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 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 are rapidly increasing the variety of exams an MRI technologist will perform.

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

Program Highlights

The advantages of 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 entry-level positions as MRI technologists. The program includes all basic sciences and an intensive MRI curriculum that includes approximately 1,000 hours of clinical practicum. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national certification to become registered MRI technologists/radiologic technologists (MR).

Technical Standards

Purpose: 

This is a non-discriminatory policy that describes the intellectual, social, and physical capabilities required to perform the tasks of magnetic resonance imaging. The mission of the program is to educate a practitioner in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Therefore, students must meet these standards to pursue the program coursework and work within the field.

 All applicants and students of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program must be able to perform each of the standards stated in this policy. 

In some cases, the use of adaptive devices may be permitted in order for the student to meet selected technical standards.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are required to:

 • Intellectually understand the conceptual, integrative, and quantitative ability to analyze information and data. Comprehend three-dimensional relationships and the spatial relationships of structure. Understand and apply clinical instructions given by departmental personnel. 

• Tolerate physical and emotional stress and continue to effectively function. Demonstrate emotional stability and psychological health in day-to-day interaction with patients, staff, family members, and others. They must be adaptable, flexible, and able to function in the face of uncertainty. A student must be able to develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and colleagues. He/she must have a high level of compassion for others, motivation to serve, integrity and a consciousness of social values. A student must possess sufficient interpersonal skills to interact with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds, and all belief systems.

 • Clearly communicate, verbally and in writing, with the patient, families, personnel, and others to disseminate information about patient care and work duties. Candidates must be able to speak and hear at a level that allows them to elicit and convey information, accurately perceive nonverbal communication, and describe changes in patient mood, activity and posture, and recognize and respond to an emergency or urgent situation. Must demonstrate normal or corrected hearing to discern audible signals on camera imaging equipment, phones, and timing devices. 

• See with normal or device corrected vision. They must possess the ability to discriminate among blacks, grays, and whites, and various color combinations that indicate tissue contrast on both display devices and recorded images. A student must be able to observe patients accurately and completely, both from a distance and at close range.

 • Read, extract and apply appropriate information and instructions contained in patient requisitions, notes, and medical charts. Have the ability to read and comprehend technical and medical information.

• Have the manual dexterity to perform various MRI procedures, such as patient imaging, system quality control, venipuncture, and preparation and administration of contrast media. Motor skills must include the ability to extend hands and arms in any direction. You must be able to hold, grasp, and turn with the hands, and possess the ability to coordinate eyes, hands and feet rapidly and accurately.

• Lift, transfer, and/or move patients from wheelchairs/stretchers/beds to imaging tables. Lift, move, reach, or push MRI equipment weighing approx. 30-35 lbs., (e.g. imaging coils, contrast pumps, etc.). Endure an eight-hour clinical day with a minimum of four to six hours of standing or walking.

 • Submit to and receive a satisfactory report on criminal background checks and drug testing for substances of abuse.

Please note: Many medical devices, such as pacemakers, clips, cochlear implants, medication pumps, stimulators, etc., are considered unsafe in the magnetic field environment of the MRI Suite. Other implants may be considered safe or conditional; allowing access to the high magnet field and the MRI technologist profession. In addition, metallic foreign bodies inside the body may be adversely affected by the magnetic field. Any Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program applicant who has a medical device or an internal metallic foreign body MUST contact the program faculty for clearance into the program. 

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Students in SLU's 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 was $83,740 in 2023.

Transfer Credit or Second Bachelor's Degree

Undergraduate students may receive credit for prior learning. This includes college credits earned during or after high school, credit by exam and credit by assessment. Credits may be applied towards the University Core or program requirements, or count as general electives. More details can be found in the Transfer Credit policy. 

Students seeking a second bachelor's degree may apply their previous coursework toward program graduation requirements following the same Transfer Credit policy. The specific University Core requirements for second bachelor's degree students can be found on the University Core page. 

More information on how credits transfer to SLU can be found on the Transfer Admission page.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen Applicants

Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a first-year 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.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:

• You must demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your time at Saint Louis University.
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of your study at the University.
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

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 SLU scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers scholarships 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 of merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 1.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

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. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found on the JRCERT website. 

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
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 the 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 exams.
   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.

Second Bachelor's Degree Option

Total program credits vary based on transfer credits. Each student will work with their advisor to create their specific course plan.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 and meet grade and term GPA requirements as outlined in the AT Program Handbook 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.

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, B.S. (STLCC 2+SLU)