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 utilizes 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. Technologists already employed in MRI may seek enrollment in the online classroom-only portion of the program, if desired.
Application Dates
The online application for the MRI program is open from June 1 - October 1. The application deadline date is October 1 for spring semester enrollment.
Anyone interested in this program must first complete the steps to enroll to become a Carl Sandburg College student. Apply here!
Students must then meet with the MRI academic advisor prior to applying to the program.
Pathways to other programs
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 A.R.R.T. or registry eligible status to be considered for admission. Students must apply and be formally accepted into the program prior to enrolling in any Magnetic Resonance Imaging courses. Applicants need to refer to the Eligibility & Admission requirements for this program to determine eligibility criteria and selection process.
We will notify applicants approximately two weeks after the application deadline date whether or not accepted into the program. Applicants accepted into the MRI program must attend the required program orientation session.
Accepted students that will be taking MRI 255 MRI Practicum will be required to 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.
Please note findings on the criminal background check and drug screen may void conditional admission and prevent entrance to the program. 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. Students should check with their 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. Title IX Coordinator: 309.341.5258. ADA/504 Coordinator: 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 health care 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.
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 health care providers. It is expected that the employment of Radiologic and MRI technologists will increase by about 28% from 2012-2020, faster than the average for all occupations. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
GRADUATES FROM THIS PROGRAM PURSUE CAREERS IN FIELDS SUCH AS:/h4>
Sample Schedule for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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, it is highly recommended that students have access to a reliable computer with broadband 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.
Click here for a list of the class formats.
Estimated Costs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program
Magnetic Resonance Imagining 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) is designed to help 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 inquire 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, Carl Sandburg College Foundation is able to award over $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners, and returning students - everyone is eligible to apply. Apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year. We encourage all students to apply.
- To prepare graduates 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.
- To provide students with an opportunity to participate in a variety of MRI procedures that will assist them in meeting the clinical experience requirements defined by ARRT.
- To develop professionalism and promote life-long learning among program graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am not admitted to the program or placed on an alternative list and no spaces are available, do I have to apply again?
Yes, applicants not admitted to the program, including applicants placed on the alternate list, and no spaces became available, we will not carry over application files to the next year. Each applicant would need to complete the application/admission process again for the next admission year.
How do you evaluate applications?
We will consider for selection review only those applicants who submit the online program application by the deadline date and have met all admission requirements. We evaluate all qualified applicants 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, or denied. We will notify the applicant approximately two weeks after the application deadline date whether they are accepted or not into the nursing program. Applicants who receive conditional admission or alternate status into the program we will notify by email. Applicants denied admission we notify by 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 $50.00 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 $50.00 seat fee to your tuition or it will be refunded directly to students after financial aid refund and within two weeks after the 100 percent drop date for 16-week courses. Your seat fee form will be included with your conditional admission email. Students who accept their seats and withdrawal for any reason will forfeit the seat fee. We will request alternates to 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. We provide in the admission status EMAIL information regarding registration for the mandatory admission orientation session. We will provide at the orientation program information and appropriate documents 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 will forfeit their conditional admission and we will then offer your seat to an alternate. Alternates who do not register for or attend the mandatory admission orientation session will forfeit their alternate position.
I have been conditionally admitted when will I know my full admission status?
We will provide full admission status after the conditionally admitted applicant attends the mandatory admission orientation session and 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
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: Jackie Whipple 309.341.5222 or jwhipple@sandburg.edu