Best MRI Tech Programs

If you work as a radiology tech, you might want to specialize in MRI technology. The best MRI tech programs prepare you for certification in just 1-2 years.
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Updated August 31, 2023

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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows us to take a noninvasive look inside the human body, helping to detect diseases, diagnose illnesses, and check treatment progress. MRI techs operate the technology and assist medical professionals in the scanning process.

In this guide, we go over the process of becoming an MRI tech. We'll look at what qualifications you need to break into the field and how MRI tech programs can prepare you for a successful career in healthcare.

Why Become an MRI Tech?

  • You can become an MRI tech in a relatively short period of time — usually just 1-2 years.
  • You'll take on a valuable and rewarding role in the medical field.
  • You can work in a variety of locations and healthcare facilities.
  • You'll be at the forefront of new advances in the medical imaging field.
  • You can reap the benefits of an in-demand profession with plenty of job security.

Explore Our Featured Healthcare Programs

How Does Accreditation Work for MRI Tech School?

During your school and program search, be sure to take a look at accreditation. Accreditation functions as a school and program quality verification process. It can also affect financial aid, transfer credits, and future employment.

At the institutional level, accreditation should come from accrediting agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or U.S. Department of Education.

At the programmatic level, look for MRI tech schools that have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Alternatively, consider schools that offer JRCERT-accredited radiology tech programs (even if their MRI tech programs are not accredited by JRCERT).

Did You Know?


  • Medical professionals across the country perform about 30 million MRI scans each year.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth in MRI technologist jobs between 2021 and 2031.
  • Top industries for MRI techs include hospitals, medical and diagnostic libraries, and doctor's offices.

Top 10 MRI Tech Programs

Read About Our Methodology Here

#1 Best MRI Tech Programs

William Rainey Harper College

  • Palatine, IL
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $133 (in-state) | $390-$466 (out-of-state)

Credits to Graduate: 16

At Harper's MRI certificate program, you can become an MRI tech in three semesters.

You'll take courses in anatomy for imaging, patient care and procedures, and MRI principles. You'll also complete a clinical experience under the supervision of a registered radiologic technologist. The curriculum prepares you to take the ARRT MRI exam.

Harper admits new MRI certificate students each fall, with an application window from April to July. The program is open to registered radiologic technologists who meet the physical qualifications and hold an associate in radiologic technology degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,372
Out-of-state
$11,184
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,199
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best MRI Tech Programs

Sinclair Community College

  • Dayton, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $136 (in-state) | $339 (out-of-state)

Credits to Graduate: 5

Sinclair's MRI certificate offers a flexible hybrid format with online courses and in-person clinical hours that you can complete in one month.

This part-time program requires three courses, including the principles of MRI course that introduces you to MRI requirements, contrast media, patient care considerations, and anatomy and pathological considerations. You must also complete two practicums at an Ohio hospital or imaging center.

At graduation, you can sit for the ARRT MRI exam. You need to be a registered radiographer to apply.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,649
Out-of-state
$7,396
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
18,687
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best MRI Tech Programs

Albany Technical College

  • Albany, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $100 (in-state) | $200 (out-of-state)

Credits to Graduate: 24

Albany Tech's MRI technical certificate enrolls radiologic technologists, radiation therapists, registered sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists.

The program's six courses emphasize patient care and assessments, contrast agents, MRI safety, medical ethics and law, instrumentation, and scanning protocols. During the two clinical courses, you'll observe MRI exams and practice exam preparation and patient care.

Enrollment uses a first-come, first-served basis. New cohorts start in the fall. You must meet minimum ACCUPLACER test scores to get admitted.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,022
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best MRI Tech Programs

Truckee Meadows Community College

  • Reno, NV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $112-$185 (in-state) | $169-$388 (out-of-state)

Credits to Graduate: 19-23

TMCC's MRI certificate lets you study completely online over two semesters with internships at Nevada placement sites.

This certificate program requires courses in patient care and safety, anatomy and pathology, physics and MRI instrumentation, procedures of the central nervous system, and post-processing techniques. You must also complete two internships under a faculty advisor's supervision to gain clinical skills in MRI, computerized tomography, and mammography exams.

The program prepares you for the ARRT MRI exam. Registered radiologic technologists with an associate degree can apply.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,562
Out-of-state
$10,039
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,249
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#5 Best MRI Tech Programs

Washburn University

  • Topeka, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $434

Credits to Graduate: 22

You can complete WU's online MRI certificate in one year and use the credits toward a bachelor's in health science.

You can opt for a two-semester full-time format or a four-semester part-time format. The curriculum emphasizes anatomy and imaging application, magnetic resonance physics, and magnetic resonance physics. During the fall and spring semesters, to satisfy clinical requirements, you'll complete three eight-hour days or two 12-hour days.

New programs begin in the fall with classes of no more than 20 students. You can enroll while pursuing a WU radiology degree or after earning your associate degree in radiography, radiation therapy, sonography, or nuclear medicine.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,652
Out-of-state
$19,656
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,416
Out-of-state
$19,096
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,880
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best MRI Tech Programs

Mercy College of Ohio

  • Toledo, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $540

Credits to Graduate: 12

Mercy's MRI certificate offers flexible online courses with transferable credits that can go toward a bachelor's in medical imaging degree.

Lessons explore human anatomy in sectional planes, theories and principles of magnetic resonance, instrumentation of MRI procedures, patient education and preparation, imaging protocols, and safety considerations.

You can apply if you hold an associate degree and certification in radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology, or sonography. Mercy also admits candidates enrolled in the radiologic technology associate degree with at least a 2.7 GPA. All part-time students start in the spring.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,200
Out-of-state
$16,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,888
Out-of-state
$15,888
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
40%
Students Enrolled
1,561
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
87% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Best MRI Tech Programs

Bucks County Community College

  • Newtown, PA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $165 (in-state) | $330-$495 (out-of-state)

Credits to Graduate: 17

Bucks' MRI certificate program lets you advance your radiologic technology career in just two semesters.

The seven required courses teach you about patient care in MRIs, procedures, cross-section anatomy in medical imaging, and physics instrumentation. To complete the program, you must fulfill two clinical experiences.

This program is open to registered radiologic technologists. You can also apply if you hold credentials from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography for Ultrasound or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board for Nuclear Medicine.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,920
Out-of-state
$11,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,988
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#8 Best MRI Tech Programs

Forsyth Technical Community College

  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $76 (in-state) | $268 (out-of-state)

Credits to Graduate: 39

Forsyth Tech's MRI diploma trains you for a career as an MRI technologist in three semesters.

The program covers imaging ethics and laws, patient care and safety, MRI instrumentation, procedures and physics, anatomy and pathology, and two clinical practicums. The coursework gives you the skills needed to sit for the ARRT MRI exam.

New cohorts begin every summer and have no more than three students. To apply, you must submit TEAS scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,992
Out-of-state
$7,008
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,587
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
87% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Best MRI Tech Programs

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

  • Omaha, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $598

Credits to Graduate: 12

NMC's MRI certificate lets you study completely online and graduate in just one year. After graduation, you can transfer into a bachelor's in imaging science program. The four required courses focus on advanced cross-sectional anatomy and MRI instrumentation and procedures.

You need a minimum 2.5 GPA, prior college credit, and ARRT certification to get admitted. NMC offers rolling admission, so you can apply at any time.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,089
Out-of-state
$15,089
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,038
Out-of-state
$12,038
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
1,212
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Best MRI Tech Programs

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

  • Orangeburg, SC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $205 (in-state) | $246-$330 (out-of-state)

Credits to Graduate: 31

OCtech's MRI certificate offers fully online courses with clinical experiences that you can complete in two semesters.

The program prepares current radiologic technologists to get certified through the ARRT MRI exam. The curriculum covers MRI physics and imaging procedures for the head and neck, musculoskeletal systems, abdomen and pelvis, and thorax. You'll also gain hands-on skills through two clinical placements.

The program starts every August. You must submit proof of registration with the ARRT in radiography, sonography, nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy to get admitted.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,544
Out-of-state
$7,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,257
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How Much Do MRI Techs Make?

Your MRI tech salary will vary depending on your experience, credentials, employer, and location. In May 2021, MRI techs earned a median annual salary of $77,360, according to the BLS.

The top 10% of MRI techs earned more than $100,870 — that's over $33,000 higher than the median annual salary for MRI techs.

The highest-paying state is California, where MRI techs earned a mean annual salary of $108,580 in May 2021. By contrast, MRI techs based in Mississippi earned an average of just $58,810.

Use the map below to learn more about MRI tech salary expectations by state.

How to Become an MRI Tech: 3 Steps

Ready to get started on your healthcare journey? Follow these three easy steps to become an MRI tech in no time.

Step 1: Choose an Accredited MRI Tech School

Most MRI tech jobs require you to have an associate degree.

When comparing MRI tech programs, consider accreditation, location, tuition, and curricula, among other factors. MRI tech programs typically last 1-2 years. Some programs may require you to be a registered radiology tech before applying.

If possible, try to prioritize MRI tech programs that have been accredited by JRCERT or that are offered by schools whose radiology tech programs hold JRCERT accreditation.

In addition, look into what type of facilities the school has and what type of training it provides. For example, you might find additional value in schools with simulation labs and state-of-the-art technology.

Step 2: Complete All MRI Tech Coursework and Training

While MRI tech programs can vary somewhat in their course offerings, you can typically expect to take classes covering basic anatomy, medical terminology, and how to perform MRIs.

The courses you can take at an MRI tech school may include:

  • Anatomy
  • Image production and analysis
  • Medical ethics
  • Medical terminology
  • Pathology
  • Patient care

MRI tech programs often include in-class clinical training that covers examination procedures and MRI technology.

You'll also get hands-on training through practicums, which take you to medical sites like hospitals and doctor's offices. There, you'll observe and learn imaging techniques and practices while working directly with patients.

Step 3: Get Certified

While certification as an MRI technologist isn't always necessary, most states require radiology techs — and sometimes MRI techs — to be certified or licensed. Many employers prefer to hire MRI techs who are certified.

Certification generally involves graduating from an accredited MRI tech school and passing a certification exam.

You can get MRI tech certifications from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.

You might also consider getting certified in an area related to MRI technology. ARRT, for example, offers the following certifications:

  • Sonography: Commonly known as ultrasounds, sonography is another form of diagnostic imaging that uses sound waves.
  • Computed Tomography: CT scans are advanced types of X-rays used to create cross-sectional images of body tissues.
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology: In this form of medical imaging, technologists use radioactive chemicals to produce reactions in the body that translate into visual representations.

Frequently Asked Questions About MRI Tech Jobs

Is MRI tech the same as radiology tech?

While similar, MRI technology is not quite the same as radiology technology. Both fields involve creating images to help doctors diagnose and treat conditions, but they use different equipment.

Radiology techs typically operate X-rays, computed tomography, and mammography equipment, whereas MRI techs work specifically with MRI scanners. MRI techs are essentially specialized radiology techs, which is why many MRI tech programs require applicants to be current radiology techs.

What skills do you need to be an MRI tech?

MRI techs need to know how to operate MRI equipment and how to properly care for patients. They also need strong math skills for radiation and magnetic resonance calculations and physical stamina for handling long hours and maneuvering patients.

Other helpful skills include communication and advanced knowledge of medical procedures.

Are MRI techs in demand?

Yes, MRI techs are in demand. The aging population and increase in chronic diseases makes MRI techs necessary for our healthcare system.

The BLS projects the addition of 3,000 MRI tech jobs between 2021 and 2031. That works out to a 7% job growth, faster than the average projected growth rate of 5% for all occupations in the next decade.

Is being an MRI tech hard?

Yes, being an MRI tech can be challenging. As with many healthcare careers, you'll work on your feet for long periods of time and may need to work overtime or get called in for emergencies.

As an MRI tech, you'll also encounter radiation and infectious diseases that require careful care and safety precautions.

Can MRI techs make six figures?

Yes, some MRI techs earn six figures. If you were in the top 10% of earners in May 2021, for example, you would have made more than $100,870, according to the BLS.

Both state and place of work can influence how much money you make. Some MRI techs earn over $100,000 working in outpatient care centers. California, Alaska, and Hawaii were the top-paying states for MRI techs in May 2021, with mean annual salaries above $100,000.


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