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Associate of Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology
Comprehensive Curriculum
All lesson plans and syllabi are subject to change based upon program choice.
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Ways to Save
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$25 application fee
No SAT/ACT
No essay required
Introduction
The Associate of Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology program prepares students for entry-level careers in diagnostic imaging through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience. Students gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, patient care, MRI physics, and imaging procedures while developing the technical and professional skills necessary to operate MRI equipment, ensure patient safety, and produce high-quality diagnostic images.
Summary
The Associate of Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology program provides students with the knowledge and hands-on training needed to perform MRI procedures in clinical settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient care, anatomy, MRI physics, safety practices, and imaging techniques, preparing graduates to produce high-quality diagnostic images and contribute effectively as healthcare professionals.
Objectives
To prepare students for post-program success by providing a rich learning environment utilizing research-based methods of instruction and providing access to relevant and current resources and materials. Students will participate in a challenging and worthwhile degree program based on current industry/academic expectations. The Associate of Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology program will provide students with a roadmap to gainful employment upon successful completion of 76 semester credit hours.
Courses
Browse courses for your MRI Technology Associate program
Education should be practical and relevant. That’s why our courses adhere to high academic standards and equip you with skills and knowledge that you can apply directly to your career.
Course Details
• Instructor Led Lecture
• Discussion/critique
• Interactive applications
• Virtual Lab time sessions
Many of the course research requirements and assignments will be fulfilled during lab time, a one-hour session during in class meetings will be dedicated to projects and task assessments.
*Please reference Academic Policies and Procedures full Policy*
Aesthetic Evaluation relates to your composition, design, and aesthetic approach as well as the originality and degree of creativity demonstrated in the execution of your project.
You will be evaluated on how well you apply your technical skills, follow through, your attention to finer details of your execution including how well the project is technically put together and the appropriateness of those choices.
Encompasses how well you understood the technical issue followed the parameters given and attention to the details necessary for achieving the best solution. Evaluation on troubleshooting skills for hardware and software.
Populi, ScanLab, Microsoft Office 365
Course Subjects (76 credits)
General Education
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introduction to the field of communication with emphasis on the history of communication study, concepts important to all areas of communication, the contexts in which communication occurs, and the issues that must be faced by students of communication. The course serves as an introduction to the strands of communication: interpersonal, small groups and teams, mass communication, organizational, intercultural, and rhetoric.
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces the study of behavior and mental processes. Topics include brain and neuroscience, behavioral genetics, cognition, social and emotional development, perception, learning, memory, decision-
making, language, consciousness, emotions, motivation, psychological disorders, social identity, interpersonal
interactions, and cultural processes.
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course bridges the gap between high school mathematics and college-level mathematics and science courses. Topics include equations (linear, quadratic, conic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and rational); graphing (inequalities, equations, functions, and relations); calculator use (scientific and graphing); and trigonometric functions and their applications.
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to professional writing, English diction, sentence structure, and rhetoric with emphasis on thesis or claim development. Students will study writing skills and methods used in professional environments such as healthcare, focusing on academic texts, appropriate research, and documentation. The course prepares students to develop ideas through invention and express them clearly, creatively, and persuasively. It emphasizes the relationship between reading and writing in academic contexts, the application of Standard American English rules, and the ability to work cooperatively in academic and healthcare-related writing tasks.
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course is an interdisciplinary study of how humans interact with the environment. Topics include ecosystems, biodiversity, energy use, environmental policies, and sustainable practices. Students will examine environmental issues from scientific, social, and economic perspectives, with an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking.
Lab & Clinical Training
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course utilizes the ScanLab simulator, allowing instructors to virtually train students on best practices for accurate slice alignment, contrast adjustment, and image sharpness through the resolution lab. Students will work on a virtual scanner console to apply knowledge gained in previous courses, gaining hands-on experience with simulated MRI scans.
6 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course requires in-person attendance at clinical sites partnered with DSDT College. Students will work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed and registered MRI technologists. The course includes a minimum of 200 in-person clinical hours and 70 simulation hours delivered asynchronously, for a total of 270 clinical hours. Students must follow all clinical site policies and procedures, which may include site orientation and proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
6 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This clinical externship requires onsite attendance at affiliate imaging centers and hospitals. Students will participate in hands-on MRI training under the supervision of licensed MRI technologists. A minimum of 200 in-person hours and 70 simulation hours (totaling 270 clinical hours) is required, including at least 16 hours per week onsite. Students must follow all clinical site policies, which may include site orientation and COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
8 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This clinical externship requires onsite attendance at affiliate imaging centers and hospitals. Students will participate in hands-on MRI training under the supervision of licensed MRI technologists. A minimum of 260 in-person hours and 100 simulation hours (totaling 360 clinical hours) is required, including at least 16 hours per week onsite. Students must follow all clinical site policies, which may include site orientation and COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
Professional & Ethical Foundations
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces medical ethics, law, and cultural diversity for healthcare personnel. Students will explore criminal and civil law, contracts, negligence, ethical principles, patient rights, and cultural competence as they relate to medical imaging practice.
Core MRI Courses
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course provides an introduction to healthcare for MRI professionals. Students will learn basic medical care practices, infection control fundamentals, and MRI safety principles. The course prepares students for real-life patient interactions.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course develops students’ understanding of medical terminology in relation to the human body. Students will learn to recognize, understand, and correctly use medical terms through reinforcement exercises and clear explanations.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course develops students’ understanding of the structure and function of the human body, including cells, tissues, and organs, with a focus on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Emphasis is placed on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions to maintain homeostasis
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course focuses on the fundamental principles of MRI physics, providing a foundation for understanding the physical properties of magnetic fields, electrical currents, and relaxation times.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course provides a comprehensive, easy-to-understand approach to sectional anatomy of the human body. Students advance from general anatomy and physiology to cross-sectional imaging, developing the ability to identify anatomical structures in planes commonly used in MRI.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course focuses on the mechanical timing of pulse sequences and parameters during MRI examinations. Students learn to understand the operational choices an MRI technologist must make for each imaging sequence and their impact on image quality and clinical outcomes.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course provides an in-depth overview of imaging each body part according to generalized MRI protocols and clinician focus. Students develop knowledge of scan angulations, relevant anatomy, and adjustments for anatomical anomalies to optimize image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: MRI 200, MRI 203
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the hardware and software components of the MRI unit. Students will develop knowledge of mechanical processes and understand how raw data is transformed into diagnostic MRI images for interpretation by a radiologist.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: MRI 200, MRI 103
This course provides a concise introduction to the fundamentals of pathophysiology, focusing on essential major organs, diseases, and disorders within the human body. Students will understand how diseases affect organ system functions and the overall human body, preparing them to recognize pathological conditions relevant to MRI practice.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: MRI 203, MRI 301
This course focuses on MRI artifacts and the underlying physics. Students will identify, analyze, and discuss common artifacts seen in MR imaging. Emphasis is placed on understanding causes, operator-controlled variables, and techniques to minimize or eliminate artifacts to optimize image quality.
Requirements
A basic understanding of technology is recommended, but no prior experience is needed to enroll.
Gadgets
Personal Computer with stable access to internet (highly recommended)
Specifications
8-16GB USB Flash Drive or Portable USB or FireWire Hard Drive and Dropbox account (Highly recommended)
Other materials
Notebook and/or sketch book
Schedule
Check out our schedule to find available class times that fit your routine. Your academic counselor will assist you in planning your courses for the AI Prompt Specialist program.
Cost of Attendance (COA)
The estimated total cost of attending school for a specific period, including tuition, fees, housing, food, books, transportation, and other related expenses.
Attendance
Attendance on a daily basis is a mandatory requirement for all students. Any class session or activity missed, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity for learning and may adversely affect a student’s achievement. Students are responsible to instructors for class attendance and for any class work missed during an absence. Student is responsible to catch up on the missing material on his/her own by contacting fellow classmates or instructor.
Careers
What career opportunities are available with an Associate of Applied Science degree focusing on MRI Technology?
Explore the potential career paths enabled by your degree and make well-informed decisions about your future.
This program will prepare you to become a(n):
- MRI Technologist
- Radiologic Technologist
- MRI Clinical Specialist
- MRI Applications Specialist
- Lead MRI Technologist / Supervisor
Top skills learned in this program:
- MRI Scanning & Imaging Techniques
- Patient Care & Safety
- MRI Physics & Pulse Sequence Design
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Image Acquisition & Troubleshooting
Is an MRI Technology Career Worth It?
Learn how MRI technologists can earn from $65,000 to $165,000+ while working in hospitals, imaging centers, and healthcare facilities nationwide. Our Salary Guide breaks down career paths, salary ranges, and growth opportunities.
Clinical Partners
We are partnered with:
- Advantage Diagnostics & MRI | 📄
- Adventist Health
- All County Radiology
- Apollo Imaging
- Bronxcare Health Systems
- Carl R Darnall Army Medical Center
- Munson Health Care
- NewYork-Presbyterian
- Orthopedic Associates Of Dutchess County
- Rad X
- Regional Medical Imaging
- Sinai-Grace Hospital | 📄
- St. Joseph's/Candler | 📄
Ready to get started?
Start your application for free or request additional information.
Admission
Apply now – $25 application fee, no commitment required.
Embarking on your degree is a significant decision, and we aim to streamline your application process by removing any obstacles.
- No SAT/ACT required
- No essay required
- We’ll request transcripts at no cost to you, when possible, and we accept eligible credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions.
Learning
An education that fits your busy life
Online learning
Enroll in online classes and attend class whenever it fits your life, day or night.
Around-the-clock support and resources
You have access to our support team for up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Learning Structure
76 Clock Hours – Core Curriculum
Learning Outcome
Each week will feature an interactive assignment and/or project that illustrates the section they have learned.
Accreditation
Count on the quality of your education
DSDT is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
DSDT College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology. This program prepares students for entry-level MRI technologist positions and eligibility for professional certification.
Yes. The program is approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as an MRI Primary Pathway program. In addition, DSDT College is nationally accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
The program is 18 months long (5 semesters).
The program is divided into two phases:
1. Didactic Phase (Semesters 1–2)
Students complete classroom and laboratory instruction covering topics such as:
- MRI Safety
- Patient Care
- Infection Control
- MRI Instrumentation and Physics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy
2. Clinical Phase (Semesters 3–5) combined with didactic courses
Students complete a one-year clinical externship at affiliated hospitals or outpatient imaging centers while also completing the required didactic courses to graduate.
