Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Get Started Today

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Application

If you’re new to GateWay or the Maricopa Community Colleges, or if you need to reapply, click the button below and follow the instructions to complete your admissions application:

Become a Student

• New Students: Click "Join Now" to create an account.
• Returning Students: Click "Log In" and enter your MEID and password. If you do not
  remember your MEID or password, select “Forgot your Username?” and/or “Forgot your
  Password?” for assistance.

What to Enter on Your Application:

Duo Two-Factor Authentication 

After completing your admission application, you will need to set up Duo two-factor authentication. Click on the link to set up your Duo two-factor authentication account.  

For further assistance, contact Enrollment Services at (602) 238-4350 or visit the Enrollment Services department at our Washington Campus  campus in person at 108 North 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 

Step 3: Admission Requirement 

To be considered for admission to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program, applicants must hold a credential in one or more of the following areas:

• Bone Densitometry
• Breast Sonography
• Cardiac Interventional Radiography
• Computed Tomography
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
• Mammography
• Vascular Interventional Radiography
• Vascular Sonography*

* Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Vascular Sonography credentials may be earned through either the primary or post-primary eligibility pathway.

Step 4: Prerequisites

A. Certification Requirements

To be accepted into the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program, applicants must meet one of the certification requirements listed below:

• Certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography or Radiation Therapy.

  OR

• Certified by ARRT or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) in Nuclear Medicine.

  OR

• Certified by ARRT or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in Sonography

B. Required Coursework

Students must complete the following introductory courses with a grade of C or higher, or permission of the instructor. 

C. Credential Verification

Applicants must provide official documentation verifying the credentials listed under Section A.

Step 5: Contact the Program Director

If you are interested in enrolling in the MRI program, contact the Program Director:

• Tabatha Hatfield, MA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT
• Director, Post Primary Health Care
• Email: [email protected]

Applicants will be vetted to confirm eligibility prior to enrollment.

Step 6: Health and Safety Requirements

Maricopa Community Colleges requires all Magnetic Resonance Imaging students to meet the Health and Safety standards set by our most stringent clinical partner.
This ensures that students are eligible for immediate and flexible placement at any assigned clinical site.

Upon conditional acceptance into the program, the Health and Safety Administrator will contact you via your Maricopa student email with detailed instructions and deadlines for completing these requirements.

Health and Safety Requirements

Step 7: Payment Options / Funding

You must have Financial Aid or a payment plan set up before your program start date.

Students who do not arrange payment in advance may be dropped from their classes for non-payment.

Financial Aid

Payment Plans

Scholarship Opportunities

Veterans Services

Important Reminders: 

★ Regularly check your Maricopa student email and Student Center for updates on payment balances and deadlines. 

★ If you’ve applied for financial aid, check for any pending "To Do List" items that may delay your award. 

★ Your seat in the program is not secured until your funding is confirmed. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in being dropped from the program.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Overview

Program overview

• Format: Part-time program with online, sequential coursework
• Duration: Approximately 9.5 months, spanning one academic year from August to May
• Clinical hours: May include daytime, evening, and weekend assignments
• Curriculum: A rigorous course of study combining science, math, and technical MRI competencies

Important considerations

• Transfer students are not accepted into this program

Mental and Physical Demands

A career in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) requires the ability to manage physical activity as well as mental and emotional demands. Prospective students should carefully evaluate their ability to meet the requirements of the program’s clinical components, as these demands are an essential part of successful participation and completion.

Physical Requirements

The clinical phase of the program necessitates the ability to perform various physical activities. Minimum requirements include:

• Lifting and Transferring Patients: Manually assisting or moving patients as needed.
• Prolonged Standing: Maintaining an upright position for several hours at a time during procedures and clinical shifts.
• Bending and Mobility: Performing tasks that require frequent bending and moving within the clinical environment.
• Metal Implants and MRI Safety: Certain metal implants may interact with the MRI magnetic field and could restrict participation in clinical activities. All students must complete MRI safety screening prior to clinical placement

Mental and Emotional Resilience

The nature of the work places students under considerable mental and emotional pressure. Undertaking responsibilities and duties that directly impact patients' lives requires a high degree of professionalism and stability.

• Stress Management: Students must demonstrate rational, appropriate, and professional behavior while working under pressure in fast paced clinical environments
• Patient Interaction: Clear communication, empathy, and composure are essential when working with patients who may be anxious, uncomfortable, or distressed

Careful consideration of these mental and physical requirements is essential before submitting an application to the MRI program.

Course Sequence by Term 

Is this different from continuing education courses offered in the past?

Yes, this offering differs from past continuing education courses because the new curriculum is structured to provide sequential coursework leading to a Certificate of Completion. Unlike previous options, courses cannot be taken out of sequence.

These courses are competency-based, meaning successful completion of one semester is required before you can enroll in the next.

Is this an evening or part-time program?

Yes. This program is designed to accommodate the schedules of part-time students and working professionals.

• Clinical experiences: Available during days, evenings, and weekends
• Coursework formats: Offered in in-person, hybrid, and online formats
• In-person classes: Held in the evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters, typically meeting one to two nights per week

Are there designated clinical sites?

Yes, there are designated Clinical Sites.  Students will complete their clinical rotations at a variety of our affiliated clinical agencies. These sites provide a comprehensive range of experiences, with available shifts on days, evenings, and weekends to accommodate diverse schedules.

Are there recommended supplementary courses for students waiting to begin the certificate program?

Yes. While waiting to begin the certificate program, students may take coursework that applies toward Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science: Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy. These courses are transferable and can help you meet university degree requirements.

A GateWay Community College advisor can assist you in identifying appropriate courses and developing an academic plan that aligns with both the certificate program and future transfer goals.

Next steps:

Contact an NAU advisor: After meeting with a GateWay advisor, students are also required to speak with an NAU advisor. They can be reached at 602.286.8194

Plan transfer coursework: Work with both advisors to select courses that will transfer and apply toward the bachelor’s degree, ensuring you remain on track to meet all university requirements

Where can I go for more information about the profession? 

For additional information about the MRI profession, explore resources from the following professional organizations:

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
  Website: www.asrt.org
  Provides industry news, professional resources, and educational materials for both technologists and patients.
   
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
  Website: www.arrt.org
  Offers detailed information on certification and registration requirements, including education standards, ethics, and examination processes.

These organizations are excellent resources for understanding professional expectations, credentialing pathways, and ongoing developments in the field.

Will my criminal record prevent me from enrolling in the program? 

Admission to healthcare programs and placement in clinical rotations are contingent upon successful completion of mandatory background checks. Clinical affiliation agreements require students to meet specific clearance criteria before beginning any clinical experience.

Students must meet all of the following requirements:

• Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Level 1 fingerprint clearance card
  Students must obtain and maintain a valid Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by AZDPS. Certain criminal offenses may prevent issuance of this card and may impact eligibility for program admission or clinical placement.
• Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion list
  Students must not appear on the federal OIG Exclusion List. Individuals listed are prohibited from participating in federally funded healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
• Maricopa Community Colleges District (MCCCD) background check
  All healthcare students must successfully complete an MCCCD background check within six (6) months of beginning their program of study.
• Banner Health background check
  Students assigned to Banner clinical sites must also successfully complete a separate Banner Health background check.

Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in delayed placement, removal from clinical rotations, or ineligibility to continue in the program.

Are military veterans given priority for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program?

Yes. GateWay Community College is proud to support military veterans in their educational journey.

Each fall, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program reserves the first two seats in the cohort specifically for eligible military veterans. To be considered for one of these reserved seats, applicants must:

• Submit a copy of their DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
• Complete all other Selective Admissions requirements

This initiative reflects GateWay’s commitment to honoring military service and supporting veterans as they transition into rewarding careers in healthcare.

Estimated Program Costs*

* https://www.maricopa.edu/students/tuition-payment-information/tuition-fees