Advance Your Career with AHEC’s Comprehensive MRI for the Radiologic Technologist Training Program
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the fastest growing modalities and is considered a cornerstone of advanced medical imaging today. This course from AHEC can help you to elevate your career by gaining the expertise needed to excel in this high-demand modality.
Why Cross-Train in MRI?
- Expand Career Opportunities – MRI certification enhances your qualifications, increasing job security and career mobility.
- Stay Competitive – As healthcare evolves, cross-training in MRI keeps you ahead in a dynamic field.
- Improve Patient Outcomes – Advanced MRI skills contribute to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment planning.
AHEC’s structured approach to MRI education combines expert instruction and cutting-edge simulation, ensuring a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience. Start your journey today—enroll in AHEC’s MRI Training Program and take the next step in your imaging career!
Why Choose AHEC’s MRI Course?
AHEC’s 40-hour intensive training program equips radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists with the knowledge essential for success in MRI imaging. Our program combines expert instruction and cutting-edge simulation technology to ensure you are prepared for the real-world environment of patient care.
Course Highlights
- Comprehensive Curriculum – MRI physics, patient care, imaging protocols, safety considerations, venipuncture, contrast administration, and advanced scanning techniques.
- Expert-Led Instruction – Learn from industry professionals with extensive experience in MRI imaging and education.
- Interactive Learning Tools – Receive a detailed workbook and access mock registry review questions to reinforce key concepts and prepare for the ARRT MRI registry exam.
- Post-Course Training with ScanLabMRI – Gain hands-on experience with ScanLabMRI simulation software, designed to familiarize you with scanning techniques to provide continued practice after course completion.
- Social Community for Ongoing Learning and Support – AHEC offers a social community where students can connect with their peers and provides an invaluable space for collaboration and continued learning beyond the classroom. This platform allows students to:
- View the class video after course completion for easy reference of key information
- Ask questions and engage in discussions with fellow students
- Interact with the instructor even after the course has ended
- Access to this SharePoint and TEAMS chat channel will be available for 90 days
Target Audience
Professionals specializing in medical imaging and radiation sciences, including Radiography, Radiation Therapy, or Nuclear Medicine (such as Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologists or Radiologic Technologists (RT) in these fields), are welcome to attend.
The ScanLabMRI Advantage
Experience the benefits of live virtual scanning demonstrations integrated into day 5 of our course, seamlessly connecting theory with practical application. In addition, you’ll have six months of continued access to ScanLabMRI for ongoing practice beyond the course.
During the course, you’ll gain access to ScanLabMRI, an interactive, step-by-step simulation module designed to introduce essential MRI scanning principles. This self-paced module takes less than an hour to complete and unlocks full access to ScanLabMRI’s immersive virtual reality training, where you’ll:
- Practice patient positioning and image acquisition
- Engage in image reconstruction exercises
- Develop critical thinking skills through real-world case scenarios
The system is tailored with adaptive learning and adaptive quizzing algorithms, ensuring personalized learning and fostering progress in all areas of MRI scanning. Please note that you will need to use your personal laptop on the final day to begin the introductory module and receive guided instruction on navigating the simulation program.
*We are located in Houston, Texas, and all webinars are hosted in Central Time. You will receive the webinar link via email from Zoom one day before your class, as well as one hour before it begins.
Course Schedule
Day 1: Patient Care & Safety
Key Topics:
- Patient Rights & Legal Considerations (HIPAA, Informed Consent, ARRT Standards)
- Communication & Patient Education
- Medical Emergencies & Critical Findings
- Infection Control & Hazardous Material Handling
- MRI Contrast & Pharmacology
Objectives:
- Explain key legal and ethical considerations in MRI patient care.
- Identify and respond to medical emergencies and critical findings.
- Describe MRI contrast agents, their properties, and safety precautions.
Day 2: MRI Safety & Screening
Key Topics:
- MRI Safety Zones & Emergency Procedures
- Patient & Personnel Screening (Implants, Foreign Bodies, Conditions)
- Static Magnetic Field Effects & Safety
- Radiofrequency & Gradient Fields (Thermal Effects, Noise, SAR Limits)
- Medical Equipment & Ancillary Device Safety
Objectives:
- Implement MR safety protocols, including emergency procedures and screening.
- Recognize and mitigate hazards associated with static, RF, and gradient fields.
- Differentiate between MR-safe, MR-conditional, and MR-unsafe devices.
Day 3: Image Production – Part 1
Key Topics:
- MRI System Components (Magnets, RF, Gradient System)
- Nuclear Magnetism & Tissue Characterization
- Image Quality & Artifacts
- Basic Pulse Sequences
Objectives:
- Describe the physical principles of MRI image formation.
- Identify and troubleshoot common MRI artifacts.
- Explain the role of system components in signal generation and spatial encoding.
Day 4: Image Production – Part 2
Key Topics:
- Advanced Pulse Sequences (Spin Echo, Gradient Echo, MRA/MRV)
- Image Contrast & Sequence Parameters
- Data Acquisition, Processing & Storage (K-Space, PACS, Networking)
Objectives:
- Differentiate pulse sequences and their applications in MRI imaging.
- Optimize imaging parameters for contrast, resolution, and quality.
- Explain data acquisition and storage principles in MRI.
Day 5: MRI Procedures & Anatomy
Key Topics:
- Body Imaging (Thorax, Abdomen, Vascular Studies)
- Musculoskeletal Imaging (Pelvis, Joints, Extremities)
- Neurological Imaging (Brain, Cranial Nerves, Spine)
Objectives:
- Demonstrate appropriate patient positioning and protocols for MRI procedures.
- Recognize anatomy and pathology relevant to MRI imaging.
- Apply contrast administration guidelines for different MRI studies.
This program provides AHRA Category A continuing education credit for radiologic technologists recognized by the ARRT and various licensure states. You must attend the entire program to receive your certificate of completion
Sonja Boiteaux , MSRS, RT(R)(MR), MRSO, CHC
Sonja Kay Boiteaux, MSRS, RT(R)(MR), MRSO, MCHC currently serves as the MRI Technical Director of an orthopedic center with over 20 medical providers. She is also Adjunct Professor of MRI at Palm Beach State College and Kent State University where she teaches MR physics and procedures courses, in addition to patient care, pathophysiology and MR clinical and internship courses. Professor Boiteaux holds a Master's in Radiologic Science (Education) and has over 25 years of experience teaching MRI at institutions including the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions and Emory University School of Medicine. Professor Boiteaux has contributed to national MRI education standards as a JRCERT site visitor, an ARRT Practice Standards Committee member, and has held multiple leadership roles in the International Society for Magnetic Resonance Radiographers & Technologists. In 2020 she was the recipient of the ISMRT Crues-Kressel award in recognition of her contributions to the education of MR technologists through organizing and promoting education internationally and on a local level. She has authored/co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles, served as a journal editor for the ASRT, and regularly presents at conferences on MRI safety and education.
