Mri Tech School Question!?
I was recently laid off during a Corporate-wide layoff for a Forbes 100 retail company after 5 years of service. This layoff absolutely destroyed me because I didn’t see any way that my department could manage without me.
Anyways, this has led me to want to start a NEW career and get into something more stable and the Medical Industry has great opportunities. I would like to start an MRI program but I have noticed that there are NO accredited MRI schools in Southern California. I went to an Open House for West Coast Ultrasound today and learned that their MRI program is 9 months with 1000 unpaid hours of externship required after the 9 month program.
Does anyone know if I am required to work as an entry-level MRI tech for one full year BEFORE I can take the certification exam with the ARMRIT? Or should I be able to sit for the ARMRIT exam immediately upon graduation from my $25,000 MRI program?
Thank you,
Most likely you will have to work for 1 year in order to complete your competencies. Testing requires a log of all the exams you have done, there is a minimum of each exam. This usually takes about a year. After you are competent, then you can sit for your certification. Most institutions only require you to get your certification after 1-2yrs of employment.
Are you a registered radiologic technologist now? That’s usually the first step, and at minimum, getting your degree for radiologic technology takes 2 years. There are several areas to specialize in after obtaining it. MRI is one of them, and yes, it does require classwork and extensive clinical time. There are often courses you can take in MRI given by medical educational companies, and you make arrangements to do your own clinical time. If you’re lucky, you might find someone to employ you as you train.
You will be able to take the exam after you complete all the requirements. If you live in the US, you can check the link I am siting below for specifics.