Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certificate of Achievement

This is a one-year post-primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging program for the working Radiologic Technologist. It provides a path to eligibility for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) advanced modality examination in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Students must hold current ARRT certification in Diagnostic Radiography (R) to enroll in the program.  These certified MRI Technologists will be able to produce quality diagnostic images to support the healthcare needs of our local and regional community. They will also advance in the medical imaging profession and increase their earning potential. 

We project that 15-30 students will earn the MRI certificate each year it is offered. The MRI core courses are to be offered in a distance learning format that will allow working technologists the flexibility to complete the program.  Students and the instructor will work closely together to complete the clinical education portion of the certificate.  Completion of the MRI certificate will enable students to take the ARRT advanced modality examination in MRI.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certificate of Achievement in Career Technical Education.  The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program is designed to educate and train Certified Radiologic Technologists in the additional imaging modality of MRI. The need for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists has been advocated for by local community health partners and is further supported by current, regional labor market research (SOC 29-2035).  The MRI program is aligned with Cabrillo’s mission and master plan.  Approval of this program will benefit regional employers, fulfill healthcare service needs of the local community, augment college enrollment, and support career advancement in the diagnostic imaging profession. ​The MRI program would support 15-30 students each year it is offered. The goal is for certificate completers to be eligible to take the ARRT post-primary certification exam in MRI.  Technologists certified in both Radiography and MRI are able to increase their earning potential. 

The 16 required units for the MRI certificate include the following core courses: Sectional Anatomy and Pathology, Imaging Pharmacology, MRI Physical Principles, MRI Protocols, Procedures, and Patient Care, and Applied MRI Clinical Education. The Applied MRI Clinical Education course is designed for students to complete and document the number of practice procedures required by ARRT. The course offerings are designed to meet the post-primary eligibility pathway requirements established by ARRT.  

Year 1, SUMMER	UNITS
RT 189A	3
Total Units Summer	3
Year 1, FALL	UNITS
RT 189B	1
RT 191A	3
Total Units Fall	4
Year 1, SPRING	UNITS
RT 191B	3
Total Units Spring	3
Total Units for Year 1	10
Year 2, SUMMER	UNITS
RT 191C	6
Total Units Summer	6
Year 2, FALL	UNITS
Total Units Fall	0
Total Units on Plan	16

The MRI certificate is a post-primary program in the Radiologic Technology Department at Cabrillo College. The core courses are to be offered in a distance learning format by a qualified instructor that is also a Certified MRI Technologist with experience. The Radiologic Technology Program Director will collaborate with the instructor, our community health partners, and other community colleges in the region to promote the program. The Radiologic Technology Department, in association with Strong Workforce Development and the Career Technical Education Department, developed this Certificate of Achievement proposal.

Currently, there are no other Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certificate of Achievement programs offered at community colleges in our region. While there are other online certificate programs available from private or out-of-state educational institutions, our program has access to local community health partners to guide the clinical education experience that other online programs would not be able to offer.