Post Primary Computed Tomography & Magnetic Resonance Imaging Programs

About Us

Computed tomography (CT) technologists operate advanced imaging equipment to obtain computer-generated sectional images of the human body. CT technologists must be able to provide quality patient care while working closely with the radiologist in a fast-paced, high volume area.

Students enrolled in the Computed Tomography program will complete the following courses: Introduction to Computed Tomography, Cross Sectional Anatomy & Pathology, and CT Physics. In addition, you will complete a clinical education experience that will be done at two approved sites where you will obtain the required clinical competencies for computed tomography. Upon completion of coursework, clinical education and required competencies, you will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Computed Tomography post-primary certification exam.

To practice in the state of Ohio as a CT technologist, you must be registered as a radiographer by the ARRT and carry a radiologic license from the Ohio Department of Health. Many hospitals and imaging centers are now requiring their CT technologists be registered in CT by the ARRT.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists are highly skilled professionals who use powerful magnets to obtain detailed images of the various structures in the human body. MRI technologists must have the ability to interact effectively with physicians and compassionately with their patients.

Students enrolled in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program will complete the following courses: Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cross Sectional Anatomy & Pathology, and MRI Physics. In addition, you will complete a clinical education experience that will be done at two approved sites where you will obtain the required clinical competencies for magnetic resonance imaging. Upon completion of coursework, clinical education and required competencies, you will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging post-primary certification exam.

The Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging programs are approved and registered by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3332 (School Registration No. 2165). For questions related to the State Board approval, please contact Cleveland Clinic Center for Health Profession Education, 9500 Euclid Ave./JJ21., Cleveland OH 44195, 216.444.5678 option 4.

Admissions

Individuals applying to the School of Diagnostic Imaging - Post Primary Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program:

• CT Program: Shall be a registered technologist in radiography, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy, or a student in the final year of one of the aforementioned programs.
• MRI Program: Shall be a registered technologist in radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy or ultrasound, or a student in the final year of one of the aforementioned programs.
• Must provide a copy of ARRT or equivalent license (technologists).
• Must provide school transcripts and receive approval from CT/MRI program coordinator (students without ARRT or equivalent registration).
• Have good eyesight either naturally or through correction. They must be able to see the printed words in a textbook and be able to read and accurately interpret the numbers on a chart.
• Possess the ability to hear instructions and respond to verbal requests.
• Be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds and possess the ability to support up to 175 pounds. Must assist, support and move patients from wheelchairs and carts onto imaging tables, which requires the use of their legs, backs and associated muscles.
• Be able to move around and stand with hands free for long periods of time.
• Possess good verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• Must perform data entry with dexterity and accuracy.
• Must be physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the objectives of the program. The school will make reasonable accommodations to assist a student with a disability to advance through the program. Students must have sensory function adequate for patient assessment and care. They must possess the physical status needed to provide all aspects of care in a safe manner. (Please see Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy in Student Policy & Procedure Manual.)
• Venipuncture: Required of all students prior to clinical experience. Offered by the Cleveland Clinic School of Diagnostic Imaging.

Application requirements

Applications will be accepted until July 31 each year. Application forms can be downloaded here.

Submit your completed application form with a non-refundable $20 application fee payable by check or credit/debit card.

Upon acceptance, a non-refundable $100 acceptance fee/tuition deposit is applied toward first-semester tuition. We accept a check or credit/debit card.

The credit/debit card payment can be made in person or over the phone by calling 216.448.3110. The check should be made payable to the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic.

All applicants must provide a current email address with their application. Students must access the program's learning management system via email, and no application will be processed without a valid and current email address.

Please send the application, application fee, a copy of a current BLS card and a copy of your ARRT or equivalent license or your radiology school transcripts (students only) to:

School of Diagnostic Imaging
CT/MRI Program
25900 Science Park Drive
Mail Code AC239
Beachwood, OH 44122

Application form

• Post Primary CT/MRI Program student application.

Non-discrimination policy

Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

Clinical Sites

Cleveland Clinic Clinical Sites:

• Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and Family Health Centers.
• Akron General and Health and Wellness Centers.
• Ashtabula County Medical Center.
• Avon Hospital and FHC.
• Euclid Hospital.
• Fairview Hospital.
• Hillcrest Hospital.
• South Pointe Hospital.
• Lutheran Hospital.
• Marymount Hospital.
• Medina Hospital.
• Union Hospital.
• Wooster Family Health Center.
• Cleveland Clinic Star Imaging; Boardman, Canfield, Dayton, Niles & Columbus.
• Canfield and Columbus MRI only.

Curriculum

Course schedule

Fall Semester (August - December)

Spring Semester (January - April)

Please note:

• The schedule is subject to change to ensure program integrity.
• Online courses are not eligible to receive VA benefits.

Course descriptions

CT104 - Introduction to Computed Tomography Online

This course is delivered online and provides the student with information necessary to enter into the computed tomography clinical setting. Topics to include: Basic principles; screening procedures; patient monitoring; dose; safety precautions; contrast agents used; contraindications; equipment operated; professional roles and behavior; processing of images; routine examinations and protocols utilized; image artifacts; and compensation. Students will receive an introduction to the physics associated with computed tomography.

Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Diagnostic Imaging.

MRI104 - Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging Online

This course is delivered online and provides the student with information necessary to enter into the magnetic resonance imaging clinical setting. Topics to include: Basic principles; screening procedures; patient monitoring; dose; safety precautions; contrast agents used; contraindications; equipment operated; professional roles and behavior; processing of images; routine examinations and protocols utilized; image artifacts; and compensation. Students will receive an introduction to the physics associated with magnetic resonance imaging.

Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Diagnostic Imaging.

MRI102 – Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology

This course is delivered in a traditional classroom style and provides the student with fundamental anatomy and pathology associated with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head, neck, face, spine, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and upper and lower extremities. The various structures will be demonstrated in the axial, sagittal and coronal imaging planes.

Prerequisite: Admission to Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Programs.

CT103 – Computed Tomography Physics OR CT201 - Computed Tomography Physics Online

This course is delivered in a traditional classroom style or online and provides the student with a comprehensive study of the physics associated with computed tomography. Topics will include: Terminology associated with CT; history and generations of CT, EBCT, spiral scanning and multi-row scanning; CT equipment; image processing; filters and algorithms; image quality; image noise; advanced CT imaging options; artifacts; contrast administration; patient safety; quality assurance; radiation risk factors; and dose.

Prerequisite: Program approval.

MRI103 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics OR MRI201 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics Online

This course is delivered in a traditional classroom style or online and provides the student with the principles of MRI scanning and the physics related to obtaining an MRI signal. Topics will include: Image weighting and contrast; spatial encoding and image formation; parameters and trade-offs; pulse sequences; flow phenomena; artifacts and their compensation; vascular and cardiac imaging; contrast agents; functional imaging techniques; instrumentation; and equipment.

Prerequisite: Program approval.

CT200 – Computed Tomography Clinical Experience

Computed tomography technologists operate advanced imaging equipment to obtain computer-generated sectional images of the human body. Computed tomography technologists must be able to provide quality patient care while working closely with the radiologist in a fast-paced, high volume area.

The clinical portion of the Computed Tomography Program is designed to prepare students to be competent, efficient working technologists. Upon successful completion of the CT clinical course, students will have met the examination requirements for the ARRT and be eligible to sit for the CT post-primary certification exam.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Computed Tomography.

MRI200 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinical Experience

Magnetic resonance imaging technologists are highly skilled professionals who use powerful magnets to obtain detailed images of the various structures in the human body. MRI technologists must have the ability to interact effectively with physicians and compassionately toward patients.

The clinical portion of the MRI Program is designed to prepare students to be competent, efficient working technologists. Upon successful completion of the MRI clinical course, students will have met the examination requirements for the ARRT and be eligible to sit for the MRI certification exam.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Textbook information

View the textbook list.

• All prices are for NEW books.
• The current edition must be purchased.
• Books can be found at lower costs on other sites such as Amazon.com, Textbooks.com, E-Bay.com, or any other textbook sites you are familiar with.
• You may rent all of the books if you choose. Rental purchases need to be verified with the instructor.
• There are no assigned textbooks for the Introduction to CT or Introduction to MRI course.

FAQ

How long is the program?

The Post Primary Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Programs are nine to 12 months, depending on the student's availability for clinical education.

When does the program begin?

The program begins mid- to late August each year.

What are the program prerequisites?

The prerequisite for CT is that you are a registered technologist in radiography, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy, or be a senior student in one of the aforementioned programs. The prerequisite for MRI is that you are a registered technologist in radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy or ultrasound, or be a senior student in one of the aforementioned programs.

How do you select the clinical sites a student will be attending?

Each student attends two clinical sites that are determined by availability.

What is the deadline for application?

Applications will be accepted until July 31.

What is the program capacity?

Program capacity is 25 students for CT, and 25 students for MRI. Once this capacity is met, all remaining applicants will be placed on a waitlist.

What is the acceptance process?

The applicants who meet the prerequisites are accepted into the program until we reach capacity.

Do I need a college degree to get accepted into the program?

No.

What is the time commitment for successful completion of the program?

The program starts in the fall. Fall classes include Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Pathology, and Introduction to CT or MRI, which are eight-week courses each. Spring classes include CT or MRI Physics and Clinical Experience. Students should expect to perform a minimum of 15 hours per week at a clinical site beginning in January. The three-hour classes are held one day a week for 16 weeks, with the exception of the Introduction classes.

Do you have weekend or evening program hours?

We offer evening but not weekend classes. These are post-primary programs, with some online classes available and variable clinical hours. We can offer clinical sites with evening and weekend clinical rotations.

Mission & Goals

Mission

To develop exceptional entry-level CT and/or MRI imaging professionals whose expertise will meet the needs of the community they serve, and whose academic education and clinical experience will provide a foundation for lifelong learning.

Program goals & outcomes

Goal #1: The student/graduate will be clinically competent.

Outcomes:

• Student will complete required competencies.
• Student will perform exams safely.
• Student will produce quality diagnostic images.
• Graduate will achieve greater than or equal to the national mean scaled score in the procedures section of the CT Post-Primary ARRT exam.

Goal #2: The student/graduate will demonstrate professionalism.

Outcomes:

• Student will participate in continuing education meetings.
• Student will engage in activities within professional organizations.
• Student will demonstrate professional behaviors.
• Graduate will become a registered CT technologist through the ARRT.

Goal #3: The student will demonstrate effective critical thinking.

Outcomes:

• Student will be able to modify routine procedures for non-routine patients.
• Student will effectively critique images to determine if corrective action is required.

Goal #4: The student will demonstrate effective communication.

Outcomes:

• The student will demonstrate effective written communication.
• The student will demonstrate professional verbal communication in the healthcare environment.

Diversity statement

The Center for Health Professions Education and Cleveland Clinic are committed to valuing all people throughout our organization, regardless of background or culture. A diverse and inclusive environment for students and staff and culturally appropriate care for our patients are essential to fulfilling our vision to be the best place for care anywhere and the best place to work in healthcare. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Program Health Requirements

The Cleveland Clinic School of Diagnostic Imaging recognizes that personal health maintenance is important, and it is the responsibility of the individual students to follow the required process to ensure that they are medically cleared to participate in the clinical experience. The School of Diagnostic Imaging follows the CDC Guidelines for adult immunization. Students are responsible for submitting required paperwork to the program officials by the specified deadlines. They will not be permitted to attend clinical experience until the requirements are met. Students are further responsible for any cost incurred to become medically cleared for clinical experience.

Listed below are the program health requirements:

• Physical exam form signed by a physician (MD), certified nurse practitioner (CNP) or physician’s assistant (PA) performed within the last six months.
• Documented immunity status for the following childhood diseases:
• Rubella.
• Rubeola.
• Varicella.
• Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
• Tuberculosis testing within three months of program start date, then annually thereafter.
• Annual influenza vaccine.
• A completed MRI screening form (this is done at the school).

Please note: Hepatitis B vaccine is not required but highly suggested due to the possible exposure to blood and body fluids. Tetanus Diphtheria booster is recommended if it has been more than seven years since the student was vaccinated.

For more information, please see the Health Requirements Policy in the CT/MRI Program Policy and Procedure Manual, or contact Halley Majersky at 216.212.0484 or majersh@ccf.org.

Resources

Policy manual

• 2024-2025 School of Diagnostic Imaging CT/MRI Policy Manual

Forms

• Post Primary CT/MRI Program Application
• Request for Official Transcript

Academic calendars

• 2024-2025

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition

A non-refundable $100 acceptance fee/tuition deposit is applied toward first-semester tuition. The tuition and fees are subject to change.

Refund policy

If the student is not accepted into the training program, all monies paid by the student shall be refunded. Refunds for books, supplies, and consumable fees shall be made in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code section 3332-1-10.1. Refunds for tuition and refundable fees shall be made in accordance with following provisions as established by Ohio Administrative Code section 3332-1-10: 

1.  A student who withdraws before the first class and after the 5-day cancellation period shall be obligated for the registration fee. 
2. A student who starts class and withdraws before the academic term is 15% completed will be obligated for 25% of the tuition and refundable fees plus the registration fee. 
3. A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 15% but before the academic term is 25% completed will be obligated for 50% of the tuition and refundable fees plus the registration fee. 
4. A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 25% complete but before the academic term is 40% completed will be obligated for 75% of the tuition and refundable fees plus the registration fee. 
5. A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 40% completed will not be entitled to a refund of the tuition and fees. 

The school shall make the appropriate refund within thirty days of the date the school is able to determine that a student has withdrawn or has been terminated from a program. Refunds shall be based upon the last date of the student's attendance or participation in an academic school activity. 

Financial assistance

The CT and MRI programs participate in the Department of Veteran Affairs Post-9/11 GI Bill^®. Please contact the United States Department of Veteran Affairs for current information. Information can also be found online at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

The CT and MRI programs do not participate in federal financial aid including Pell Grants and student loans.

The tuition and fee schedule is subject to change by the action of administration and Director of the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic.

Tuition assistance opportunities:

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists ASRT.
• Cleveland Foundation Scholarships.
• College Now Greater Cleveland.
• Navient Student Loan Service.
• Post 911 GI Bill^®.
• Robert Kruse Scholarship through Health Professions Education yearly in March.
• Sallie Mae.