CNI College

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology

Santa Ana Main Campus
Santa Ana, CA
Associate Of Occupational Science · Hybrid
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology
CNI College is accredited by ABHES, and the AOS MRI Technology program holds programmatic accreditation from ARMRIT.
Blended, with evening and weekend classes: theory online via Zoom/Teams, exams and labs on campus, then a 1,000-hour clinical externship.
Tuition is $43,712; with registration, books, supplies, uniforms, technology and license/testing fees, total program charges are $49,899.
This program takes about 75 weeks (18.75 months) to complete, including a 1,000-hour clinical externship.
A $75.00 non-refundable application fee is required to apply to the MRI program.
Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify; the AOS MRI Technology program is Title IV eligible. Federal school code 032423.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology is an Associate Of Occupational Science program (Hybrid) offered by CNI College in Santa Ana, CA. The program takes 75 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $43,712.

Program Overview

MRI technologists use magnetic resonance imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images that physicians and radiologists can use in patient diagnosis and treatment. CNI College’s MRI tech program teaches students both the technical and patient-care sides of the profession, covering MRI technology and physics, anatomy, imaging procedures, patient positioning, safety, pathology, medical terminology, and professional communication.

Students apply concepts from the classroom through laboratory practice, simulation, and clinical experience; the program includes more than 120 hours of hands-on lab and simulation training as well as a 1,000-hour clinical externship. Equipment identified for the program includes GE, Siemens, Philips, Fonar, and Hitachi MRI systems with different field strengths and configurations.

Program objectives. Graduates identify and demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy; recognize MRI case studies; apply math and MRI physics; understand magnetic-field hazards and MRI health and safety regulations, HIPAA and OSHA; practice patient care, vital signs, asepsis, First Aid, venipuncture and CPR; position patients and explain procedures; and perform required MRI studies to meet the competencies to sit for the ARMRIT and/or ARRT National Exams.

What sets this Program apart

Hands-On Learning. Students reinforce classroom instruction through laboratory training, MRI simulation, and clinical experience.

Clinical Experience. The program includes a 1,000-hour externship where students can apply their training in a supervised healthcare environment and continue developing MRI competencies.

Certification Exam Preparation. MRI review resources, tutoring, and the required capstone course help students reinforce program material and prepare for the ARMRIT and/or ARRT examination process.

Industry Connections. CNI College works with affiliated imaging sites to provide clinical learning opportunities and help students experience professional MRI environments.

Academic Resources. Students have access to instructors, tutoring, library resources, online research tools, and additional review opportunities throughout the program.

Admission Requirements and Process

Students interested in the MRI Technology program must meet the College’s admissions requirements before beginning the program. The program requires a minimum score of 18 on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE), dated within five years of the program start, unless the applicant has an SAT score of 1220 or above or an ACT score of 17 or above within five years. AOS MRI applicants must make an appointment with the Admissions Department to take the Wonderlic on campus with a proctor present; it is not administered online to AOS MRI applicants.

A $75.00 non-refundable applicant fee is required to apply. Additional requirements apply before clinical training, including background clearance and other health or clinical documentation.

General Requirements

  • Minimum age
    Applicants must be at least 17 years of age to be considered for admission; an applicant under 18 must have the Enrollment Agreement signed by a parent or guardian.
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    Applicants must have a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a foreign degree credentialed for 12th-grade proficiency, and must be able to read, speak and write English…
  • Wonderlic entrance exam
    Pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 18, taken on campus with a proctor, or provide an SAT score of 1220+ or ACT score of 17+ from the last five years.
  • Questionnaire, interview and campus tour
    Applicants complete a potential student questionnaire form and attend an initial personal interview with a CNI College Admissions Advisor, including a tour of the campus.
  • Health documentation
    Documentation of any required health examinations, pathology tests and/or immunizations must be presented, with full disclosure of any known medical condition that would affect…
  • Background check
    A background check is required after admission, and students must obtain background clearance at their own expense before beginning clinical practicum or externship.
  • Criminal history
    CNI College does not accept admissions applications from prospective students with felony convictions or who are currently on probation; misdemeanors are reviewed and may prevent…
  • California residency
    All programs, whether residential, blended, or delivered exclusively through online distance education, are offered only to California residents.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Request more information
    Your starting place is the CNI College website: the moment you submit the Request Information form, you are on your way.
  2. 2
    Fill out our questionnaire
    All applicants complete a potential student questionnaire form so the College has a clearer picture of your career goals and what you are looking for in your education.
  3. 3
    Complete an interview and a campus tour
    An admissions advisor will reach out for a one-on-one conversation about your situation and program of interest and to set up a tour of the campus.
  4. 4
    Prep your finances and any other paperwork
    Once your application has been accepted, work with the financial aid team on the best ways to cover education costs, and turn in your Enrollment Agreement and documentation of any required health exams, tests, or vaccines.
  5. 5
    Join us in the classroom and get started
    When your first day of classes arrives, CNI College will be ready and waiting to welcome you.

Program Schedule

Evening/weekend classes. Quarter 1: COMP 101 meets Mondays 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM online (Zoom/Teams); ENG 101 and MTH 101 are asynchronous online courses. Quarter 2: BIO 201 online (Zoom/Teams) Mondays and Tuesdays 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Quarter 3: MRIT 301/302 theory online Mondays and Tuesdays 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, MRI Safety I on alternate Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, and labs on alternate Saturdays or Sundays 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Quarters 4 and 5: theory on campus Thursday and Friday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, MRI Safety II/III on alternate Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, and labs Saturday, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Quarter 6: a 1,000-hour externship (35-40 hours per week, between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, depending on site) and a ten-week online capstone on Saturdays 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM. All exams for synchronous online courses are held on campus.

Next start: classes start November 16, 2026 (CNI College homepage).

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • November 16th, 2026

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $43,712
Total Program Cost
≈ $49,899
FAFSA Code

Cost of the program. The catalog’s estimated schedule of total charges for the entire educational program is $49,899.00:

  • Registration fee: $75.00
  • Books, supplies, uniforms: $1,350.00
  • Technology fees: $3,178.00
  • License fees, tests: $1,584.00
  • Tuition: $43,712.00

Tuition by pay period. Institutional charges are posted to the student tuition account pay period by pay period; the registration fee, books and supplies for the entire course are assessed in the first payment period. The catalog’s schedule for this program is: pay period 1: $8,394.32, pay period 2: $8,394.32, pay period 3: $10,259.60, pay period 4: $10,259.60, pay period 5: $6,295.67, pay period 6: $6,295.67.

Overtime charges. If a student needs additional time beyond the expected graduation date, CNI College extends a courtesy period of up to three weeks without additional charges; thereafter overtime tuition is charged at $24.28 per hour for the remaining hours.

Books and supplies allowance. For cost-of-attendance budgets the College uses the California Student Aid Commission’s 2026–2027 student expense budget, which allows $1,089 per academic year for books and supplies (tuition, registration fee and other charges are actual institutional charges).

Federal financial aid. CNI College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in selected Title IV programs, and this program is eligible to participate in USDE Title IV programs. Available aid includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov and use federal school code 032423 (Career Networks Institute – CNI College).

Cal Grant. The State of California, through the California Student Aid Commission, sponsors Cal Grant A, B and C for undergraduate students; applicants must file a FAFSA (or Dream Act Application) and a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the March 2 or September 2 deadline.

Veterans’ benefits. CNI College is approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons, including Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment) and Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) benefits; contact the College’s School Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office.

Payments. Students are encouraged to make tuition payments electronically through Tuition Options unless alternative arrangements have been approved by the Financial Aid Office. The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate is currently $0.00 per $1,000 of institutional charges.

Curriculum

CNI College’s MRI tech curriculum begins with foundational general education and healthcare subjects before moving into MRI-specific imaging, physics, anatomy, pathology, clinical training, and certification preparation: 680 lecture, 120 lab and 1,000 externship hours (1,800 clock hours, 107 quarter credits).

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
COMP 101Computer Application4
ENG 101Written Communication4
MTH 101College Mathematics4
BIO 201Anatomy & Physiology12
MRIT 301Fundamentals of Imaging Science & Healthcare8
MRIT 302MRI Pathology/Microbiology/MRI Safety I6
MRIT 401Principles and Physics of MRIT14
MRIT 402MRI Safety II2
MRIT 501MRIT Cross Sectional Anatomy14
MRIT 502MRI Safety III2
MRIT 601Clinical Externship33
MRIT 602Capstone4

Career Outcomes

The program prepares graduates for an entry-level position as an MRI Technologist. The catalog states that employment opportunities for the MRI Technologist are found in medical clinics and imaging centers under the supervision of a physician and radiologist, not in hospitals; the program’s website lists hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, outpatient care facilities, specialty clinics, mobile imaging units and travel positions.

The State of California does not require licensure or a state-administered certification exam for MRI Technologists, but employers typically expect national certification; CNI College requires all MRI students to take the ARMRIT National Certification Examination prior to graduation, and eligible students may also sit for the ARRT MRI exam.

Outcomes (School Performance Fact Sheet, calendar years 2023 & 2024, 1,746-hour program). Job placement rate: 47% (2023) and 53% (2024). Completion within 150% of program length: 84% (2023) and 80% (2024); on-time completion: 37% (2023) and 35% (2024). License examination passage data is not available from the state agency.

Campus Address

Santa Ana Main Campus
1610 East St. Andrew Place
Suite 200
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Why Accreditation Is Important

CNI College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). The AOS MRI Technology program holds programmatic accreditation from the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT); ARRT is approved under ABHES for CNI MRI graduates to sit for its national examination.

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

ABHES

Testimonials

What drew me to the field of MRI technology is the perfect combination of cutting-edge science and technology with the deeply rewarding aspect of patient care.

Melissa Ricci
CNI Graduate

Images

An MRI tech helping a patient
An MRI tech helping a patient
An MRI technology student at CNI College
CNI College students
The CNI College campus building in Santa Ana
CNI College students in the campus lobby

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MRI Technology program at CNI College?
The MRI Technology program at CNI College is an Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) degree program that prepares students to become MRI technologists. Students learn how to operate MRI machines, manage patient care, follow imaging protocols, and work as part of a diagnostic healthcare team. The training includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab experience, and clinical rotations.
How long does the MRI program take to complete?
The program can be completed in approximately 18 months, depending on the student’s schedule and any prior credits.
What are the admission requirements for the MRI program?
Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. While prior healthcare experience is helpful, it is not required. Additional admissions steps may include an interview, assessment, or background check.
Do I need prior healthcare experience or a background in radiology to apply?
No. Prior experience in healthcare or radiology is not required to enter the program. The curriculum is designed to teach students the skills they need from the ground up.
What is the class and lab schedule like for MRI students?
While the program strives to maintain a fixed schedule, students should understand that the MRI field operates within a complex healthcare environment. Our hands-on training relies on affiliated off-campus imaging centers, where MRI scanners may occasionally be unavailable due to routine maintenance, technical issues, or unforeseen downtime. As with any advanced medical equipment, MRI systems are subject to service interruptions. In such cases, lab schedules may need to be modified or rescheduled. Students are expected to remain flexible and cooperative should adjustments be required.
Is financial aid or scholarship assistance available for MRI students?
Yes. Financial aid, internal and external scholarships, and other tuition support options are available to qualifying students. The financial aid department can help students explore their options.
Will I be eligible to sit for a national certification exam after graduation?
Yes. Graduates of the MRI program are eligible to sit for national certification exams offered by recognized credentialing bodies, provided all eligibility requirements are met. These include: • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT – MRI): Graduates may apply for the ARRT MRI certification exam, contingent upon meeting ARRT’s academic, clinical, and ethics eligibility requirements. • American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT): Graduates may also apply for the ARMRIT national certification exam, which evaluates MRI-specific knowledge and competencies. Successful completion of either ARRT or ARMRIT certification provides recognition as a nationally credentialed MRI technologist and may enhance employment opportunities. Students are responsible for reviewing the specific eligibility criteria of each certifying organization prior to application.
What certifications are recommended or required for MRI technologists?
Certification is strongly recommended for MRI technologists, as it validates professional competency, ensures adherence to national safety and quality standards, and enhances employability. The two primary certifying organizations are: • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT – MRI): Widely recognized and often required by employers, the ARRT MRI certification demonstrates that the technologist has met rigorous academic, clinical, and ethical standards in MRI imaging. Many hospitals and large healthcare systems specifically require ARRT certification as a condition of employment. • American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT): ARMRIT certification is MRI-specific and focused exclusively on magnetic resonance technology. It is recognized nationally and accepted by a range of outpatient imaging centers, specialty practices, and some hospitals. ARMRIT certification demonstrates proficiency in MRI safety, protocols, and technology, and provides an alternative pathway for individuals pursuing a career dedicated to MRI. Students are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria for both ARRT and ARMRIT and to consider which certification aligns best with their career goals and the requirements of potential employers.
What are the career prospects for MRI technologists after graduation?
Career prospects are strong. MRI technologists are in demand across the country, and many employers offer competitive salaries, sign-on bonuses, and relocation assistance. Job settings include hospitals, imaging centers, and outpatient clinics.
What types of healthcare facilities hire MRI technologists?
MRI technologists work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, outpatient care facilities, and specialty clinics. Some also work in mobile imaging units or travel positions.
Does CNI College offere job placement assistance or career services?
Yes. CNI offers job placement assistance and ongoing career services, including resume help, interview preparation, and job search support.
How does the program ensure patient safety training for working with MRI machines?
Patient safety is a cornerstone of the AOS-MRIT program and is reinforced throughout every stage of the curriculum. Safety training is not limited to a single course, but instead integrated across multiple quarters and hands-on experiences to ensure students are well-prepared to manage the unique challenges of the MRI environment. Key components include: • Dedicated Safety Instruction in Core Courses: • Quarter 3: Comprehensive instruction in MRI safety, including screening protocols, contraindications, and foundational biohazard awareness. • Quarter 4: Expanded coverage with two dedicated chapters on MRI safety, biohazards, and patient risk management in the MRI environment. • Quarter 5: Ongoing reinforcement of advanced safety topics tied to clinical decision-making. • Hands-On MRI Safety Training in Labs: Students participate in structured MRI Hands-On Labs during Quarters 3, 4, and 5. Training includes: • Proper patient screening and clearance procedures. • Safe patient positioning and comfort measures. • Implementation of safety precautions during scanning and workflow. • Emergency procedures and equipment awareness in the MRI suite. • Final Safety Certification: During the concluding lab, students complete a comprehensive safety review and final exam. Upon successful completion, they are awarded an MRI Safety Certificate, documenting their competency in safety protocols and compliance with program standards. • Capstone Safety Integration: The final capstone course provides a consolidated review of MRI safety principles, reinforcing knowledge gained throughout the program and preparing students for real-world application. This multi-layered approach ensures that students meet the American College of Radiology (ACR) Guidance Document on MR Safe Practices and comply with ARMRIT requirements, which mandate a minimum of three academic credits in MRI safety as part of program completion. By graduation, students are thoroughly prepared to uphold the highest standards of patient safety, infection control, emergency readiness, and professional communication in diverse MRI practice settings.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology