MRI Technologist (AAS) - Nevada is an Associate Degree program (Hybrid) offered by National Polytechnic College in Henderson, NV. The program takes 88 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $43,501.
Program Overview
The MRI Technologist program prepares students, through quality lectures, laboratory and clinical externship instruction, to work as entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists. It combines patient care skills, physics, math, medical terminology, human anatomy, cross-sectional anatomy, theory, laboratory work and computer skills with a clinical externship of about 1,040 hours.
Students learn MRI technology and how to operate the MRI scanner to produce cross-sectional images for diagnostic purposes. Compassion and strong patient care are emphasized alongside technical skill, as technologists work as team members with the radiologist and physician.
MRI takes images inside the body without invasive procedures and uses no radiation, and the technology continues to evolve rapidly — allowing technologists to progress as it advances.
What sets this Program apart
- Two registry pathways: graduates are eligible for the American Registry of MRI Technologists (ARMRIT) national certification exam, and the associate degree adds eligibility for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- ARMRIT-approved program recognized by the ARRT.
- MRI simulator software, MRI coils, a positioning laser and skeleton in the lab.
- About 1,040 hours of clinical practicum across five rotations.
Admission Requirements and Process
NPCollege certainly wants you to experience an easy application process. Applicants will have an opportunity to be interviewed by a school representative who can help you pave the way for your career decisions, and you will be given a tour of the campus and receive a catalog describing the course offerings and the school policies. Once your program interest has been determined, a standardized entrance assessment may be administered.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or EquivalentProvide proof of a high school diploma from an accredited high school or the recognized equivalent before being granted enrollment. Applicants must provide a copy of their high…
- Foreign Credential EvaluationHigh school documentation from a country other than the United States must be translated and evaluated to be at least the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma by an agency…
- Campus VisitVisit the College before enrollment to obtain a clear understanding of NPCollege, view the facilities and equipment, and meet with staff and instructors.
- Application and Admissions InterviewComplete an application form and engage in an interview with an Admissions Coordinator. NPCollege admission procedures require completion of admissions interview prior to…
- Signed Enrollment AgreementComplete and sign an Enrollment Agreement.
- Minimum Age 18At least be 18 years of age (official ID is required) to enroll into the College.
- English ProficiencyAbility to read and write in English at a high school graduate level, as demonstrated by a high school transcript, GED, or passing the Nevada high school proficiency exam.
- Registration FeePay a non-refundable registration fee upon enrollment.
- Wonderlic Entrance ExamAll associate degree applicants must take the Wonderlic SLE (on campus) or SLE-Q (online) entrance exam. The minimum passing score is 18 on the SLE or SLE-Q, and passing scores…
- New Student Technology AssessmentBefore starting the program, a prospective student must complete a new student assessment covering access to technology (computer, webcam, microphone, internet access, email…
- Externship Physical and ImmunizationsStudents may be required to have a physical examination from a health care provider attesting to their ability to meet the program's physical and mental requirements; a negative…
- Background Check and Drug TestA Personal/Criminal Background Check and Drug Testing may be required to be completed and passed before your assigned externship.
Application Process
- 1Schedule a Meeting with AdmissionsNPCollege requires you to schedule a meeting with the admissions office before any application is reviewed. You will be interviewed by a school representative who will review your academic background and goals and help you choose the right program.
- 2Tour the CampusVisit the College before enrollment to view the facilities and equipment and meet with staff and instructors. You will receive a catalog describing the course offerings and the school policies.
- 3Take the Entrance AssessmentAssociate degree applicants take the Wonderlic SLE (on campus) or SLE-Q (online) entrance exam and must score at least 18.
- 4Complete Your ApplicationComplete an application form with your Admissions Coordinator and provide proof of your high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Contact admissions to get started.
- 5Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)Meet with the Financial Aid Department to learn about your eligibility for federal funding and get answers to your questions. Complete the FAFSA using the NPCollege school code.FAFSA Code for Henderson: E41349Fill Out the FAFSA
- 6Sign Your Enrollment AgreementComplete and sign an Enrollment Agreement and pay the non-refundable registration fee. NPCollege recommends making financial arrangements to cover tuition and registration fees, since it is the last step before processing your application.
- 7Complete OrientationAll new students are required to complete an orientation prior to their program start date, covering institutional policies, academic expectations, student resources, technology requirements, and support services.
- 8Start Your ProgramNew students start their program following the completion of all admission requirements and procedures. Students must complete the entire admissions process before the first day of class.
Program Schedule
88 weeks (22 months on the College’s program page), 2,330 clock hours and 81.5 semester credits. Classes run in morning (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM), afternoon (1:00 to 5:00 PM) or evening (5:30 to 9:30 PM) sessions, Monday through Friday; general education classes run between 8:00 AM and 9:30 PM. Externship hours are scheduled Monday through Friday according to the clinical site’s availability.
The Nevada academic calendar lists AM start January 26, afternoon start May 18 and PM start June 8, 2026. Start dates may be added or removed.
All lectures are delivered in a blended format: traditional face-to-face classroom instruction combined with remote, live-streamed lectures, for flexibility for students with busy schedules or long commutes. Most of the remote learning comes from the lecture hours; skills are built in the on-campus labs before clinical rotations.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.
This program: National Polytechnic College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). It is licensed to operate in Nevada by the Commission on Postsecondary Education. The MRI Technologist program is approved by the American Registry of MRI Technologists (ARMRIT).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $43,501 |
| Account for Student Indemnification (ASI) | $9 |
| Registration (non-refundable) | $150 |
| Textbooks & eBooks | $1,305 |
| Supplies | $3,640 |
| Total charges | $48,605 |
Supplies include CPR, simulator, ARMRIT registration and exam, ARRT registration and exam, exam prep, venipuncture certification, and a laptop. Background and drug testing apply to all programs if required.
Nevada students’ charges include the $9 Account for Student Indemnification assessment, Nevada’s student protection fund.
Financial aid. NPCollege participates in the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV financial aid programs, and is approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons under Title 38.
Paying tuition. Tuition for the first enrollment period is due at the first session of each module unless other arrangements are made with the Financial Aid and Fiscal Department. Tuition and charges are estimates and subject to change. Replacement student IDs are $15 and replacement uniform sets $40; returned checks carry a $40 fee. Veterans’ benefits do not cover the school-issued laptop, which the veteran pays directly.
Curriculum
The catalog’s course table for this Associate in Applied Science degree: 15 core courses and 6 general education courses, 2,330 clock hours including 1,040 externship hours, and 81.5 semester credits.
The required courses below are from National Polytechnic College's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Lecture | Lab | External | Total | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates are qualified to work as entry-level MRI technologists (SOC 29-2035) in a hospital or medical center, a medical clinic, a radiology imaging center, a physician’s office or a mobile MRI service, as a freelance or traveling MRI technologist, or as an applications specialist for an MRI or medical imaging manufacturer.
California does not issue a state license for MRI technologists, but employers require national certification such as ARMRIT or ARRT. NPCollege does not publish a placement rate on these pages.
What to expect as a National Polytechnic College student
National Polytechnic College was founded in 1996 and has trained students for allied health careers ever since. Formerly Montebello Career College, it took its current name in March 1999, was accredited by ACCSC in November 2003 and was approved for Title IV financial aid in September 2005.
The main campus is at 4105 South Street in Lakewood, California, with an extension facility at 4102 South Street within walking distance. Classrooms include laboratory areas equipped as in private industry, with instructor computers and overhead projectors. Typical lecture and lab settings range from about 10 to 20 students. In 2025 the College opened a branch campus in Henderson, Nevada, which shares faculty with Lakewood and upholds the same accreditation, academic standards and policies.
Externships are completed under the supervision of a qualified preceptor at participating clinical sites; students record externship attendance through a mobile app. Graduates may take skill refresher courses, often at no additional charge, and Career Services supports students from day one. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with virtual meetings available.