Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists are valued members of today’s healthcare team. They utilized specialized MRI equipment to create images of internal body structures, among other vital tasks. While supervised by board-certified radiologists, MRI Technologists have responsibility and independence in performing their duties.

A.S in MRI program graduates acquire preparation to perform clinical MRI examinations, focusing on image production, quality control, signal-to-noise ratio, and primary pulse sequences. Read more about the benefits of becoming an MRI Technologist. The program includes online classwork, required online lectures, and clinical experiences correlating with theoretical education. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience essential in healthcare education. Accordingly, students are placed within our affiliated medical facilities while attending our A.S. in MRI program.

Program goals and objectives.

• Train students who demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for employment as entry-level MRI technologists.
• Develop interpersonal skills in communicating with patients and medical and administrative individuals.
• Help students develop the skills necessary to provide proper patient care.
• Instill students with the knowledge, clinical skills, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills to practice in magnetic resonance imaging.
• Equip graduates to be competent in entry-level positions as MRI Technologists and display appropriate behaviors, as set forth by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®) and the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT).
• Prepare students to take and pass the ARRT® (MR) Examination.

• 1 Year of Clinical Experience
• Online Classes, On-Ground Areas
• Clinical Rotations Provided
• Job Placement Assistance

All applicants to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts must meet the General Admission Requirements for all Programs, including the entrance exam where required, and the additional admission requirements for this program.

• Attend or view a live or recorded Information Session.
• Submit original transcripts from the Registrar at an educational institution for applicants requesting credit granting for General Education Courses. Copies are not accepted. All coursework must be completed and given a grade of at least a “C.” Anatomy and Physiology I with Laboratory must be completed within the last five (5) years. All credit-granting is subject to approval from the Program Director or Program Coordinator. Please allow seven (7) days for review.

The Associate of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (A.S. in MRI) program provides a library. The Instructor- to-Student ratio is 1:25 during lectures and 1:1 or 1:2 during clinical experiences.

The A.S. in MRI program comprises 72 weeks of full-time study. The program is offered twice per calendar year. The curriculum encompasses all principles of magnetic resonance imaging technology, including 246 hours of general education instruction, 620 hours of technical didactic instruction, and 1,020 hours of supervised clinical experience.

The program is based on the parameters suggested by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the Association of Educators in Radiologic Sciences (AEIRS), and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). Additionally, the MRI program incorporates general education components to complement its technical courses.

The program consists of six (6) 12-week quarters. Students will take General Education courses, as well as Introduction to MRI courses, up to 24 hours per week during the first two (2) program quarters. Students will take technical courses online from the third quarter through the end of the program.

Clinical Rotations start in Quarter 3. Students will attend their clinical rotation at an assigned MRI facility for a period of forty-eight (48) weeks, two to four (2–4) days per week, with a minimum of 21 hours per week and a variance of +/- ten (10) hours per week. Occasional Saturday/Sunday clinical hours will be required to complete clinical hours.

The expected program completion time is seventy-two (72) weeks, excluding holidays and vacation times. The curriculum provides our students with the general education, technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in this challenging field. An Associate of Science Degree is awarded upon program completion. Class times can and may be rescheduled on an alternate day of the week (Sunday through Saturday) to ensure on-time program completion and the fulfillment of required program hours.

Upcoming start date for this program: January 4, 2027.

Tuition and fees (San Jose / Sacramento rate). Registration Fee (non-refundable) $100.00; Student Tuition Recovery Fund $0.00; Textbooks $500.00; Tuition $56,350.00. Total program cost $56,950.00. Total program cost excludes transportation, room and board, and personal expenses.

Total fees per period of enrollment. Period 1: $10,735.00; Period 2: $9,140.00; Period 3: $11,175.00; Period 4: $8,185.00; Period 5: $9,090.00; Period 6: $8,625.00.

Cost of Attendance, 2026–2027 (one academic year). Tuition & Fees $27,948.00; Books $300.00; Transportation $7,560.00; Food & Housing $21,451.50; Personal Expenses $765.00; Loan Fees $99.00; Laptop Fees $450.00; Total Cost of Attendance (One Academic Year) $58,573.50. Individual student costs will vary.

Financial aid. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Direct and Direct PLUS Loans, Cal Grant, Sallie Mae® and Campus Door loans, and veteran benefits, for those who qualify. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor. Gurnick's FAFSA school code is 041698.

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Other fees, as applicable. ATI TEAS $120; background check $33–$75; drug testing $74–$148; CPR $55–$80; fingerprinting $81 and up; licensing board fees $200–$500 depending on the exam and license; campus parking permit $25; graduation ceremony fee $20–$50. Some of these fees may be paid by Gurnick Academy for some programs.

Career paths. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist.

Certification and licensure. ARRT® (MR) examination.

School Performance Fact Sheet, calendar year 2024. Associate of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging – 115 Quarter Credits Hours at the San Jose campus reported an on-time completion rate of 82% (60 of 73 students available for graduation); a job placement rate of 70% (43 of 61 graduates available for employment employed in the field) (published March 17, 2026).