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.

• 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 which prepares students for immediate job placement as well as graduate study.
• SLU's MRI program offers a tailored curriculum including individual mentorship by MRI faculty and clinical training sites within the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The practice of MRI encompasses multidisciplinary skills. MRI technologists are not exposed to ionizing radiation and are not required to monitor their exposure to the magnet. 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

Unlike traditional X-rays, MRI does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce clear pictures of internal body structures. These pictures aid health care professionals in diagnosing and treating patients.

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

• A curriculum with an interprofessional focus that emphasizes a team approach to health care
• Instruction by professionally credentialed faculty
• A flexible curriculum that allows diverse areas of concentration
• 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

MRI offers procedures that are helpful to a broad span of medical specialties. These specialties include neurology, sports medicine, cardiology, pediatrics and more. 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.

Curriculum Overview

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging prepares a graduate for an entry-level position as an MRI technologist. The program includes all basic sciences, as well as a 12-month intensive MRI curriculum that includes 1,300 hours of clinical practicum. The MRI program offers several curriculum tracks, including pre-physician assistant and pre-medicine. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible for national certification to become a registered MRI technologist/radiologic technologist (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 functions of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Careers

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 departments that are short-staffed for a period of time. These technologists travel regularly, 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. The median annual wage is $69,930 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements

Admission consideration for the MRI program is initially based on a strong overall academic background.

Admission criteria include:

• Minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
• Minimum ACT score of 22 with no subsection lower than 20

Applicants are encouraged to contact the department about availability in the program.

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 and seniors.
• 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, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Accreditation

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging program is accredited by the 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 goals, program outcomes, certification examination pass rates, job placement rates, technical standards and program-specific costs, please see Additional Accreditation information.

Additional Accreditation Information 

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

Goal A: Students will be clinically competent

Goal B: Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Goal C: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.

Goal D: Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.

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

Program Outcomes 2014-18

These data presented are the outcomes beginning with the first graduating class of the MRI Program. These results will be posted annually.

Enrollments, Graduates and Program Completion Rate

Enrollments are defined as the number of new students who began the program during the reporting period indicated.

Graduates are defined as the total number of students that the Radiation Therapy Program graduated during the reporting period indicated.

Program Completion Rate is calculated by dividing the number of students who complete the program within the cohort by the number who enrolled in the cohort initially and subsequently. Any student who leaves the program for any reason (medical leave, personal reasons, or course failure) is counted as not completing the program. 

Credentialing Examination Pass Rate

Credentialing Examination Pass Rate is defined as the number of graduates who pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing exam compared with the number of graduates who take the exam. 

Job Placement Rate

Job placement rate is defined as the number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences. 

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

2+2 Option for Students with Associate Degree in Radiography

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

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 SLU’s Medical School 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.

2+2 Track

Program Notes

Selection for student admission is on a space available basis, and final acceptance decision is made by the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program Director.

Second Baccalaureate Degree Track

Courses to Be Taken at Saint Louis University

Program Notes

This 12-month program is identical to the senior year of the degree option. Successful completion 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 in 12-months.

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 professional year and submit official transcripts of prior college work through the SLU admission website at http://www.slu.edu. Application deadline is August 1^st.

The applicant must show satisfactory evidence of good character and physical ability to perform functions of Magnetic Resonance Technologist. 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 the professional year.

Application to the 12-month option 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

For additional admission questions please contact:
Katie Smialek
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu