FAQ: MRI Technology Program

Q: For admission into the program, what are the requirements?
A: All applicants need to fill out an application, pay the $75 registration fee, and pass the SLE (entrance exam) with a score of 30; All applicants need to have at least an Associate Degree (any major); All Applicants must pass an entrance exam and pass an interview.

Q: What are the educational requirements needed for admission into the program?
A: All applicants need to have at least an Associate Degree. The following coursework must also be completed and is typically included in an Associate Degree curriculum: Students must have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours of general education coursework. The minimum 15 credit hours must include Communications and Mathematics/Analytic Studies. For the remaining general education credits, courses from different categories, such as the Social/Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, Computing or Humanities/Fine Arts, are encouraged to ensure a diversified educational experience. The MRI program also has 2 prerequisite courses that must be taken before starting the core program: Essential Medical BioScience and Anatomy & Physiology. Both classes can be taken on campus.

Q: I have a foreign degree. Do I need to have my degree evaluated?
A: Yes. All prospective applicants with a foreign degree must have their degree evaluated prior to enrollment of the program.  An official copy of a course-by-course evaluation is required for enrollment.

Q: I have no previous experience in the health care industry. Will that affect my chances for admission into the program?
A: No. Our students come from diverse backgrounds that are not limited to the health care industry.

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: Our program reviews and accepts applications year-round. Once the program has reached its capacity for a specific start date, we enroll applicants into the next available program start date.

Q: How many program start dates are there per year?
A: There is 1 program start date per year and 2 prerequisite start dates per year.

Q: How many students do you accept per start date?
A: We accept approximately 6 students per year. 

Q: What does the entrance exam consist of?
A: The entrance exam consists of 50 questions in the areas of basic math and basic English. You must score at least 30.

Q: I have a medical degree. Am I still required to take the entrance exam?
A: Yes. All applicants regardless of degree or background must pass the entrance exam prior to admission into the program.

Q: What happens if I don’t pass the entrance exam?
A: You will be able to retake the exam after a period of one month and will be given a different version. Prospective students who are not able to pass the eantrance exam are not granted admission into the program/prerequisite courses.

Q: What does the interview consist of and how long will it last?
A: The interview is the final stage in the selection criteria for admission. Candidates will be interviewed by the program director. Interviews are usually 20-30 minutes in length and are conducted in a relaxed and casual manner.

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Q: Are there any prerequisite classes I need to take before I start the MRI program?
A: Yes. The two prerequisite classes are: Essential Medical Bioscience and Anatomy & Physiology. Both classes are offered at our San Mateo Campus.

Q: How often are the prerequisite courses offered?
A: Twice a year; approximately every 6 months.

Q: If I have already taken Anatomy and Physiology or the equivalent to the Essential Medical Bioscience course, how can I bypass the requirement?
A: Credit Grating may be given for related previous education if the credits were granted within the last five (5) years and the Student recieved a minimum grade of a "C" as follows:
     1) Credits earned from courses or programs accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). (Official Transcripts must be provided.)  The MRI Program Director is responsible for evaluating the validity of each course and will make a determination of eligibility based on the individual’s academic history. 
     2) Competency-based credit is granted for knowledge and/or skills acquired through experience. Credit is determined by written and/or practical examinations.

Q: Do you offer a course in Medical Terminology?
A: Medical Terminology is taken within the core program.

Q: What is the duration of each prerequisite course?
A: Essential Medical Bioscience is 80 hours in 20 sessions. Anatomy & Physiology is 56 hours in 14 sessions.

Q: Are the prerequisite classes everyday?
A: No. Prerequisite classes are taken one course at a time, usually twice a week. Please follow the link below for the most current upcoming schedule:  http://www.gurnick.edu/program/files/9/mri-start-date-oct-11.pdf

Q: What happens if I fail a prerequisite course?
A: The failed course must be repeated before entering the program. All applicable fees for repeating a course will apply.

Q: Are prerequisites included in the program length?
A: No. Prerequisites are separate from the program and are not included in the program length.

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Q: What is the length of the program?
A: Normal completion time for this program is fifty-two (52) weeks excluding holidays and vacation times.

Q: Is the program accredited?
A: The program was also evaluated in 2009 as part of the Institutional Accreditation process by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).  However, ABHES does not programmatically accredit MRI technology programs.  As of December 2009, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts obtained institutional accreditation through ABHES. The program is recognized by the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).

Q: Do you offer online classes?
A: No. All coursework is hands-on consisting of didactic lectures, labratory activities, and clinical training/internship.

Q: Are didactic courses held on campus?
A: Yes.

Q: Is this a full time program?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you offer night classes?
A: No. All course work is conducted during business hours and Saturdays during the day.

Q: What are the class times?
A: The first four weeks of the program consists of on-site didactic sessions on the San Mateo Campus which include four days per week of eight (8) hours per day didactic instruction and three (3) six (6) hour Saturday labs. After the initial four (4) weeks of orientation and introduction to MRI principles and safety the remaining didactic courses take place once per week on Tuesdays for the duration of the program with the exception of the last three weeks where students are expect to attend their internship full-time.  Students will be expected to attend labs during normal business hours and Saturdays throughout the program.

Q: Will I be able to maintain my employment while in the program?
A: Given the full time schedule of the MRI program, maintaining simultaneous employment is not recommended.

Q: How many didactic modules are taught within the program?
A: The program consists of 10 modules: Introduction to MRI; Sectional Anatomy; Medical Terminology; MRI Physics & Lab; MRI Pathology and Lab; MRI Protocols and PRocedures & Lab; Patient Care & Nursing Procedures and Lab; computers in Imaging and PACS; MRI Registry Review; and MRI Clinical Internship.

Q: How long are each of the modules?
A: The modules are a total of 52 weeks divided into three (3) trimesters.

Q: What happens if I fail a module? Will I be expelled from the program?
A: The student will not be able to continue the current program and must repeat the failed module in the next program in order to continue on to the next sequential module. All applicable fees will apply.

Q: Do your other campuses offer the MRI program?
A: No, our San Mateo campus is the only location that has the MRI program.

Q: Where can I find more information regarding Gurnick Academy’s MRI program?
A: More information can be provided through our MRI application package (available online), or by contacting the MRI department.

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Q: How many hours of clinical training am I expected to perform?
A: 1,000 hours.

Q: Do I have to find my own internship?
A: No, an internship will be provided for all of our students.

Q: Where will the clinical training be conducted?
A: Your internship will be provided through our affiliated clinical facilities. These facilities consist of outpatient imaging facilities. It is the student’s responsibility to commute to the various internship sites.

Q: When do I begin my internship?
A: Students begin their clinical training during the fifth week into the program. 

Q: Can I do my internship during the weekend or at night?
A: No; clinical training is available during weekday, workday hours.

Q: How many days per week will I be interning?
A: Students will intern 2 days per week during their first trimester and approximately 3-4 days per week in the second and third trimester. 

Q: Are the internships paid positions?
A: No, all internships are unpaid.

Q: Will I be clinically evaluated during my internship?
A: Yes, all students will be evaluated on a continual basis onsite by the program director/clinical coordinator, as well as the student’s clinical instructor. These evaluations will take place at the internship site.

Q: Do I have the option of finding my own internship?
A: Yes. Although an internship will be provided for all students, it may be possible for students to establish an internship on their own. Please contact the MRI department for more information.

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Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The core program costs $29,650.00 and the prerequistes cost $2,662.00.  For a cost breakdown please see the Program Fees section at http://www.gurnick.edu/programs/mri-technology-program

Q: Are prerequisites included in the program cost?
A: Prerequisites are billed separately from the program and are not included into the program cost.

Q: What does the program cost include?
A: Tuition, all textbooks, uniforms, and registration fees.

Q: Can I obtain financial aid?
A: Yes, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs. Please see the Financial Aid section for more information at http://www.gurnick.edu/financial-aid

Q: When do I start making payments towards my Sallie Mae loan?
A: Loan payments are paid directly to Sallie Mae immediately upon program start. Students will begin making payments within 30 days of the first disbersement based on a maximum 10-year repayment loan.

Q: Is their a prepayment penalty for Sallie Mae loan?
A: No, there is no prepayment penalty.

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Q: Once I graduate from the program will I be getting a degree or certificate?
A: The MRI program is a certificate program.

Q: Do I have to pass any board exams after I finish the program in order to perform as an MRI Technologist?
A: The State of California does not require nor provide a certification exam. However, it is customary that employers will expect a potential employee to have at least taken a certification exam. Graduates are eligible to sit the for ARMRIT certification exam upon successful completion of the program. 

Q: Will the program prepare me to pass the ARMRIT exam?
A: Yes. ARMRIT test preparation is strongly emphasized throughout our students’ entire curriculum at Gurnick Academy.

Q: How can I get more information regarding the ARMRIT exam?
A: Please visit www.armrit.org for more information about this organization and certification exam.

Q: Once I graduate where am I eligible to work?
A: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to obtain entry level positions as an MRI Technologist in hospitals, outpatient centers, doctors’ offices, and other facilities that utilize MRI. 
Please note: Because the ACR Committee on MR Accreditation announced that technologists certified by the American Registry of MRI Technologists (ARMRIT) are now recognized as meeting the accreditation qualifications for MRI facilities accredited by the ACR, ARMRIT holders are eligible to seek employment at any ACR accredited facility.

Q: Do you offer job placement?
A: We may assist with job placements for all students who successfully complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

Q: Once I graduate will anyone help me apply to take the ARMRIT exam?
A: Faculty and staff are available to assist all graduates in preparing their materials to apply for the ARMRIT exam.

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