MRI Certificate

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI is a sophisticated diagnostic imaging modality that captures cross sectional images of the patient.  MRI is most commonly used to evaluate many types of disease processes, injuries, and functions of the brain.

The MRI technologist is an integral member of the healthcare team who is proficient in performing cross sectional images using sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment. This health care professional works closely with patients, fellow technologists, and many other members of the health care team.  The MRI technologist can be employed in a number of health care settings that include trauma centers, hospitals, or diagnostic imaging centers.

About the MRI Certificate Program

East Tennessee State University offers a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certificate Program through the Office of Professional Development.  The program mission is to provide registered technologists with the opportunity for professional and personal advancement in the imaging science profession.

Applicant Criteria

Admission to the certificate program requires:

• ARRT or NMTCB registered technologists
• Individuals with a minimum cumulative college-level G.P.A. of 2.5
• A minimum of an Associate's Degree
• Two letters of reference

Admissions Process

Applicants must submit the following items to the ETSU Office of Professional Development by January 15th to be considered for admission to the program:

• Program Application
• $75 nonrefundable application fee
• ARRT documentation
• Official transcripts (college level or equivalent)
• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references

Each applicant is evaluated on the basis of academic preparation and previous work experience.  

Registration and Fees

The program registration fee is $4,000. The $75 application fee is due to the Office of Professional Development by October 15th and is non-refundable. A payment plan may be established with the Office of Professional Development. 

Since this is a certificate program, there is no out-of-state tuition.  Additional expenses include textbooks, uniforms, immunizations, malpractice insurance and background check.

Program Admission

Upon acceptance into the MRI program, the student will receive a letter from the MRI program coordinator that includes a list of required textbooks and forms that must be completed prior to the start of the program.

The following requirements must be met prior to starting the program of study:

• Physical exam by a qualified health care provider
• Proof of immunizations:
  • TB skin test
  • 2 MMR shots
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td or Tdap) booster within past ten years
  • 2 Varicella vaccines, 1 Varicella titer, or physician signed documentation of immunity
  • Completed Hepatitis B Vaccine Series or titer

• Current CPR certification by the American Health Association upon admission and maintained throughout the program
• Proof of malpractice insurance (information will be provided at time of acceptance)
• Background check (information will be provided at time of acceptance)

Persons with disabilities who require special assistance or seating are requested to call ETSUs Office of Professional Development at (423) 439-8084 for details.  Persons who require sign language interpreters should contact the Office of Professional Development seven days prior to the event in order to solicit qualified interpreters.

Program of Study

(January to July for 26 weeks)

Curriculum

The program runs during the spring and summer semesters of each year for 26 weeks beginning in January and ending in July and prepares students with didactic courses and hospital-based clinical experiences.

MRI didactic courses are taught entirely online. Clinical education courses include completion of the ARRT documentation requirements, a minimum of 312 clinical hours (12 hours per week), exam competencies, and performance evaluations in one of ETSU's recognized clinical sites while supervised by a qualified registered technologist.

Clinical Affiliates

The program has clinical affiliates in Tennessee, southwest Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alaska. Additional sites may be added per request; however, there is not guarantee that a new clinical site can be added for all prospective students.

To add a clinical site for this program, the applicant will request approval of a radiology administrator to complete clinical hours at their hospital/facility and send the following information to the Darla Dye to initiate an affiliation agreement:

1. Complete legal name, physical address, and phone number of facility
2. Name, title, e-mail address, and phone number of a contact with whom              ETSU should work on an affiliation agreement
3. Name, title, e-mail address, and phone number of the person who will sign the    affiliation agreement for the hospital/facility
4. Name, title, e-mail address, and phone number of the MRI technologist (contact  person who would be responsible for approving clinical schedules)

For all affiliation agreement inquiries, please contact:
Darla Dye
Director of Professional Development

East Tennessee State University

Phone: (423) 439-8025

Program Completion

Upon successfully finishing the program, the graduate will receive a transcript and certificate of completion from the ETSU Office of Professional Development. The graduate will complete and document the ARRT clinical experience requirements to be considered a candidate for the ARRT post-primary exam in MRI.

Interested in the program?

Contact for information related to the application, admission
materials, loan or to make a payment:
East Tennessee State University
Office of Professional Development
P.O. Box 70559
Johnson City, TN 37614-1701
Ph: (423) 439-8084 or 1-800-222-3878
Fax: (423) 439-8267

Contact for program specific questions:  
Darla Dye
Director of Professional Development
East Tennessee State University
Ph: (423) 439-8025

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  (www.sacscoc.org).