Academic Program Code: 383
MRI technologists are highly trained and possess the advanced skills and knowledge necessary for competent practice. The ability to critically think and communicate is paramount to the success of an MRI technologist. They must have the ability to synthesize information and apply rational judgment in determining appropriate protocols that affect image quality and diagnostic outcomes. They must find balance between equipment capabilities and patient condition to arrive at the highest quality images for interpretation by the physician. The MRI environment presents unique patient care and safety issues that require exceptional attention to detail. The Educational Programs in Collaboration (EPiC) Consortium MRI program provides a sound base of clinical practice in conjunction with course work in the related sciences and general education.
The EPiC MRI program is designed not only to foster the skills and knowledge necessary for competent practice in MRI, but also places emphasis on professional attitudes, values and behaviors that encourage the professional growth of the individual student.
Clinical learning experiences are provided by affiliating hospitals, clinics and other MRI provider facilities. Didactic learning experiences occur in supportive college course work delivered through an online environment. Both are equally important to the development of the competent MRI technologist.
Under these philosophies, the program assumes the responsibility of a facilitator of learning. Specifically, it will plan, select, administer, and assess learning experiences. These experiences are developed to meet established objectives and eligibility requirements of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to complete the MRI certification exam.
The EPiC MRI program prepares students to become eligible to complete the MRI certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The program awards a Certificate of Completion or terminates in an award of an Associates of Applied Science degree as determined by the college issuing the award. The program has been developed to be consistent with standards and requirements of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT); the American College of Radiology (ACR); the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Educational Programs in Collaboration (EPiC) Consortium.
Educational Programs in Collaboration (EPiC) Consortium Participating Institutions:
- Grand Rapids Community College
- Grand Valley State Univeristy
- Kellogg Community College
- Lake Michigan College
- Lansing Community College
- Mid-Michigan Community College
Pre-requisite Requirements
All pre-requisites requirements and policies regarding certificate or degree completion can be found in the catalog of the college issuing the certificate or degree, or by contacting the MiRIS Consortium Council member of the college issuing the certificate or degree.
Clinical Education Access Requirements
1. Students will be required to undergo a physical examination, immunizations, a drug screen and criminal background check prior to and potentially during clinical placement according to MiRIS Consortium policies as required by affiliating clinical education providers.
2. Students who have a misdemeanor or felony conviction will also be required to submit a pre-application to the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) to determine eligibility to complete the MRI certification exam earning nationally recognized professional credentials. For more information, visit the ARRT website www.arrt.org
3. Students will be required to maintain certification in Healthcare Provider CPR according to EPiC Consortium policies as required by affiliating clinical education providers during enrollment in the clinical education courses.
4. Students will be required to maintain professional liability insurance according to EPiC Consortium policies as required by affiliating clinical education providers during enrollment in the clinical education courses.
5. Students will be required to adhere to the uniform and personal appearance code according to EPiC Consortium policies as required by affiliating clinical education providers during enrollment in the clinical education courses.
Completion Requirements (Subject to Change)
1. There are 37 core program credits required for program completion.
2. A student must maintain the minimum grade requirement as indicated for each course and in accordance with the policies of the college issuing the terminal award of a degree or certificate.
3. Application to complete the certification examination administered by the ARRT is granted only if the student fulfills all academic and clinical criteria established by the ARRT, the MiRIS program and the college issuing the terminal award of a degree or certificate.
4. A student must complete and pass all clinical access requirements as determined by clinical education providers. These include health related evaluations, criminal background check(s) and drug screening. Failure to successfully pass any of these requirements will require that the student withdraw from the MRI program.
GRCC requires that all students entering the MRI Consortium porgram must be a Registered Radiologic Technologist or a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.