MRI Tech School Programs – Train for a Career in Medical Imaging

Published - April 23, 2025

mri technician student walking on campus of a technical school

Want to make a difference in your community by training for a career in the medical field? If so, the MRI Tech School Program at CBD College is here to help. In just 17 months, you will learn how to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners to help doctors make better treatment decisions for patients. During the program, you will complete courses that prepare you for a successful career as an MRI technologist. CBD College also offers clinical externships, allowing you to work with patients before graduation. 

What are MRI Tech School Programs?

MRI tech school programs offer classes that teach both technical skills and patient care. Here are some of the classes that are included in the curriculum:

Anatomy and Physiology

This class teaches you about the structure and function of the human body. You will learn about bones, muscles, organs, and systems, as understanding anatomy is crucial for capturing accurate images and identifying abnormalities in scans.

MRI Physics and Instrumentation

During this class, you will study how MRI machines work using magnetism and radio waves to create images. 

mri technician students learning about mri equipment with instructor

MRI Procedures and Protocols

In this class, you learn how to scan different body parts, including the back, head, chest, or joints. You will also learn how to ensure that scans are consistent, which helps doctors accurately interpret the results.

Patient Care and Communication

This class focuses on how to work and communicate with patients. You learn how to explain procedures and monitor patient safety during a scan. It also teaches you how to check for health problems that might affect the scan.

Cross-Sectional Anatomy

This class helps you read MRI images and teaches you how the body looks on an image. You will learn how to match what you see on the screen with the fundamental structures inside the body.

Medical Ethics and Legal Issues

You will study patient privacy, informed consent, and the handling of medical records. This class helps you follow laws like HIPAA.

Clinical Practicum

The clinical practicum involves hands-on training in a hospital or clinic setting. You will work with  MRI machines under the strict supervision of instructors. It’s how you build confidence and apply what you’ve learned in class.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an MRI Tech School Program?

The MRI tech school program at CBD College can be completed in as little as 17 months. Each part of the program builds on the last to help you become confident and job-ready.

Why Does it Take 17 Months to Complete?

There are many good reasons why it takes longer to train for a career as an MRI tech. For instance:

Hands-On Training Takes Time

Most programs include a clinical externship that lasts several months. During this time, you work in a hospital or imaging center alongside certified MRI technologists. You will learn how to manage patients and adjust scan settings.

Step-by-Step Learning Helps You Succeed

The 17-month timeline allows you to move at a steady pace, especially if you are new to the healthcare field. You will begin with classes like Medical Terminology and Introduction to MRI, then move onto more advanced subjects, such as Cross-Sectional Anatomy or MRI Physics. This step-by-step approach improves your understanding of the curriculum and reduces burnout.

Graduates Are Ready for Certification and the Job Market

By the end of the program, you are ready to take the ARRT MRI certification exam, which most employers require. The extra months of study can make a big difference in test performance and job interviews.

Why CBD College’s MRI Tech School Program?

There are many reasons to choose CBD College’s MRI tech school program. For example:

It Offers an Accelerated Program Length

CBD College’s MRI Technologist program strikes a balance between fast completion and in-depth learning. You complete the curriculum without long gaps or wasted time. This focused schedule enables you to graduate, obtain certification, and begin working in under two years.

Hands-On Clinical Training

The program includes a clinical externship. This allows you to apply classroom knowledge in live settings, scanning patients under professional supervision. You will learn how to interact with patients, follow MRI procedures, and use imaging software and hardware. This type of experience is essential for building your confidence.

Modern Campus and Equipment

CBD College’s Los Angeles campus features simulation labs and imaging tools that mirror the equipment you will use in the field. Using modern equipment helps you become more familiar with industry standards and prepares you for today’s healthcare technology.

MRI Technician 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.

 

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