Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program

About Us

MRI technologists operate complex equipment using powerful magnets to obtain images of the body’s internal structures to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning of patients. They play a vital role in the screening process and need to possess a high attention to detail. They need to be knowledgeable about positioning the patient on the table and adjusting parameters to produce quality images.

After becoming a magnetic resonance imaging technologist, there are several areas of specialty they can pursue which include:

• Cardiac MRI – heart and cardiovascular system.
• Musculoskeletal MRI – bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
• Neuro MRI – brain and nervous system.
• Pediatric MRI – children and infants.

The work environment for MRI technologists may include hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized imaging facilities. The MRI suite consists of state-of-the-art equipment and the necessary infrastructure to support the machine.

The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program is full-time Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks with a break week halfway through the semester. Summer semester is 12 weeks, with no break. The total program length is 16 months or four semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer and Fall).

Accreditation

The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program is accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
20 North Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312.704.5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

• View the program's current award letter

The length of accreditation awarded is three years, the maximum award granted by the JRCERT for initial accreditation, which recognizes the following categories: accredited, probationary accreditation, and administrative probationary accreditation. The program operates in accordance with the accreditation standards set forth in the "Standards for an Accredited Educational program on Radiologic Sciences" established by the JRCERT. A copy of the "Standards" is available from the program upon request. A student who successfully completes the program is eligible to apply for the national registry examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

State approval

The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program is 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 School of Health Professions
9500 Euclid Ave./JJ21
Cleveland OH 44195
216.444.5678

Mission

To develop exceptional entry-level 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.

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.

Goal 3: The student / graduate 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 / graduate will demonstrate effective communication.

Outcomes:

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

Contact information

Halley Majersky, MEd, R.T. (R)(M)(CT)(MR)
Program Director
25900 Science Park Drive
Beachwood, OH 44122
MRIProgram@ccf.org

Admissions

Admissions requirements & disclosures

In addition to program-specific admissions requirements and procedures, applicants are encouraged to review requirements and disclosures outlined on the School of Health Professions’ Admissions page.

School of Health Professions catalog

Additional information can be found in the School Catalog, including school-wide policies and procedures, program-specific information, and course descriptions. 

• View the School Catalog

Technical standards

To be success in the Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program, applicants and current students must meet the following technical standards:

• Candidates must 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 radiographic technique chart.
• Candidates must have the ability to hear instructions and be able to respond to verbal requests by patients/customers.
• Candidates must be able to lift a minimum of thirty (30) pounds and possess the ability to support up to 175 MRI technologists must assist, support and move patients from wheelchairs and carts onto examination tables which requires the use of their backs and muscles.
• MRI technologists must verbally instruct patients and be able to express concern and empathy for them. Candidates must possess good verbal and nonverbal communications skills as evidenced from the application and interview MRI technologists must perform data entry with dexterity and accuracy.
• Students must be physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the objectives of the Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging The program 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.

Requirements

Individuals applying to the Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program must meet the following requirements:

1. A minimum of an associate's degree (does not have to be in the radiologic sciences).
2. Must have completed specific course prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5. See below for more information on required prerequisites.

Prerequisites

All courses must have a traditional letter grade. Candidates who meet most of the requirements may be considered if there is evidence that they will meet the requirements prior to the beginning of the program. The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program does not accept the pass/no pass grading option. Credit(s) earned at other institutions or programs will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee using transfer.org to determine if they meet the program requirements.

Applicants must have completed the following college credit pre-requisites with a grade of “C” or better while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5.

• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy & Physiology I, completed within the last five years
• Anatomy & Physiology II, completed within the last five years
• OR Anatomy & Physiology for Medical Imaging at Cuyahoga Community College

Additionally, applicants should be aware of the following:

• Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). It can be any transcript evaluation service.
• The program is not able to offer placement tests for the pre-requisite courses. In addition, the Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program does not accept advanced placement, transfer students, or transfer credits from any college or MRI program.
• Applicants must possess good verbal and nonverbal communication skills as evidenced by the application and interview process. MRI technologists must verbally instruct patients and be able to express concern and empathy for patients.
• Applicants must provide a current e-mail address with their application. This is needed to contact you for clinical observation and for access to the program learning management system. No application will be processed without a valid and current e-mail address.
• Applicants must participate in a behavior-based personal interview with program officials.
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers must be completed prior to starting the program. Training from only two providers are accepted: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross.

Admissions process

The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program uses a selective process to determine which students will be accepted into the program. Acceptance is based on a point system that includes scores from a behavior based interview, high school and college GPA's, and the number of additional science and math classes with a grade of "C" or better. The higher the grade on the science and math courses, the more points awarded.

The program accepts between five and 10 students each year based upon clinical site availability. Acceptance letters will be emailed out approximately one month after the interview process has been completed. The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program starts each year in August.

To be considered for acceptance, applicants must submit the following:

1. Completed application and the non-refundable $20 application fee
2. Official high school transcripts or GED and college transcripts
3. Copy of a current BLS card
4. Copy of your ARRT or equivalent license or your radiology school transcripts (students only)
5. MRI Screening Questionnaire

Upon acceptance, there is a non-refundable $300 tuition deposit that is applied toward first-semester tuition. Acceptable forms of payment include check or credit/debit card.

For questions, contact MRIProgram@ccf.org.

Tuition & Fees

Cost of attendance

The cost of attendance for the Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program is a budget comprised of direct and indirect costs. Tuition is a direct cost charged by the program. All others are indirect costs that a student may incur during the course of the program and is not paid to the program. These costs are subject to change.

Tuition refund policy

The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program issues refunds for tuition and other fees for eligible applicants and students as outlined in the School of Health Professions’ Tuition Refund Policy.

• Read the full tuition refund policy

Tuition assistance opportunities

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists ASRT
• Cleveland Foundation Scholarships
• College Now Greater Cleveland
• Navient Student Loan Service
• Post 9/11 GI Bill^®
• Sallie Mae

Cleveland Clinic School of Health Professions also has scholarship opportunities available to students.

• Learn more about scholarships

Net price calculator

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program has posted a net price calculator to provide estimated net price information to prospective students based on a student's individual circumstances.

• Access the net price calculator

Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the following criteria for graduation. Students graduate from the Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program with a certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging after completing 4 semesters of education.

Criteria

• Satisfactory completion of all program courses.
• All competencies must be completed as outlined in the Competency Examination Policy.
• All ARRT mandatory and elective competencies must be completed.
• All ARRT general patient care procedures must be completed.
• All regular and make-up hours must be completed.
• Tuition and fees must be paid in full.
• All reference books or other material must be returned.
• Graduation survey must be completed.
• Employer release form must be signed.
• All ID badges must be returned, or fee must be paid prior to graduation.
• Satisfactorily write a short paper on professionalism.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

The student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward graduation will be evaluated after the completion of each term of the program. Failure to maintain SAP may result in the student being dismissed from the program.

• School of Health Professions SAP Policy

Program Outcomes

Program effectiveness data

The performance of the Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program is reflected through program effectiveness data as defined by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

This data includes the program's completion rate, credentialing examination pass rate and job placement rate. The explanation of these measures and program data that corresponds with the annual report will be posted on the website after completion of the first cohort.

The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program’s annual report to the JRCERT will reflect the following:

Program Completion Rate

This is an annual measurement of the number of students that began the program divided by the number of students that completed the program.

Credentialing Examination First Time Pass Rate

This is the number of students that pass the American Registry for Radiologic Technologist’s - Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging certification examination on the first attempt within six months of graduation from the program. The figure reflects an average over five years.

Job Placement Rate

This is the number of students who become employed in magnetic resonance imaging within 12 months of graduation versus the number that graduate and are actively seeking employment. The figure reflects an average over five years.

The School of Health Professions assesses program outcomes following the completion of each academic year (July 1st through June 30th) to include the following:

Retention Rate

The percentage of students that remain or graduate the program within the specified academic year.

Exam Participation Rate

Calculates the percentage of program graduates that participate in credentialing or licensure examinations.

Exam Pass Rate

The percentage of credentialing exam participants that pass the exam.

Placement Rate

The percentage of available graduates that are employed in a related field after program completion.

*The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program accepted its first cohort August 1, 2023. No data available for the 2022-2023 academic year. 

**The Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program graduated its first cohort on December 21, 2024, which is outside of the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Curriculum

• Academic calendar, 2024-2025
• Curriculum outline
• Course descriptions

Textbook information

All Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program students must purchase the required textbooks listed on the program textbook list which is available by contacting the program at 216.448.3110.

Please note: Students must purchase the current edition of each textbook.

Grading scale

The following grading scale is used:

Academic Grading Policy

Students must maintain a 75% or better grade point average in each course of the program. Students not satisfying the minimal academic requirements will be counseled and may be subject to academic probation and/or dismissal from the program.

Attendance, semester breaks, personal time off and holidays

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. During clinical rotation, students are required to report on time for their assignment and complete their seven-and-half-hour clinical day. Students are allowed 21 hours of personal time off each semester. The program consists of five semesters with a two week break between each semester. Students have two additional break weeks each year, one in the spring semester and one in the fall semester. Students do not have classes or clinical experiences on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (and the day after Thanksgiving) and Christmas.

Clinical obligation/experience

All clinical assignments occur Monday through Friday during the day, and all academic classes are held during the day. Students rotate to four different clinical sites throughout the program. All hospital assignments are chosen using a lottery system.

Clinical sites

• Cleveland Clinic main campus and Family Health Centers
• Hillcrest Hospital
• Euclid Hospital
• South Pointe Hospital
• Lutheran Hospital
• Marymount Hospital
• Fairview Hospital
• Medina Hospital
• Akron General

Credits may not transfer to institutions of higher learning.

Additional Information

How long is the program?

The Primary MRI Program is 16 months in length (four semesters).

When does the program begin?

The program begins in late August each year.

What are the program pre-requisites?

The prerequisites are Anatomy & Physiology I and II and Medical Terminology.

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

Each student attends four clinical sites which are chosen by a lottery.

Do students attend Family Health Centers for clinical rotations?

Students may also rotate through Family Health Center outpatient imaging departments.

What is the deadline for application?

The program application, application fee, and all college transcripts must be submitted by February 1 of each year for the program beginning the following August.

What is the acceptance process?

Prospective students participate in an interview to assess communication and critical thinking skills. This interview is evaluated by a point system. Total points assigned to a student include points from the interview, high school and college GPA, and science and math courses taken with a grade of C or better. The students with the highest scores are accepted into the program.

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

Yes, you need at a minimum an associate's degree, but it does not have to be specific to imaging.

Do your classes transfer to other colleges for my degree?

No, they do not.

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

Students should expect a full schedule, attending either class or clinical experience Monday through Friday, 7.5 hours (day shift) plus drive time.

Do you have a weekend or evening program?

No, we do not.