What Is MRI Education?
Also known as MRI tech education, MRI education refers to the various educational courses, training tools, and certification programs available to help help aspiring and current MRI technologists learn and practice the skills required to enjoy a successful career in imaging. MRI education may include a combination of in-person classes, online MRI courses, clinical rotations, laboratory training, and the use of MRI simulator software. Each of these activities represents a different aspect of MRI tech education.
While participating in MRI education, students will learn about a variety of subjects and concepts, including how to:
- Practice proper safety protocol
- Care for and communicate with patients
- Acquire effective diagnostic images
- Manipulate protocol parameters
- Angle and prescribe slices
Types of MRI Education
MRI education programs provide the training needed to help students become qualified MRI technologists. At the same time, MRI education also helps existing technologists refresh their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest advances in the field.
Here’s how each of these groups can use MRI education to begin and advance their careers.
For Aspiring MRI Technologists
Before earning their MRI certification, technologists must participate in some form of MRI education. Typically, this includes a certification program that’s accredited by a certifying body like the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT). An associate’s degree (or higher) is generally required to enroll in one of these programs.
Each program will have its own curriculum and training schedule, with students spending time in both classroom and clinical settings. By the end of the program, learners should have the knowledge and experience to pass an MRI certification exam.
For Current MRI Technologists
Technologists who are already certified can also sign up for MRI education to refine their skills and fulfill their continuing education requirements. For example, to maintain their ARMRIT certification, technologists must complete 24 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for every three-year renewal period – and MRI education is the key to earning these credits.
The Future of MRI Education
Traditionally, MRI education has revolved around classroom, lab, and clinical instruction. While these components of MRI education are still prevalent, there are also new, virtual programs that are becoming increasingly popular – including online MRI courses and simulation software.
Online MRI Education Courses
For most MRI students, it takes more than just reading a textbook to understand complex concepts like spatial encoding and pulse sequence diagrams. Now, they can get a better grasp of the material by registering for virtual courses through online learning platforms like ImagingU.
ImagingU’s engaging and interactive platform was built with inclusion and accessibility in mind. It incorporates animations, audio narration, visuals, and text, making it perfect for all learning styles. Plus, its built-in translation functionality can translate the material from English into more than 100 other languages.
If you’re training to become an MRI technologist, ImagingU can help you prepare for the MRI registry. Or, if you’re already a qualified MRI professional, you can complete ImagingU courses to receive continuing education credits.
Whichever camp you fall into, you’ll have several MRI-focused courses to choose from, such as:
- MRI Post-Primary Pathway Certification
- MRI Clinical Cross Training Course
- MRSO Mock Testing and Safety Resources
- MRI Cardiology: A Guide to a Deeper Understanding
- MRI Physics Focus
- Core MRI Clinical Procedures
ImagingU courses are split up into modules, each of which focuses on a specific concept within that subject area. For example, in the MRI Post-Primary Pathway Certification course, modules cover topics such as MRI physics principles and fundamentals, basic pulse sequences, spatial encoding, and MRI safety. Users can access ImagingU courses for one year after purchase.
MRI Simulator Software for Education and Training
MRI simulator software is another valuable tool that has transformed MRI training and evaluation, elevating the educational experience for learners, instructors, and radiology facility managers.
Online MRI simulators like ScanLabMR recreate the real-life scanning experience, giving students the opportunity to develop and refine their skills in a virtual environment – without compromising patient safety or interrupting clinical schedules. At the same time, cutting-edge technology comes with built-in assessment tools, so educators can quickly assess their students’ progress to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
In addition to educational institutions, ScanLabMR is also commonly used at radiology facilities. When managers are hiring for a new role, they can ask candidates to complete a virtual skill assessment through ScanLabMR. By evaluating candidates’ knowledge early in the hiring process, managers can quickly see which candidates are truly qualified for the job – saving time and minimizing the risk that they’ll hire someone who doesn’t have the right skills.
MRI simulation software is also a cost-effective cross-training tool. For example, let’s say you’re a healthcare hiring manager, and you have several current staff members who have expressed interest in training to become MRI technologists. With ScanLabMR, they can learn critical concepts, safely practice their skills, and prepare for a certification exam. Then, when they’re qualified, you can move them into a technologist role.
Discover How Your Organization Can Benefit from Virtual MRI Tech Education
MRI education isn’t just limited to in-person academic instruction and clinical experience. These days, aspiring technologists can use virtual learning solutions (like online courses and MRI simulation software) to get a more comprehensive MRI education – all from their smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
With proven benefits for students, educators, and healthcare managers, virtual MRI training tools – like ImagingU and ScanLabMR – are helping create a new generation of highly educated MRI professionals. We offer individual licenses (for students and technologists) and group licenses (for instructors and managers), with packages that can be tailored for organizations of all sizes.
If you’re in charge of MRI technician education and training at your organization, we’d love to share how our solutions can take your training to the next level. Get in touch today to request a guided demonstration or personalized quote.
Still have questions? Check out the FAQ pages for ImagingU and ScanLabMR.