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The Associate of Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology program prepares students for entry-level careers in diagnostic imaging through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience. Students gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, patient care, MRI physics, and imaging procedures while developing the technical and professional skills necessary to operate MRI equipment, ensure patient safety, and produce high-quality diagnostic images.
The Associate of Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology program provides students with the knowledge and hands-on training needed to perform MRI procedures in clinical settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient care, anatomy, MRI physics, safety practices, and imaging techniques, preparing graduates to produce high-quality diagnostic images and contribute effectively as healthcare professionals.
To prepare students for post-program success by providing a rich learning environment utilizing research-based methods of instruction and providing access to relevant and current resources and materials. Students will participate in a challenging and worthwhile degree program based on current industry/academic expectations. The Associate of Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology program will provide students with a roadmap to gainful employment upon successful completion of 76 semester credit hours.
Please refer to the Student Handbook, located under the Admissions & Tuition tab, for grading policies.
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Our Clinical Placement Team is actively working to build partnerships with MRI clinical sites across the nation. If we already have a clinical site in your area, there is a good chance we may be able to place you there; however, clinical placement at a specific site is not guaranteed.
If we do not currently have a clinical site in your area, you will work directly with our Clinical Placement Team to identify and pursue an appropriate site that meets program requirements.
We are committed to supporting you throughout the clinical placement process. Clinical placement assistance is guaranteed; a clinical placement is not guaranteed. Our team will work with you every step of the way to help you navigate the process and identify potential opportunities.
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introduction to the field of communication with emphasis on the history of communication study, concepts important to all areas of communication, the contexts in which communication occurs, and the issues that must be faced by students of communication. The course serves as an introduction to the strands of communication: interpersonal, small groups and teams, mass communication, organizational, intercultural, and rhetoric.
Required Textbook
Communication: Core Interpersonal Skills for Healthcare Professionals, 5th Edition
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4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces the study of behavior and mental processes. Topics include brain and neuroscience, behavioral genetics, cognition, social and emotional development, perception, learning, memory, decision making, language, consciousness, emotions, motivation, psychological disorders, social identity, interpersonal interactions, and cultural processes.
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course bridges the gap between high school mathematics and college-level mathematics and science courses. Topics include equations (linear, quadratic, conic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and rational); graphing (inequalities, equations, functions, and relations); calculator use (scientific and graphing); and trigonometric functions and their applications.
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to professional writing, English diction, sentence structure, and rhetoric with emphasis on thesis or claim development. Students will study writing skills and methods used in professional environments such as healthcare, focusing on academic texts, appropriate research, and documentation. The course prepares students to develop ideas through invention and express them clearly, creatively, and persuasively. It emphasizes the relationship between reading and writing in academic contexts, the application of Standard American English rules, and the ability to work cooperatively in academic and healthcare-related writing tasks.
Required Textbook
Communication Skills for the Healthcare Professional, Enhanced Edition, 2nd Edition
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4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course is an interdisciplinary study of how humans interact with the environment. Topics include ecosystems, biodiversity, energy use, environmental policies, and sustainable practices. Students will examine environmental issues from scientific, social, and economic perspectives, with an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This laboratory course provides hands-on experience with MRI equipment, patient positioning, imaging accessories, safety procedures, and scan preparation. Students practice positioning techniques, coil selection, protocol setup, patient communication, and image acquisition in a controlled laboratory environment while reinforcing classroom concepts.
6 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course requires in-person attendance at clinical sites partnered with DSDT College. Students will work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed and registered MRI technologists. The course includes a minimum of 200 in-person clinical hours and 70 simulation hours delivered asynchronously, for a total of 270 clinical hours. Students must follow all clinical site policies and procedures, which may include site orientation and proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
6 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This clinical externship requires onsite attendance at affiliate imaging centers and hospitals. Students will participate in hands-on MRI training under the supervision of licensed MRI technologists. A minimum of 200 in-person hours and 70 simulation hours (totaling 270 clinical hours) is required, including at least 16 hours per week onsite. Students must follow all clinical site policies, which may include site orientation and COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
8 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This clinical externship requires onsite attendance at affiliate imaging centers and hospitals. Students will participate in hands-on MRI training under the supervision of licensed MRI technologists. A minimum of 260 in-person hours and 100 simulation hours (totaling 360 clinical hours) is required, including at least 16 hours per week onsite. Students must follow all clinical site policies, which may include site orientation and COVID- 19 vaccination requirements.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course examines professional standards, legal responsibilities, ethical decision-making, healthcare regulations, patient confidentiality, informed consent, cultural competence, quality improvement, and professional development within diagnostic imaging. Students explore current issues affecting MRI practice and healthcare delivery.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to the principles of patient care, communication, and safety in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment. Topics include therapeutic communication, patient assessment, vital signs, infection control, patient transfer techniques, emergency response, MRI safety zones, screening procedures, implant safety, radiofrequency and gradient field hazards, cryogen safety, contrast safety awareness, and professional ethics. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe and compassionate patient experience while adhering to current MRI safety standards.
Required Textbook
Patient Care in Radiography 11th Edition
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3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course develops the medical terminology skills necessary for success in diagnostic imaging. Students learn medical word structure, anatomy terminology, body systems, pathology, diagnostic procedures, abbreviations, and imaging-specific terminology used in patient records, physician orders, and radiology reports. Emphasis is placed on applying medical terminology within the MRI clinical environment and healthcare communication.
Required Textbook
Mastering Healthcare Terminology, 7th Edition
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3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course examines the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on organ systems relevant to magnetic resonance imaging. Students study normal anatomy, physiology, and anatomical relationships to develop the foundational knowledge necessary for image acquisition, patient positioning, and interpretation of cross-sectional anatomy.
Required Textbook
The Human Body in Health and Illness, 7th Edition
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3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course focuses on cross-sectional anatomy as visualized through magnetic resonance imaging. Students identify normal anatomical structures of the brain, spine, head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system using axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique imaging planes. Emphasis is placed on anatomical relationships, sectional orientation, and recognition of structures commonly encountered during MRI examinations.
Required Textbook
MRI in Practice, 5th Edition
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3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces the physical principles underlying magnetic resonance imaging. Topics include magnetism, nuclear magnetic resonance, spin behavior, pulse sequences, gradients, radiofrequency systems, signal production, image contrast, instrumentation, and MRI system components. Students develop an understanding of how MRI images are created and optimized.
Required Textbook
MRI in Practice, 5th Edition
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3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course focuses on MRI pulse sequences and imaging parameters used to optimize image quality. Topics include T1-, T2-, proton density-, diffusion-, gradient echo-, inversion recovery-, and advanced pulse sequences. Students learn how TR, TE, flip angle, bandwidth, matrix, slice thickness, field of view, and other parameters affect image contrast and acquisition time.
Required Textbook
MRI in Practice, 5th Edition
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3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course examines MRI procedures of the brain, cranial nerves, spine, and spinal cord. Students study patient positioning, protocol selection, anatomy, pathology, contrast considerations, image evaluation, and advanced neuroimaging techniques used in neurological MRI examinations.
Required Textbook
Handbook of MRI Technique 5th Edition
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3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course explores MRI image formation, k-space, data acquisition, image reconstruction, digital imaging, PACS, DICOM standards, image storage, quality assurance, and healthcare informatics. Students learn how acquisition parameters influence image quality and workflow throughout the imaging process.
Required Textbook
Basic Knowledge of Medical Imaging Informatics
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3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course examines factors affecting MRI image quality and methods used to identify and reduce imaging artifacts. Topics include motion artifacts, susceptibility, chemical shift, aliasing, RF interference, equipment performance testing, quality assurance, quality control procedures, and troubleshooting techniques.
Required Textbook
MRI in Practice, 5th Edition
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6 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course covers MRI procedures of the abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal system, breast, and vascular anatomy. Students learn examination protocols, patient positioning, anatomy, pathology, contrast administration concepts, image evaluation, and specialized MRI applications for body imaging.
Required Textbook
Handbook of MRI Technique 5th Edition
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A basic understanding of technology is recommended, but no prior experience is needed to enroll.
Personal Computer with stable access to internet (highly recommended)
8-16GB USB Flash Drive or Portable USB or FireWire Hard Drive and Dropbox account (Highly recommended)
Notebook and/or sketch book
Check out our schedule to find available class times that fit your routine. Your academic counselor will assist you in planning your courses for the AI Prompt Specialist program.
The estimated total cost of attending school for a specific period, including tuition, fees, housing, food, books, transportation, and other related expenses.
All courses in the MRI program are 100% online and asynchronous, meaning there are no required live class times or scheduled online lectures. Instead, you will be responsible for managing your time and completing assignments, coursework, and other requirements by the weekly deadlines to stay on track in the program.
As you progress into the clinical portion of the program, in-person attendance at your assigned clinical site will be required. Your clinical schedule will be established in coordination with you and your clinical site supervisor and may vary based on the site’s hours and requirements.
Explore the potential career paths enabled by your degree and make well-informed decisions about your future.
DSDT College is proud to work with clinical partners across multiple states, providing students with valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience in professional healthcare environments. Our clinical partner network continues to grow, and this list is regularly updated as new partnerships are established.
Embarking on your degree is a significant decision, and we aim to streamline your application process by removing any obstacles.
DSDT is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
DSDT College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology. This program prepares students for entry-level MRI technologist positions and eligibility for professional certification.
Yes. The program is approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as an MRI Primary Pathway program. In addition, DSDT College is nationally accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
The program is 18 months long (5 semesters).
The program is divided into two phases:
1. Didactic Phase (Semesters 1–2)
Students complete classroom and laboratory instruction covering topics such as:
2. Clinical Phase (Semesters 3–5) combined with didactic courses
Students complete a one-year clinical externship at affiliated hospitals or outpatient imaging centers while also completing the required didactic courses to graduate.
