Radiology Forums

Funny Bones · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 19

I'm currently finishing my 2-year radiography program and hoping to jump right into an MRI program. I'm lucky in that I have two academic programs in my city to choose from:

1) a 3-semester (1 year) BS program ($5500. tuition)
2) a 2-quarter (6 months) certificate program ($2250. tuition)

Both are offered at well-respect universities with excellant clinical sites that include 3 tesla magnets (not sure what that is yet but bigger must be better!).

I've heard the 6 month program is pretty intensive, although I'd probably try to get a hefty student loan so that I would not have to work for those six months. I've also heard that completing 1 year of clinicals (versus 6 months) MUCH better prepares you to take your boards and enter the workforce as an MRI Tech.

I'm an older student (early 40's), so it's important to me to get into this career as soon as possible.

Also, any truth to requirement of having a BS should I ever decide to pursue management? (I currently have a non-health care-related BA and teaching credential)

Any thoughts on this choice?

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 556 Location: CT

I'll let the MRI folks respond to those questions. But I can tell you that in my experience - as long as you have some type of Bachelors degree .. most employers are satisfied with that for management and teaching positions.

MagnetMan · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Belpre, Oh

You might as well go all the way and get the BS program. I have a BS in Science and it really helps make that extra difference when you are applying for a job. I know alot of MRI centers are cross training X-Ray Techs and to get a ARRT MRI tech is a real plus especially one with a BS degree. I guess it can work against you as well in a smaller outpatient faciltiy where they might think you are over qualified. One or the other program is not going to make you a better MRI technologist. You will be more apt to gain more salary with the higher education that you have, plus you can go into managment as well.
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Chief MRI Technologist, Radiation Safety Officer, ACR Coordinator. Proficient on GE and Hitachi MRI Scanners.