MRI Training Program: ARRT Primary Pathway Exam

To become an MRI technician, you must pass the ARRT Primary Pathway Exam. To prepare for this exam, you can complete the MRI training program at CBD College. In addition to classroom lectures, you will get hundreds of hours of hands-on training that will prepare you for the Primary Pathway exam and your new career as an MRI Technologist.

What is taught in the MRI Training Program at CBD College?

CBD College’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career as an MRI technologist. The curriculum is structured into six 11-week modules, each focusing on critical aspects of MRI technology and patient care. 

Module 1:

Anatomy & Physiology: Study human body systems, organs, tissues, and cells.

Medical Terminology: Introduction to medical vocabulary essential for healthcare communication.

Physics I: Fundamental concepts of physics relevant to MRI technology.

College Math: Mathematical principles applicable to MRI procedures.

Module 2:

MRI Safety and Patient Care I: Principles of patient safety, care protocols, and MRI environment safety.

Cross-Sectional Anatomy I: Detailed study of anatomical structures as seen in cross-sectional imaging.

Written and Oral Communication: Development of practical communication skills for interacting with patients and healthcare professionals.

Physics II: Continuation of physics principles with a focus on their application in MRI.

Module 3:

Sequence Parameters, Options, Data Acquisition, and Processing I: Introduction to MRI imaging parameters, pulse sequences, and data processing techniques.

Physical Principles of Image Formation: In-depth exploration of how MRI images are generated.

Introduction to Clinical MRI (Lab): Hands-on laboratory experience simulating clinical MRI procedures.

MRI Safety and Patient Care II: Advanced topics in MRI safety and patient management.

Module 4:

Sequence Parameters, Options, Data Acquisition and Processing II: Advanced study of MRI imaging techniques and data handling.

Clinical I: Initial clinical experience in an MRI setting, applying learned skills under supervision.

Module 5:

Cross-Sectional Anatomy II: Further study of anatomical structures in cross-sectional views.

Clinical II: Continued clinical practice, enhancing proficiency in MRI procedures.

Module 6:

Registry Review: Comprehensive review preparing students for certification exams.

Clinical III: Final clinical rotation, solidifying hands-on experience and readiness for professional practice.

What is the ARRT Primary Pathway Exam?

If you’re considering a medical imaging career, you’ve likely come across the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and its certification exams. A great way to get ARRT certification is the “Primary Pathway,” which covers several significant disciplines within radiologic technology. Radiologic technologist students often hear about the “ARRT Primary Pathway Exam” as an important milestone in becoming a registered medical technologist. But what exactly is this exam, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down.

Understanding ARRT and the Primary Pathway

ARRT’s Role

The ARRT is the leading credentialing organization for radiologic technologists in the United States. Founded in 1922, its mission is to promote high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in imaging and radiation therapy disciplines. To meet these standards, ARRT offers certifications in several specialties.

Primary Pathway vs. Postprimary Pathway

When you hear someone discussing the “Primary Pathway,” they’re referring to the initial certification route for candidates who are new to the profession and have completed an accredited educational program in a specific discipline. This is distinct from the “Postprimary Pathway,” which allows already-registered technologists to earn additional credentials in advanced specialties.

The ARRT offers Primary Pathway certification exams in several key areas, including:

• Radiography
• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Radiation Therapy
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Sonography

Of these, Radiography is the most common entry point for many radiologic technologist students. However, regardless of which discipline you pursue, the general requirements for ARRT Primary Pathway certification are similar.

Educational Requirements

To be eligible for the ARRT Primary Pathway exam, you must complete an accredited educational program in the discipline for which you’re seeking certification. CBD College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reputable accreditor for allied health programs. 

This institutional accreditation attests that CBD College’s overall operations and health education offerings meet rigorous quality benchmarks. Accrediting bodies ensure these programs meet strict curriculum standards. These standards typically include classroom-based learning and clinical experiences to help you develop hands-on competencies.

Ethical and Clinical Experience Requirements

Beyond education, ARRT also requires candidates to meet ethics standards. This means you must comply with the organization’s Rules of Ethics, which involve demonstrating good moral character and disclosing legal or disciplinary actions. Additionally, you must complete several documented and verified clinical procedures to demonstrate practical proficiency.

Exam Preparation

Once you’ve satisfied these prerequisites, preparing for the exam is the next step. The accredited program at CBD College includes comprehensive review sessions, mock exams, and practical assessments. However, you can also use external resources like review books, flashcards, and online test banks. 

Exam Format

The ARRT Primary Pathway exam is computer-based and typically administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. The test uses multiple-choice questions, some of which are “pilot” questions that do not count toward your score. These questions help ARRT validate new items for future exams.

Key Content Areas

Though each discipline’s exam has specific domains, you can generally expect the following overarching categories:

Patient Care and Safety – You’ll be tested on patient interaction, ethical and legal standards, infection control, and positioning.

Procedures and Positioning – This section assesses your knowledge of your chosen specialty’s standard positioning techniques, equipment operation, and routine procedures.

Radiation Physics and Safety (if applicable) – Depending on your discipline, you may need a strong grasp of radiation physics, protection measures, and dosimetry to ensure the safety of both patients and operators.

Anatomy and Pathology – You should be prepared to identify anatomical structures on images and understand common pathologies.

Equipment Operation and Quality Control – This involves understanding how to optimize equipment settings, maintain image quality, and follow quality assurance guidelines.

Scoring and Exam Results

ARRT uses a scaled scoring system, where the number of correct answers is converted into a scaled score ranging from 1 to 99. A score of 75 is typically required to pass. If you pass, you earn the right to use the respected “R.T.(R),” “R.T.(N),” “R.T.(T),” or equivalent designation (depending on your area of specialization) after your name. You’ll also need to maintain registration and certification by completing continuing education credits every two years.

If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam up to three times. However, you must wait a certain period between attempts and may have to complete additional coursework or review depending on your program’s requirements.

Why the ARRT Primary Pathway Exam Matters

Earning ARRT certification demonstrates that you’ve met rigorous knowledge and clinical skills standards. In California, passing the ARRT exam is a prerequisite for obtaining a license to practice. Employers and patients recognize 

ARRT-credentialed professionals as being dedicated to high-quality patient care, safe operation of equipment, and adherence to ethical standards. Achieving Primary Pathway certification is the first step toward a rewarding career as an MRI technologist.

How Do You Prepare for the Primary Pathway Exam?

Embarking on a career as a medical technologist is an exciting journey that requires passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Primary Pathway Exam. Whether your focus is Radiography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, or Sonography, preparation is key to success. 

Tip #1: Understand the Exam Format and Content

Before reviewing study materials, familiarize yourself with the exam’s structure. The ARRT Primary Pathway exams are computer-based and typically comprise multiple-choice questions. Each specialty exam (Radiography, MRI, etc.) covers core topics like patient care, equipment operation, procedures, and safety protocols—tailored to that specific discipline.

Radiography: Focuses on anatomy, positioning, radiographic procedures, radiation protection, and image production.

MRI Technologist: Emphasizes physics, safety, cross-sectional anatomy, and advanced imaging parameters.

Nuclear Medicine: Covers radiopharmaceuticals, instrumentation, radiation protection, and patient care.

Radiation Therapy: Includes radiation physics, dosimetry, treatment planning, patient care, and tumor localization.

Sonography: Focuses on physics, instrumentation, patient care, anatomy, and pathology relevant to ultrasound imaging.

Knowing exactly what to expect will guide your study plan and prevent you from wasting time on irrelevant material.

Tip #2: Review Eligibility and Clinical Competencies

You must complete an accredited educational program in your chosen discipline to even sit for the exam. You’ll perform and document specific clinical procedures (competencies) under supervision throughout your training. These competencies align with the ARRT’s standards for safe and effective practice.

Track your competencies: Keep good records of each procedure, ensuring you have proof of completion.

Identify weak spots: If you struggled with any clinical tasks during your training, revisit those areas before the exam.

Meeting the clinical requirements and reviewing them regularly can boost your confidence and ensure you fully understand the practical aspects of the profession.

Tip #3: Create a Structured Study Schedule

A well-organized study schedule can keep you on track and reduce last-minute cramming:

Set realistic goals: Break down the major subject areas into smaller chunks. Dedicate specific days to patient care, image production, safety protocols, or anatomy.

Use a calendar: Make your study plan using a calendar app. Block off time for focused study sessions, practice quizzes, and review.

Balance and consistency: Aim for steady progress instead of marathon study sessions. Consistent, shorter study blocks can be more effective than sporadic long hours crammed into a single day.

Tip #4: Gather High-Quality Study Resources

The correct study tools can help you prepare for the exam and provide valuable insights into your readiness. Some popular resources include:

ARRT Content Specifications: These official guides outline each exam’s key aspects and tasks. Download them from the ARRT website as a roadmap for your studies.

Textbooks and Class Notes: Reference the textbooks and lecture materials used during your accredited program at CBD College. These are  tailored to ARRT’s standards and will contain the necessary foundational knowledge.

Review Books and Flashcards: Well-known exam prep books (for example, “Radiography Essentials for Limited Practice” for radiography or specialty-focused guides for MRI or Nuclear Medicine) can help you drill key points, while flashcards are helpful for quick, on-the-go reviews.

Practice Exams: Many review websites and certification prep courses offer practice questions that simulate the exam . Familiarizing yourself with question formats and time constraints is crucial.

Tip #5: Focus on Core Competencies and Exam Strategies

For each content domain—patient care, procedures, equipment operation, and safety—hone both your theoretical knowledge and practical understanding:

Patient Care: Review infection control practices, communication techniques, and positioning guidelines.

Procedures and Positioning: Memorize standard views, specialized views, and the rationale behind each positioning technique.

Equipment Operation: Know how to calibrate and operate equipment safely and efficiently and understand its physics.

Radiation (or Modality) Safety: Study protective measures, dosimetry, and safety protocols appropriate to your discipline.

To apply these concepts effectively, practice real-world scenarios—such as how you would handle pediatric versus geriatric patients, troubleshoot equipment issues, or respond to urgent changes in patient condition. The good news is that you will get hundreds of hours of hands on training during the Magnetic 

Resonance training program at CBD College.

Tip #6: Take Mock Exams Under Realistic Conditions

Simulating exam conditions can help you manage test anxiety and improve time management:

Time Yourself: Allocate the same amount of time you’ll have on the exam. Avoid pausing or skipping questions.

Limit Distractions: Turn off notifications, isolate yourself, and treat the simulation as the exam.

Review Results: After each practice test, analyze your answers. Identify which sections you found most challenging and revisit those topics.

Tip #7: Final Tips for Exam Day

When exam day arrives, set yourself up for success:

Arrive Early: Arrive at the testing center well before your appointment to allow time for check-in procedures and to settle your nerves.

Bring Proper Identification: Check ARRT guidelines for required ID forms.

Read Each Question Carefully: Look for keywords, double-check your reasoning, and avoid rushing.

Manage Your Time: Watch the clock, but don’t let it intimidate you. If you’re truly stuck, make an educated guess and move on.

Final Thoughts 

Remember, the ARRT Primary Pathway Exam is a culmination of everything you’ve learned and practiced throughout your accredited program at CBD College. You’ll be prepared for the exam if you create a strategic study plan, utilize high-quality resources, and keep yourself mentally and physically prepared. Passing this exam will prepare you for a successful career as a medical technologist—one where you can make a meaningful impact on patient care daily.

MRI Technologist Program

If you enjoy working side-by-side with physicians and radiologists and enjoy a good challenge in a technologically advanced field, this is your career choice!

In as little as 18 months, the AAS in MRI Program that follows the ARRT Primary Pathway will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you will need to fulfill the responsibilities of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist.

Contact us now to learn more.