuing education credits, and may qualify for tuition reimbursement through your current employer.

MRI Estimated Expenses (pdf)

Will I be eligible for credentials?
If you complete the didactic and clinical courses you will meet the educational and clinical experience requirements to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist's (ARRT) post primary certification examination in MRI.

What will I learn? 
MRI Anatomy, Pathology, MRI Procedures, MRI Principles and Image Formation, MRI Parameters and Pulsed Sequences, MRI Patient Safety and Instrumentation.

• All didactic courses are offered online in an interactive format.
• Clinical Rotations are optional in this 14-credit program.  This program can be completed in as few as 2-3 semesters.
• We offer flexible scheduling for optional clinical rotations conducted over two to three semesters.
• Didactic courses meet the ARRT formal education requirements while clinical experience provides an opportunity to complete the ARRT clinical requirements.