Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Post-Associate Certificate)

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program is a post-associate advanced certificate program that is designed for registered radiologic technologists (ARRT), radiation therapists (ARRT), Sonographers (ARRT or ARDMS) and nuclear medicine technologists (ARRT or NMTCB). This program offers the didactic and clinical experience that will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required to become an entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist. The curriculum is based on the recommended American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT) magnetic resonance imaging guidelines. Upon successful completion of the MRI program, students are eligible to take the ARRT post-primary certification examination in magnetic resonance imaging.

Applying for Admission to the Program

A formal application and acceptance to the program is required. Application packets may be downloaded from WCC's Student Welcome Center, Health and Second Tier Program, information page https://www.wccnet.edu/start-now/degree/2nd-tier/. Completed and signed applications must be submitted during the dates indicated on the application to the Health and Second Tier Admissions Office in the Student Welcome Center, located on the second floor of the Student Center Building.

WCC Radiography students who are currently enrolled in the final year of their program and expected to graduate in the Spring/Summer semester are given priority and may submit an incomplete program application during the application window. It is strongly recommended that WCC Radiography graduates schedule and sit for their ARRT Certification Examination within the two weeks following the completion of their program. Verification of all pending admission prerequisite requirements must be submitted within the deadline to be eligible to begin the program if accepted.

Requirement After Acceptance

Upon acceptance, students must purchase an account from a college-designated vendor to obtain a criminal background check and to track their health records. The criminal background check and health records must be submitted to the designated vendor. Specific information regarding the college-designated vendor, health records, and deadline dates will be provided at the mandatory orientation session.

Program Admission Requirements

Washtenaw Community College uses a limited enrollment process for admission to this program. Each year, approximately 12 students are accepted to the program for a Fall semester start. There are multiple requirements that must be completed prior to submitting an application for admission. For detailed information regarding admission to this health care program, please visit our Health Care website at https://www.wccnet.edu/learn/departments/alhd/.

Prerequisite and program requirements along with WCC's point system and scales are reviewed annually and subject to change. Students are expected to meet the prerequisite and program requirements of the catalog term for the semester in which they first begin the program. Details regarding WCC's admissions process and to download the application can be found on WCC's Student Welcome Center, Health and Second Tier Program, information page: https://www.wccnet.edu/start-now/degree/2nd-tier/.

Requirements for application are:

1. Admission to WCC.
2. Program prerequisite course:
   • Cross-sectional anatomy course from a JRCERT accredited college or hospital-based radiography program or RAD 223 Sectional Anatomy with a minimum grade of B-/2.7 or completion of the ASRT module titled Sectional Anatomy Essentials: The Series. Applicants must prove receipt of credits from the ASRT.
3. Graduate of one (1) of the accredited programs below:
   • JRCERT
   • JRCNMT
   • JRC-DMS
   • JRC-CVT
   • CAAHEP
   • Expected to graduate from WCC's Radiography program in the Spring/Summer semester
4. Current American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) registration card showing primary certification in one (1) of the following areas:
   • Radiography (R)
   • Sonography
   • Nuclear Medicine (N)
   • Radiation Therapy (T)
   • Expected to graduate from WCC's Radiography program in the Spring/Summer semester
5. Minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0.
6. Technical Standards. WCC reserves the right to request, before and during the program, that students successfully demonstrate specific physical and cognitive abilities related to the program.

Continuing Eligibility Requirements

1. Additional criminal background checks may be conducted at any time during the program. Students may be required to have drug testing as well as additional criminal background checks and/or fingerprinting prior to the start of a clinical sequence as requested by specific clinical facilities. Any student found to have a positive drug screen for drugs prohibited by State of Michigan or Federal law (including marijuana) or controlled substances will be dismissed from the program. Failure to receive an acceptable criminal background/fingerprinting at any time, will result in dismissal from the program.
2. Students must complete any other health requirements as designated by the clinical sites.
3. All Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C/2.0.
4. Students will be required to attend a hospital orientation session prior to starting their clinical rotation.
5. Students will be required to purchase special uniforms and supplies throughout the duration of the program.
6. Students are required to demonstrate that they have maintained competency in all skills taught throughout their progression through the program.
7. Students must have reliable transportation to clinical education sites which may require a commute of up to one hour.
8. Students who are dismissed from the program may not be eligible to reapply to the program.

Minimum Credits Required for the Program: 22 

Plan of Study Grid

First Fall Semester		Credits
MRI 101	MRI Safety, Instrumentation, and Quality Assurance	2
MRI 110	MRI Physics I	3
MRI 120	MRI Procedures I	3
MRI 126	MRI Clinical Education I	4
	Credits	12
First Winter Semester
MRI 130	MRI Physics II	3
MRI 140	MRI Procedures II	3
MRI 146	MRI Clinical Education II	4
	Credits	10
	Total Credits	22