(847) 296-8870 | info@aquariusinstitute.com

This is a 24 month accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist Training Program which also includes 1000 hours of mandatory MRI Clinical Internship (classroom and clinical internship combined may take in excess of 24 months to complete). The Aquarius Institute’s MRI program is developed to prepare students to operate MRI systems safely and competently to produce diagnostically acceptable images. Having completed this program the student will have sufficient knowledge and skills to work in industry as a Technologist professional in a variety of settings in the medical field. This program provides sufficient theory and practical knowledge so as to enable the students to challenge the National Certification Examination in MRI modality by the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT). Upon successful completion of both Didactic and Clinical parts of the Program, a certificate of completion from the Aquarius Institute, which will allow them to register for ARMRIT’s board exam.

What is ARMRIT?

The American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists also known by ARMRIT is one of the leading registries for certifying MRI technologists in the nation and internationally. Unlike other registries, ARMRIT specializes in certifying individuals in MRI other than focusing on other modalities. Those who are ARMRIT certified are top candidates for employment in settings that need MRI technologists from hospitals, research facilities, and even academic institutions.

ARMRIT is a primary choice for those who want to achieve the goal of becoming an MRI technologist at an accelerated pace for a variety of reasons. ARMRIT does not require an associate's degree level of education to obtain, and such programs may take 36 months of training to obtain the same qualifications as an ARMRIT certified technologist. ARMRIT accredited programs such as Aquarius Institute, allow students to be fully trained and ready for the industry in just 24 months.

ARMRIT’s strong presence as an accrediting body has allowed those who are ARMRIT certified an easier experience in landing positions as well as being considered for leadership roles. Aquarius Institute is proud to be recognized as one of the leading vocational institutions in the nation to provide an ARMRIT accredited MRI Technologist training program.

Program Overview

After enrolling into Aquarius Institute’s MRI program, students need to complete the lecture portion of this program to advance onto the clinical portion. The lecture portion includes the fundamental concepts needed to understand medical theory and imaging conduct behind day to day cases that MRI technologists will deal with in their practice. The lecture portion of this program is 600 hours in length and is divided into 6 separate courses:

  • Course I: Medical Terminology 60 Lecture hours
  • Course II: Anatomy and Physiology  100 Lecture hours
  • Course III: Patient Management  60 Lecture hours
  • Course IV: MRI Safety 100 Lecture hours
  • Course V: MRI Physics 126 Lecture hours
  • Course VI: Cross-Sectional Anatomy 154 Lecture hours
  • Internship: MRI Clinical Internship 1000 hours

These courses focus on making the theoretical aspects of the MRI Technologist profession translate practically when implemented. We use a variety of teaching methods to meet such objectives. One major feature that makes our training program the ideal model for incorporating theory in practice is our use of Corsmed’s MRI simulation modules to give students hands-on experience even before they start clinicals. To learn more about Corsmed click here.

the Corsmed MRI simulator pictured above

Once these courses have been completed, students are allowed to start working on completing a 1000 hours of clinical internship training. Students will be placed by the Aquarius Institute at a designated clinical internship site, but they are also allowed to arrange their own clinical experience at a site of their choice at the approval of The Aquarius Institute. Visit our clinical policy page by clicking here.

After completing both the lecture and clinical portions of the training program, Aquarius Institute awards a certificate of completion for the MRI training program. Since the Aquarius Institute is an ARMRIT accredited program, students who have earned a certificate of completion from our school are now able to register for ARMRIT’s national registry exam. Throughout this process, The Aquarius Institute provides additional resources to help students prepare for the registry exam. Advice from industry veteran instructors and guidance on navigating exam preparation resources is provided to students at any time throughout this process.

Once students have become board certified MRI technologists they are now eligible to seek careers in their respected field. If needed, the Aquarius Institute offers help in job search, as our large network of employers in the medical field need positions filled in the growing industry.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Aquarius Institute prides itself in taking an industry preparatory approach for its programs. In order to prepare our students, we have outlined learning outcomes that the MRI student must master in keeping with the program's mission and goals. These outcomes serve to guide the student toward fulfilling the program and succeeding in industry. They form the basis for measuring what the student has accomplished upon completion of the program. Upon completion of this Program, the graduate should be able to:

  • Successfully pass the completion examination given by the School and certification examination given by the MRI National Registry
  • Possess the clinical skills necessary for professional practice as an entry-level MRI Technologist
  • Produce diagnostic MRI Images safely and competently in the context of all MRI procedures
  • Utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills in performing medical imaging procedures
  • To provide compassionate and responsible patient care during diagnostic procedures
  • Use oral and written communication with patients, peers, and medical staff

Admission Requirements

General Requirements:

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Proof of graduation from a U.S. accredited High School or equivalent as determined by appropriate accrediting agencies. Graduates from foreign schools require local evaluation
  • Official High School Transcript and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or above
  • Provide a current resume if applicable

Health Requirements

  • Students must submit, obtain or have proof of a Hepatitis B vaccination, at the student's expense, 30 days prior to starting clinical internship
    • Must submit a doctor's note or titer result as proof or card for having Hepatitis B immunization.
    • Or have a signed refusal form in student's record
  • Students must obtain malpractice insurance at the student's expense (prior to starting clinical internship training)
  • Students must have visual acuity, hearing acuity, speaking ability, digital dexterity and physical ability to perform the required assessment, procedures and related preparation and testing issues
  • Students must possess a valid CPR card prior to starting clinical internship
  • If the potential student does not have a Tuberculosis (PPD) test then the student must obtain a 2 step Tuberculosis test (PPD), at the student's expense, before the start of the clinical internship. Students must submit a PPD result or if the previous PPD was positive the student must submit a chest x-ray as proof that student is clear from TB disease

Tuition and Fees

General Requirements:

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Proof of graduation from a U.S. accredited High School or equivalent as determined by appropriate accrediting agencies. Graduates from foreign schools require local evaluation
  • Official High School Transcript and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or above
  • Provide a current resume if applicable

Health Requirements

  • Students must submit, obtain or have proof of a Hepatitis B vaccination, at the student's expense, 30 days prior to starting clinical internship
    • Must submit a doctor's note or titer result as proof or card for having Hepatitis B immunization.
    • Or have a signed refusal form in student's record
  • Students must obtain malpractice insurance at the student's expense (prior to starting clinical internship training)
  • Students must have visual acuity, hearing acuity, speaking ability, digital dexterity and physical ability to perform the required assessment, procedures and related preparation and testing issues
  • Students must possess a valid CPR card prior to starting clinical internship
  • If the potential student does not have a Tuberculosis (PPD) test then the student must obtain a 2 step Tuberculosis test (PPD), at the student's expense, before the start of the clinical internship. Students must submit a PPD result or if the previous PPD was positive the student must submit a chest x-ray as proof that student is clear from TB disease

  Costs:

Registration Fee$ 150
Textbooks$500
Tuition Cost$23,500.00
Total Program Cost$24,150.00
Down Payment: $4,300.00Monthly Payment: $550.00

 OTHER ESTIMATED COSTS:

Medical Apparel (Scrubs, etc.)$50.00
Hepatitis Vaccine$100.00
Tuberculosis Test OR Chest X-ray$150.00
CPR Healthcare Provider Certification$75.00
Liability Insurance$42.00
Total Other Estimated Costs$417

The MRI program requires a downpayment of $4,300 to be paid by the registration deadline. Monthly tuition payments of $550 starts February 21st, 2025. To see the different methods of payments accepted click here.