Career Information

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the imaging of human anatomy for diagnosis and treatment. MRI technologists prepare patients for the imaging exams, move patients into the correct position for their imaging, and operate specialized equipment. MRI technologists work in many different settings including hospitals, medical labs, doctor offices, and outpatient centers. 

Program Information

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) professional program covers theory and techniques in MRI imaging technology through didactic and clinical coursework. Prospective students typically apply to this two-year program during their sophomore year and begin in fall of their junior year.

Up to five (5) students are accepted into this 2-year professional program each year.  Upon completion, graduates are eligible for the primary certification exam in magnetic resonance imaging through the ARRT.  

Admission & Degree Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

Rhetoric:  RHET:1030 Rhetoric
Anatomy: one of these:
      HHP:2100 Human Anatomy
      HHP:3105 Anatomy for Human Physiology
      HHP:3115 Anatomy for Human Physiology with Lab
Physiology: one of these:
      HHP:2400 Fund. of Human Physiology
      HHP:3500 Human Physiology
      HHP:3550 Human Physiology with Lab
Psychology:  PSY:1001 Elem. Psychology
Math:  one of these:
          MATH:1440 Math for the Bio Sciences
          MATH:1020 Elementary Functions
General Education: 3sh from 2 of the following areas: 
          Understanding Cultural Persp. (UCP)
          Historical Perspectives (HP)
          International and Global Issues (IGI)
          Literary, Visual, and Perf. Arts (LVPA)
          Values and Society (VS)
Medical Terminology:  CLSA:3750 Medical and Technical Terminology
A total of 60sh coursework for RT

Program Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on weighted criteria as follows:

  • Academic Performance (45%)
  • Career Preparation (35%)
    • Job Shadowing 
    • Patient Care Experience
  • Communication and Affective Domain (20%)

Program Admission Requirements
  • Prerequisites courses must be completed by June 1
  • 2.5 minimum cumulative college GPA
  • 2.0 minimum UI GPA
  • 2.0 minimum college semester GPA in the spring or summer immediately prior to the start of the program.
  • Two years of high school world language
  • International students and students whose first language is not English:  must satisfy all UI Admissions requirements, complete the English Language Requirements for Admission, and have clearance to take a full academic load.

Degree Requirements
  1. Completion of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging education program:
    • MRI Primary Curriculum
  2. Semester hour and GPA Requirements:
    • Successfully complete a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit
    • Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative and UI GPA
    • Complete all track courses with a C or above

Prerequisite example plans are located on the Prospective Students page. 

  -- Students are advised for success, based on academic strength, not necessarily for a 4-year plan.

Accreditation

The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine’s Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
230 S. La Salle St., Ste. 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
800-621-7440
Email: info@hlcommission.org