Schooling
In order to enroll in any MRI program that is approved by an accredited MRI Registry, one must have a High School Diploma or a GED as a prerequisite in order to get admitted into an MRI training program. It is also recommended that you have a good understanding of science and mathematical concepts from your previous education as MRI programs emphasize these concepts in their curriculum.
MRI Programs
In order to become an MRI technologist, one must complete their training at a school which has been approved by one of the two accredited MRI registries. It is mandatory for students to complete at least a 1000 hours of clinical internship in addition to completing their program coursework to sit for board exams for either registry.
Certifications
About ARMIT
The American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (ARMRIT) is an accrediting body that provides MRI certifications to those who have completed programs at an ARMRIT accredited school.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to enroll in an ARMRIT accredited program. ARMRIT does not require an associate’s degree to sit for the registry exam, all that is required is the completion of the MRI program at an institution that has been accredited by ARMRIT.
ARMRIT prides itself for recognizing MRI as a specialty, which means that ARMRIT accredited programs only focus on Magnetic Resonance Imaging instead of multiple modalities. Programs accredited by ARMRIT are much shorter compared to ARRT programs, allowing you to jump right away into your career as an MRI technologist. You can expect to be fully certified by ARMRIT by meeting all the requirements, in just under 24 months.