Program Overview
This program will teach students in a variety of clinical, lab, and classroom settings. The coursework includes clinical rotation in major medical centers, community hospitals, and outpatient imaging centers. Classroom work includes courses in patient care, medical ethics, cross-sectional anatomy and pathology, MRI physics, and MRI procedures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologists must possess, utilize and maintain knowledge about magnetic protection and safety. They must recognize conditions essential for successful completion of the procedure and exercise independent professional and ethical judgment. Graduates that satisfy requirements are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ national examination for certification and registration as Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (RT, MR-ARRT).
Program Mission
The goal of this program is to involve the student in the active learning process through diverse educational experiences that include classroom, laboratory, and clinical education with the result being a professional entry-level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist that values teamwork and continues life-long learning.
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate entry-level clinical competence in MRI
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will select appropriate technical parameters in clinical practice.
- Students will correctly acquire, manipulate, and post-process MRI images.
- Students will utilize appropriate MR safety procedures.
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills.
- Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
Goal 3: Students will develop problem solving/critical thinking skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will adapt imaging parameters for optimum image quality.
- Students will analyze images for diagnostic quality.
Goal 4: Students will model professionalism.
Student learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate professional behavior.
- Students will summarize the value of life-long learning.
- Students will understand ethical behavior
Program Effectiveness Data
Pass Rate: 93% (33 of 36 passed the exam) Five-year average for the MRI national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic on first attempt within six months of graduation.
Job Placement: 100% (36 of 36 were employed) Five-year average for graduating classes within twelve months of graduation. The percentage does not include those graduates that the JRCERT has defined not actively seeking employment: 1) graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts, 2) graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation, 3) graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours, 4) graduate is on active military duty, and/or 5) graduate is continuing education.
Program Completion Rate: 97% Five-year average for graduating classes.
Statistics
- Currently the AAS-MRI Degree program accepts 8 students in the fall semester
- Currently the Post Primary Diploma program accepts 1-3 students in the summer semester. Class size is dependent upon clinical site availability.
- The program is equipped with two MRI simulators to provide students with learning experiences, computers with internet access and a digital projection system.
Accreditation and Clinical Sites
Forsyth Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
The Forsyth Tech MRI Program is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
The program currently uses clinical education sites Alamance, Catawba, Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, Rowan, and Surry counties. These sites are comprised of major medical centers, hospitals, and imaging centers to provide varied and well-rounded clinical experiences for our students.
Forsyth Tech Clinical Education Sites
| Clinical Site | City | Miles From Forsyth Tech Main Campus (One Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Health | Winston-Salem, NC | 2 |
| Cone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center | Burlington, NC | 46 |
| Cone Health The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital | Greensboro, NC | 30 |
| Catawba Valley Medical Center | Hickory, NC | 66 |
| High Point Medical Center: WFBH | High Point, NC | 19 |
| Lexington Medical Center: WFBH | Lexington, NC | 24 |
| Northern Regional Medical Center | Mount Airy, NC | 42 |
| Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center | Winston-Salem, NC | 2 |
| Novant Health Imaging Maplewood | Winston-Salem, NC | 2 |
| Novant Health Imaging Julian Road | Salisbury, NC | 39 |
| Novanth Health Thomasville Medical Center | Thomasville, NC | 20 |
| Wake Forest Baptist Health | Winston-Salem, NC | 2 |
Career and Job Outlook
Registered Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists can find a wide market for their attained professional and technical skills. Many opportunities are available throughout the United States. Qualified MR Technologists may find employment in hospitals, imaging centers, mobile MRI units, research, and commercial sales.
Entry-level graduates, working full-time, can expect to earn $50,000 – $55,000 per year. Additional compensation can be earned if the technologist is scheduled to work weekends or shifts other than daytime.
Employment of MRI technologists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. As the population grows older, there will be a demand for diagnostic medical imaging.
For national job outlook information on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists review the U. S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook.
Program Costs
Approximate Program Costs Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- In-State Tuition ($76.00 per credit hour x 70 credit hours): $5,320.00
- Out-of-State Tuition ($268.00 per credit hour x 70 credit hours): $18,760.00
- Textbooks and Course Materials: $500.00
- Malpractice insurance: $36.00
(Liability insurance must be purchased annually before engaging in lab or clinical practice. The cost varies according to the credit program and insurance carrier) - Uniforms: $300.00
- Student Activity Fees: $140.00
- Campus Parking Fees: $95.00
- Clinical Parking Fees: $40.00
- Criminal background/Drug Screening: Average: $100.00
Grand Total Estimated Costs (In-State resident): $6,431.00 to $6.831.00
Total Estimated Costs (Out-of-State resident): $19,783 to $20,283.00
Program costs are estimated for the program and prospective students should keep in mind that these costs may vary and some represent “typical averages.” The average is also based on full-time enrollment. Many costs are subject to change without notice.
