Home » Courses of Instruction » A.S. in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Course Descriptions

GE 001 – Biology Basics — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces major biological molecules, cell structure and function for eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, cell cycle, genetics, sexual and asexual reproduction, bioenergetics, cell communication, and signaling. This is a General Education Course.

GE 021A – Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I — 40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This is the first in the series of two consecutive courses where the essential basics of structures and functions of the human body systems will be discussed. Topics on all individual major organ systems will be examined while considering them in the state of health versus the state of disease, focusing mainly on structures. Various clinical implications and possible deviations from each organ system’s norm will be discussed throughout the course. This is a General Education Course.

GE 021B – Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology II — 26 Clock Hours/2.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This is the second in the series of two consecutive courses, where the essential basics of structures and functions of the human body systems will be discussed. Topics on all individual major organ systems will be examined while considering them in the state of health versus the state of disease, focusing mainly on structures. Various clinical implications and possible deviations from each organ system’s norm will be discussed throughout the course. This is a General Education Course.

GE 110 – Critical Thinking — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course teaches students the skills they need to think for themselves—skills they will call upon in this course, other college courses, and the world that awaits. This course covers the core concepts with real-world examples and practice exercises. This is a General Education Course.

GE 112 – Algebra I — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course gives students the math skills that provide a foundation for more advanced courses. Students will explore writing and solving linear and nonlinear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, polynomials and factoring, graphing, and solving linear inequalities and functions. This is a General Education Course.

GE 201 – Introduction to Sociology — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course includes studying basic methods and concepts of sociology, which have broad academic relevance and can be applied to sociology and other academic disciplines. This is a General Education Course.

MR 001 – Introduction to MRI — 60 Clock Hours/6 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This is the first of two (2) courses introducing students to the MRI training program and preparing them for clinical, which begins in the fourth week, ensuring safety in the practice of MRI technology. This course will give the student an overview of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Safety. Program policies and student responsibilities will be outlined.

The fundamental principles of MRI, equipment, and terminology will be introduced. The role of the technologist in maintaining patient safety and comfort and coworkers’ safety and safety is discussed. A brief introduction to imaging parameters and the clinical application of MRI is included. The student will be introduced to the basic setup for most routine MRI procedures.

MR 002 – Introduction to MRI — 60 Clock Hours/6 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of MR 001 with a “C” or better.
This is the second of two (2) courses introducing students to the MRI training program and preparing them for clinical, which begins in the fourth week, ensuring safety in the practice of MRI technology. This course will give the student an overview of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Safety. Program policies and student responsibilities will be outlined.

The fundamental principles of MRI, equipment, and terminology will be introduced. The role of the technologist in maintaining patient safety and comfort and coworkers’ safety and safety is discussed. A brief introduction to imaging parameters and the clinical application of MRI is included. The student will be introduced to the basic setup for most routine MRI procedures.

MR 101 – Sectional Anatomy I — 24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This is a study of human anatomy as seen in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Other imaging planes are studied when relevant for demonstrating anatomy in specific regions. Correlation to MRI is practiced in this course. Bony, muscular, vascular organs, and soft tissues of the following anatomical regions are studied: the central nervous system (brain and spine), other structures in the head, soft tissue neck, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.

MR 102 – Medical Terminology I — 18 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces the student to medical and pathological terms related to specific body systems. Through lecture, discussion, demonstration, visual aids, and self–study, the student will develop knowledge and understanding of the professional language to function and communicate effectively with other medical team members.

MR 103 – Physical Principles of MRI — 54 Clock Hours/5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This unit provides the student with a comprehensive overview of MR imaging principles. The subjects are formatted in individual outlines and sequenced according to the level of knowledge desired. Topics include MR, nuclear MR signal production, tissue characteristics, pulse sequencing, imaging parameters/options, and image formation.

MR 104 – Patient Care — 36 Clock Hours/3.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Content is designed to provide the basic concepts of patient care, including considering the patient and family’s physical and psychological needs. Routine and emergency patient care and infection control procedures will be described utilizing standard precautions. The MRI technologist’s patient education role will be identified, including ethics, communication, and age-appropriate care.

MR 111 – MRI Clinical I — 264 Clock Hours/8.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course allows the student to practice skills necessary to obtain high-quality MR images, objectively alter protocols based on patient pathology or physical condition, identify image quality problems, and make appropriate corrections. The clinical is conducted at a clinical facility after or with didactic instruction. Activities include demonstration and observation, after which the student assists in performing the activity.

When satisfactory proficiency is apparent, the student may perform the activity under direct supervision. When the student and instructor are satisfied with their proficiency, they will perform studies under indirect supervision to gain experience and expertise in MR imaging. This course presents a progression in competency levels in clinical performance objectives and competency exams. The student will have access to the facilities, personnel, examinations, and educational materials to achieve the course objectives competently.

MR 201 – Sectional Anatomy II — 24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This is a study of human anatomy as seen in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Other imaging planes are studied when relevant for demonstrating anatomy in specific regions. Correlation to MRI is practiced in this course. Bony, muscular, vascular organs, and soft tissues of the following anatomical regions are studied: the central nervous system (brain and spine), other structures in the head, soft tissue neck, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.

MR 202 – Medical Terminology II — 18 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces the student to medical and pathological terms related to specific body systems. Through lecture, discussion, demonstration, visual aids, and self–study, the student will develop knowledge and understanding of the professional language to function and communicate effectively with other medical team members.

MR 203 – MRI Protocols and Procedures I — 42 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This course will provide the student with imaging techniques related to the CNS, neck, thorax, musculoskeletal system, and abdominopelvic regions. Students will learn the specific clinical applications, coils available and their use, considerations in the scan sequences, specific choices in the protocols (i.e., slice thickness, phase direction, flow compensation), and positioning criteria. Anatomical structures and the plane that best demonstrates anatomy will be discussed, and signal characteristics of normal and abnormal structures. Pharmacology, as it pertains to MRI, will be addressed.

MR 204 – MRI Safety — 36 Clock Hours/3.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisite: None
This content introduces the basic principles of MR safety and covers the basic concepts of patient management. Educating patients and ancillary staff on magnet safety is also presented. Patient- and magnet-related emergencies represent a unique situation for an MR technologist; the technologist’s recommended procedures and responsibilities will be discussed. This content also covers MR contrast agents.

This introduction provides basic knowledge of MR safety, patient preparation, and patient monitoring in the MR suite. This information enables the student to communicate better with the healthcare team to ensure patients’ safety. Health effects and safety issues are important aspects of this diagnostic modality.

MR 211 – MRI Clinical II — 252 Clock Hours/8 Quarter Credit Hour
Prerequisites: None
This course allows the student to practice skills necessary to obtain high-quality MR images, objectively alter protocols based on patient pathology or physical condition, identify image quality problems, and make appropriate corrections. The clinical is conducted at a clinical facility after or with didactic instruction.

Activities include demonstration and observation, after which the student assists in performing the activity. When satisfactory proficiency is apparent, the student may perform the activity under direct supervision. When both the student and instructor are satisfied with the student’s proficiency, the student will conduct studies under indirect supervision to gain experience and expertise in MR imaging.

This course presents a progression in competency levels in clinical performance objectives and competency exams. The student will have access to the facilities, personnel, examinations, and educational materials to achieve the course objectives competently.

MR 301 – Sectional Anatomy III — 24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This is a study of human anatomy as seen in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Other imaging planes are studied when relevant for demonstrating anatomy in specific regions. Correlation to MRI is practiced in this course. Bony, muscular, vascular organs, and soft tissues of the following anatomical regions are studied: the central nervous system (brain and spine), other structures in the head, soft tissue neck, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.

MR 302 – Physics I — 31 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course provides a comprehensive overview of MR imaging. Topics include instrumentation, magnetism, NMR signal production, tissue characteristics, spatial localization, pulse sequencing, imaging parameters/options, special applications, safety, and quality assurance. Advanced-level training is included, which provides activities related to physical principles and quality assurance procedures.

MR 303 – MRI Protocols and Procedures II — 42 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course will provide the student with imaging techniques related to the CNS, neck, thorax, musculoskeletal system, and abdominopelvic regions. Students will learn the specific clinical applications, coils available and their use, considerations in the scan sequences, specific choices in the protocols (i.e., slice thickness, phase direction, flow compensation), and positioning criteria. Anatomical structures and the plane that best demonstrates anatomy will be discussed, and signal characteristics of normal and abnormal structures. Pharmacology, as it pertains to MRI, will be addressed.

MR 304 – MRI Pathology in Diagnostic Imaging — 36 Clock Hours/3.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course will familiarize the student with the common pathologies in magnetic resonance imaging and their appearances with various imaging protocols. The course content will include all commonly imaged body systems and areas. Case studies and images of the pathologies reinforce the students’ lectures from cases they performed or observed during clinical. The student will research pathologies and present the research in class.

MR 311 – MRI Clinical III — 252 Clock Hours/8 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course allows the student to practice skills necessary to obtain high-quality MR images, objectively alter protocols based on patient pathology or physical condition, identify image quality problems, and make appropriate corrections. The clinical is conducted at a clinical facility after or with didactic instruction.

Activities include demonstration and observation, after which the student assists in performing the activity. When satisfactory proficiency is apparent, the student will be allowed to perform the activity under direct supervision. When the student and instructor are satisfied with the student’s proficiency, the student will conduct studies under indirect supervision to gain experience and expertise in MR imaging.

This course presents a progression in competency levels in clinical performance objectives and competency exams. The student will have access to the facilities, personnel, examinations, and educational materials to achieve the course objectives competently.

MR 401 – Medicolegal Considerations in Healthcare — 24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course provides a fundamental background in ethics and human diversity. The historical and philosophical basis of ethics and the elements of ethical behavior will be discussed. The student will examine various ethical issues and dilemmas found in clinical practice.

Course activities will include researching and analyzing case studies germane to medical imaging. An introduction to legal terminology, concepts, and principles will also be presented. Topics include misconduct, malpractice, legal, and the A.S. IN RT professional standards.

MR 402 – MRI Registry Review — 36 Clock Hours/3.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course will prepare students to pass the required registry board exams to work as MRI Technologists. This course includes reviewing the MRI program; the students will take mock registry board exams. Students will learn effective ways to study and answer questions from the registry.

MR 403 – Physics II — 31 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course provides a comprehensive overview of MR imaging. Topics include instrumentation, magnetism, NMR signal production, tissue characteristics, spatial localization, pulse sequencing, imaging parameters/options, special applications, safety, and quality assurance. Advanced-level training is included, which provides activities related to physical principles and quality assurance procedures.

MR 404 – Computers in Imaging and PACS — 24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course gives the student an understanding of radiology’s components, principles, and operation of digital imaging systems. The student will learn the principles of digital imaging systems that impact image acquisition, display, archiving, and retrieval of MR images.

MR 411 – MRI Clinical IV — 252 Clock Hours/8 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course allows the student to practice skills necessary to obtain high-quality MR images, objectively alter protocols based on patient pathology or physical condition, identify image quality problems, and make appropriate corrections. The clinical is conducted at a clinical facility after or with didactic instruction.

Activities include demonstration and observation, after which the student assists in performing the activity. When satisfactory proficiency is apparent, the student may perform the activity under direct supervision. When both the student and instructor are satisfied with the student’s proficiency, the student will conduct studies under indirect supervision to gain experience and expertise in MR imaging.

This course presents a progression in competency levels in clinical performance objectives and competency exams. The student will have access to the facilities, personnel, examinations, and educational materials to achieve the course objectives competently.

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