Magnetic Resonance Imaging, B.S.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging is one of only two programs of its kind in the country. SLU's MRI program contains a strong science curriculum that prepares students for immediate job placement as well as graduate study.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a large magnet and radio waves to create clear pictures of internal body structures. MRI provides excellent contrast between the different soft tissues of the body and is especially useful in imaging the brain, spine, joints, muscles and other structures. The superior resolution of the images and advancing technology is rapidly increasing the variety of exams an MRI technologist will perform.

MRI technologists are educated and trained to work with patients and other members of the health care team to obtain high-quality images in a safe and effective manner. MRI offers procedures that are helpful to a broad span of medical specialties. These specialties include neurology, sports medicine, cardiology, pediatrics and more. 

Advantages to earning your B.S. in MRI at Saint Louis University include:

• A tailored curriculum that allows for diverse areas of concentration
• Clinical training sites within the St. Louis metropolitan area
• An interprofessional focus that emphasizes a team approach to health care
• Instruction and individual mentorship by professionally credentialed MRI faculty
• Medically relevant coursework ideal for pre-professional curriculum options, including pre-med and pre-physician assistant
• Opportunities to participate in professional conferences with faculty and fellow students
• Undergraduate opportunities to conduct research and produce projects/papers acceptable for publication and presentation at professional conferences

Program Effectiveness Data

Curriculum Overview

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging prepares graduates for an entry-level position as MRI technologists. The program includes all basic sciences and an intensive MRI curriculum that includes approximately 1,000 hours of clinical practicum. The MRI program offers several curriculum tracks, including pre-physician assistant and pre-medicine. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national certification to become registered MRI technologists/radiologic technologists (MR).

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Students in the MRI degree program have opportunities to conduct research and produce projects and papers that are acceptable for publication and could be presented at professional conferences.

MRI students are encouraged to join and participate in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Careers

The practice of MRI encompasses multidisciplinary skills. The responsibilities of the MRI technologist include:

• Operation of imaging, laboratory and computer instrumentation
• Empathetic and instructional approach to patient care
• Preparation of contrast agents
• Performance of quality control procedures
• Application of accepted standards of MRI safety and protection

Jobs can be found in the following settings:

• Medical and surgical hospitals
• Freestanding clinics
• Physician offices
• Research institutions

Some jobs are classified as traveling jobs where the employee provides temporary help to short-staffed departments for a while. These technologists regularly travel, with the length of stay and location varying.

Career advancement opportunities from the position of staff technologist may lead to areas of administration, education, sales or research.

The salary range for an MRI technologist depends on geographic location, years of experience and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage is $74,690.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen Applicants

Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

• Admission criteria include:
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale
• Saint Louis University has a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process.

Transfer Applicants

The minimum college transfer GPA is 2.70/4.00.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers a scholarship to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
• Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, see the Doisy College Scholarship page.

Accreditation

The magnetic resonance imaging program at Saint Louis University is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), having been awarded an eight-year accreditation. The program's next scheduled accreditation review is in the third quarter of 2027.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
http://www.jrcert.org

For more information about the SLU magnetic resonance imaging program's goals, program outcomes, certification examination pass rates, job placement rates, technical standards and program-specific costs, please review the additional accreditation information document.

View Additional Accreditation Information (PDF)

Doisy College of Health Sciences Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the Jesuit mission by caring for the whole patient.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting in the MRI profession.
3. Graduates will be able to apply critical reasoning as it relates to the MRI setting.
4. Graduates will be able to demonstrate application of professional knowledge.
5. Graduates will be able to recognize ethical practices in the health care setting.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program Learning Outcomes and Goals

1. Students will be clinically competent.
   1. Students will appropriately  use, record, and verify patient data.
   2. Students will position patients as directed.
   3. Students will use the proper imaging sequences for ordered exam.
   4. Students practice proper MRI and patient safety.
2. Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.
   1. Students will complete imaging procedures, explaining steps in detail.
   2. Students will present case studies and MRI final capstone project.
3. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
   1. Students will appropriately communicate with patients.
   2. Students will demonstrate appropriate written communication
   3. Students will demonstrate proper presentation skills
4. Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.
   1. Students will demonstrate professional behaviors.
   2. Students will have knowledge of ethical behaviors.
   3. Students will demonstrate professional growth through critical thinking

The program annually tracks student learning outcomes as they relate to the above student goals.

Students in Saint Louis University's magnetic resonance imaging program take the following courses.

Standard Track

Pre-Medicine Track

Pre-Physician Assistant and PA Scholar Track

Second Bachelor's Degree Option

Total semester credits vary based on applicable courses complete in undergraduate program. Specific course plan is individually designed for each applicant.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 to remain in good standing.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Standard Track

Pre-Medicine Track

Program Notes

Curriculum is designed to address the SLU School of Medicine's requirements and is subject to change. If applying to a medical school at another institution, please consult their website for specific requirements.

Pre-Physician Assistant Track

Program Notes

Curriculum is designed to address SLU’s PA program requirements and is subject to change. If applying to a PA program at another institution, please consult their website for specific requirements.

Physician Assistants Scholar Track

Program Notes

Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, students will proceed directly into SLU’s graduate-level PA program.

Second Baccalaureate Degree Track

Courses to Be Taken at Saint Louis University

Program Notes

Successful completion of this program leads to a second baccalaureate degree in magnetic resonance imaging. This option is for a student who already possesses a bachelor’s degree and is motivated to become a practicing magnetic resonance technologist.

To be considered for the second baccalaureate degree option, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a baccalaureate degree, with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale), including the prerequisite courses listed above.

The applicant must complete the application for the MRI program and submit official transcripts of prior college work through the SLU admission website at http://www.slu.edu. 

The applicant must show satisfactory evidence of good character and physical ability to perform functions of magnetic resonance technologists. All applicants must meet the professional performance and technical standards required by the profession. Students must also successfully complete a drug screen and criminal background check prior to the start of clinical rotations.

Application to the program is via a competitive application process with admission granted on a space-available basis. The selection process includes a personal interview for qualified applicants.

Selection Factors — Among the parameters considered by the selection committee are: 

• Applicant’s academic potential as evidenced by previous performance in college
• Specific motivation toward pursuit of a health care profession
• Evidence of sound judgment
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Job shadowing of a magnetic resonance imaging department is highly recommended

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu