Top 11 MRI Technologist Certifications

Certifications are an important way for MRI Technologists to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in the field. They show employers that they have taken the time to gain a deeper understanding of MRI technology and are committed to staying current with new developments. Certifications also provide a competitive edge when looking for employment, as it shows employers that you have the necessary qualifications and experience to perform the job well. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions or can give you access to higher-paying jobs. Finally, certifications can help ensure patient safety by providing assurance that technologists are knowledgeable and qualified in their practice.

This article reviews the top certifications for MRI Technologists and explains how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are MRI Technologist Certifications?

MRI Technologist Certification is a certification program offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This program is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals who practice as MRI technologists. The certification requires successful completion of an ARRT-approved educational program and passing a comprehensive exam.

The certification helps to ensure that MRI technologists have attained a high level of competence in their field. It also serves as an indication to employers and patients that they are qualified to perform the duties expected of them.

By becoming certified, MRI technologists demonstrate their commitment to providing safe, quality patient care. The certification also helps them stay current in their field by requiring continuing education courses every two years. This helps to ensure that they are able to keep up with advances in technology and techniques used in the imaging industry.

In addition, having the certification may make it easier for MRI technologists to obtain employment or advance within their current positions. Employers may be more likely to hire certified professionals since certification involves a rigorous process that ensures competency in the field. Furthermore, some employers may pay higher salaries for those who are certified than those who are not.

Pro Tip: To become a certified MRI Technologist, make sure to take the required courses, pass the certification exam, and stay up-to-date on the latest advances in MRI technology. Additionally, gaining experience through hands-on practice and continuing education will help you stay competitive and knowledgeable in the field.

Related: What does an MRI Technologist do?

Top 11 MRI Technologist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to MRI Technologists today.

1. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) MRI Certification

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) MRI Certification is a credential that demonstrates a radiologic technologist’s expertise in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is the highest level of certification available for MRI technologists and is recognized by employers, professional organizations, and state licensing boards.

In order to obtain this certification, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Have an associate degree or higher in radiologic technology from an accredited college or university;
• Be certified by the ARRT in radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, sonography, or limited scope of practice in radiography;
• Complete 24 hours of continuing education related to MRI within the last two years;
• Successfully pass the ARRT MRI exam.

The ARRT MRI exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient care and safety, physics and instrumentation, anatomy and pathology, image acquisition and evaluation, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and cross-sectional imaging. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to apply for the ARRT MRI Certification Exam, individuals must submit a completed application form along with all required documentation including proof of education and current certification status. The cost for taking the exam is $400 USD. Once approved for testing by the ARRT Board of Trustees, individuals will receive an Authorization to Test letter which includes instructions on how to register for the exam at their preferred testing center. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their official ARRT certificate within 8-10 weeks.

2. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certification

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certification is a certification program that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of individuals who perform magnetic resonance imaging. It is designed to ensure that MRI technologists have the necessary skills and competencies to safely and accurately operate MRI equipment.

To get certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, anatomy and physiology, MRI physics, image acquisition and interpretation, quality assurance, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of three hours.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the exam. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have completed an accredited MRI program or have at least two years of experience in MRI technology. Applicants must also submit a valid application form and pay the required fee of $300 USD.

Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee of $150 USD.

3. American College of Radiology (ACR) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology Certification

The American College of Radiology (ACR) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology Certification is a voluntary certification program that is designed to recognize MRI technologists who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of MRI technology. The certification exam is based on the ACR’s MRI Practice Guidelines and covers topics such as patient safety, imaging protocols, anatomy, physiology, physics, instrumentation and quality assurance.

The certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application and fee to the ACR. After submitting the application and fee, applicants will receive a study guide which outlines the topics that will be covered on the exam. Once applicants have studied for the exam they can register for it online or by mail. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of three hours.

The cost of the ACR MRI Technology Certification varies depending on whether you are an ACR member or non-member. For members, the cost is $400 while for non-members it is $600. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam such as shipping costs or late registration fees.

4. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) MRI Technologist Certification

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) MRI Technologist Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The NBME MRI Technologist Certification is the only nationally recognized certification for MRI technologists.

To be eligible for the NBME MRI Technologist Certification, an individual must meet certain educational requirements and have at least one year of clinical experience in an accredited imaging facility. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, safety protocols, patient care, and image acquisition.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It is administered at testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost of the NBME MRI Technologist Certification exam is $395 for US residents and $495 for international residents. Once a candidate has successfully completed the exam, they will receive their certification within six weeks.

The NBME MRI Technologist Certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued. After five years, individuals must recertify by taking a refresher course or retaking the exam.

5. American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) MRI Certificate Program

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) MRI Certificate Program is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide radiologic technologists with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment. The program consists of an online course, a hands-on clinical practicum, and an exam.

The online course provides the foundation for the MRI certificate. It covers topics such as safety protocols, anatomy and physiology, physics principles related to MRI, patient care techniques, imaging procedures and quality control measures. The course also includes interactive activities that allow students to practice their skills in a virtual environment. The online course takes approximately 25 hours to complete.

The hands-on clinical practicum is designed to give students practical experience in operating MRI equipment under the supervision of an experienced technologist or physician. During this portion of the program, students will have the opportunity to practice their skills in a real-world setting. This portion of the program typically takes about 8 hours to complete.

Once both the online course and clinical practicum are completed, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certificate. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that cover topics from both portions of the program. Students must score at least 70% on the exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost for enrolling in the ASRT MRI Certificate Program varies depending on whether you are an ASRT member or non-member. For members, it costs $295 for enrollment and $125 for each retake of the exam if needed. For non-members, it costs $395 for enrollment and $225 for each retake of the exam if needed.

6. International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (CMRIT) Program

The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (CMRIT) Program is an industry-recognized certification program designed to provide technologists with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and accurately operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. The CMRIT program is a comprehensive training and certification program that covers all aspects of MRI technology, including safety, anatomy, physics, patient care, scan protocols, image acquisition and interpretation.

The CMRIT program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and a hands-on practical exam. The online course consists of six modules covering topics such as safety, anatomy, physics, patient care, scan protocols, image acquisition and interpretation. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the online course, candidates are eligible to take the hands-on practical exam which is administered at an ISMRM approved testing center. The practical exam consists of a series of scenarios that require the candidate to demonstrate their understanding of MRI principles and techniques by performing various tasks related to MRI operations.

The cost for the CMRIT program is $500 USD for members of ISMRM or $750 USD for non-members. This fee covers both the online course and the practical exam. Candidates must successfully pass both parts in order to become certified as an ISMRM Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (CMRIT).

7. Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certificate Program

The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certificate Program is a program designed to provide MRI technologists with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively practice in the field. The program consists of four levels, each containing several courses that must be completed in order to obtain the certificate.

Level 1 is an introductory course on MRI safety, physics and operations. This course is offered online or in-person, and takes approximately 16 hours to complete. Level 2 covers MRI anatomy, pathology and imaging protocols. This course is offered online or in-person, and takes approximately 24 hours to complete. Level 3 focuses on advanced MRI techniques such as contrast agents, cardiac imaging and MR angiography. This course is offered online or in-person, and takes approximately 32 hours to complete. Level 4 covers advanced topics such as interventional MRI procedures, research applications of MRI and quality assurance/control issues related to MRI practice. This course is offered online or in-person, and takes approximately 40 hours to complete.

In order to obtain the CAMRT MRI Certificate Program certificate, you must successfully complete all four levels of the program within three years of starting the program. The cost for each level varies depending on whether you take it online or in-person; however, the total cost for all four levels ranges from $2,000 - $3,000 CAD plus applicable taxes.

8. National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) MRI Technology Certification

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) MRI Technology Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists. This certification is offered through NCCT and is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The NCCT MRI Technology Certification program consists of an online exam that covers topics such as patient safety, anatomy and physiology, imaging principles, instrumentation, positioning and protocols. The exam is composed of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the NCCT MRI Technology Certification, applicants must have completed an accredited MRI program or have at least one year of experience in the field. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the NCCT MRI Technology Certification exam is $250 USD. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their certification within 4-6 weeks.

To apply for this certification, applicants can visit the NCCT website and complete an online application form. After submitting their application, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the required fee.

9. Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) MRI Technologist Certification

The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) MRI Technologist Certification is a certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures. This certification is designed for those who are already certified as a nuclear medicine technologist and have completed additional training in MRI technology.

In order to become certified as an NMTCB MRI Technologist, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently certified by the NMTCB as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Have completed a minimum of 24 hours of formal didactic instruction in MRI technology
• Have completed a minimum of 24 hours of hands-on clinical experience in MRI technology
• Pass the NMTCB MRI Exam with a score of at least 70%
• Submit an application for certification and pay the appropriate fee.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all the requirements for certification. The cost of the exam is $250 and there is an additional $50 application fee.

10. American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Professional

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Professional (CMRI) certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of magnetic resonance imaging. It is intended to provide employers, patients, and other stakeholders with an assurance that certified professionals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform MRI scans safely and accurately.

To become AAPM CMRI certified, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, physics, safety and quality control, patient care, and clinical applications. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as case studies. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and can be taken at any AAPM-approved testing center.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the location of the testing center. Generally speaking, it ranges from $400-$600 USD. In addition to the exam fee, applicants must also pay an application fee when they register for the exam. This fee is typically around $50 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their official AAPM CMRI certification card within 3-4 weeks after passing the exam. This certification is valid for 5 years before recertification is required.

11. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)-Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is an independent accrediting agency that provides accreditation for educational programs in radiologic technology. The JRCERT-Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician is a certification program offered by the JRCERT, which certifies individuals who have completed an accredited Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program. This certification is intended to demonstrate the individual's knowledge and expertise in MRI technology and patient care.

The certification process typically takes up to six months to complete and requires applicants to pass a written examination administered by the JRCERT. Applicants must also submit documentation of completion of an accredited MRI program, as well as verification of current clinical experience.

To obtain the JRCERT-Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician certification, applicants must first meet all eligibility requirements, including completion of an accredited MRI program and passing the written exam. Applicants must then submit an application packet with all required documents to the JRCERT for review. Upon successful review and approval by the JRCERT, applicants will be issued their certification.

The cost of obtaining the JRCERT-Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a registered radiologic technologist with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). If you are already ARRT certified, there is no additional fee for applying for the JRCERT-Certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician certification; however, if you are not ARRT certified, there is a $75 fee associated with applying for this certification.

Do You Really Need a MRI Technologist Certificate?

An MRI Technologist Certificate is not a requirement for working as an MRI technologist, but it is highly recommended. Having a certificate will demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and training necessary to perform the job safely and effectively. It also gives you an advantage over other applicants who do not have the same level of training and experience.

The certificate provides recognition for your expertise in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and demonstrates that you have achieved a high level of proficiency in this field. Employers are likely to look more favorably upon applicants with a certificate, as it shows that they have taken the time and effort to gain specialized knowledge in their chosen field. This can make a big difference when it comes to getting hired or advancing within an organization.

Having a certificate can also be beneficial when applying for other positions within the healthcare industry. Many hospitals, medical centers, and clinics require their employees to possess at least one form of certification before they can work in certain areas. Having an MRI Technologist Certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one.

In addition, some states require technologists to obtain certification before they can practice in their state. Therefore, having a certificate may be essential if you want to work as an MRI technologist in certain places.

Overall, obtaining an MRI Technologist Certificate is beneficial for those looking to work in this field or advance their career within it. It can help demonstrate your knowledge and experience, give you an edge over other applicants, and allow you to practice in certain states or facilities where certification is required.

Related: MRI Technologist Resume Examples

FAQs About MRI Technologist Certifications

1. What is an MRI Technologist Certification?

Answer: An MRI technologist certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the individual’s competency and proficiency in performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures. It is typically obtained through an accredited program or a recognized professional organization.

2. How do I become certified as an MRI Technologist?

Answer: The path to becoming an MRI technologist includes completing an accredited program, passing a certification exam, and obtaining state licensure (if required). Depending on the program, additional clinical experience may also be required.

3. What are the requirements for recertification?

Answer: Most organizations require continuing education credits to maintain certification status. Depending on the certifying body, these credits can be obtained through attending conferences or workshops, taking online courses, reading journals or books related to MRI technology, or even participating in research projects.

4. Are there any other credentials I can obtain to increase my expertise in MRI technology?

Answer: Yes! There are several post-certification credentials available for those who wish to further specialize in specific areas of MRI technology such as musculoskeletal imaging, neuroradiology, interventional radiology, etc. These credentials can be obtained through various organizations such as ARRT and ARMRIT.

5. Is there any financial assistance available for those seeking certification?

Answer: Yes! Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who are pursuing certifications related to their job duties and responsibilities. Additionally, some organizations provide scholarships for students enrolled in approved programs leading to certification in MRI technology.