MRI Technologist (Diploma) is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by National Polytechnic College in Lakewood, CA. The program takes 76 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $38,240.
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 (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18).
- Age RequirementApplicants enrolling in any of our programs under 18 years of age must reach their 18th birthday before the expected start date of their Externship.
- Registration FeePay a non-refundable registration fee upon enrollment.
- 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 by a licensed healthcare provider; annual TB test and flu vaccine (or exemption letter); Tdap within 10 years; MMR (2…
- Background Check and Drug ScreenA Personal/Criminal Background Check, Drug Screening, and Health Insurance proof may be required and must be successfully completed prior to the student's estimated 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.
- 3Complete 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.
- 4Apply 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 Lakewood: 039104Fill Out the FAFSA
- 5Sign 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.
- 6Complete 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.
- 7Start 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
76 weeks (18 months on the College’s program page), 2,060 clock hours and 63.5 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 2026 academic calendar lists AM starts January 26 and November 30, an afternoon start May 18 and a PM start June 8, 2026 (the diploma lists January, May and June). 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 approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). 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
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Lakewood Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 3 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 99.4% rather than 100%.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $38,240 |
| Registration (non-refundable) | $75 |
| Textbooks & eBooks | $935 |
| Supplies | $3,640 |
| Total charges | $42,890 |
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.
The California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment is currently $0.00.
Financial aid. NPCollege participates in the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV programs, including Federal Pell Grants, FSEOG and federal loans, and in Cal Grants; private loans are also available. Applicants may qualify for help through the Veterans Administration, the California Department of Rehabilitation, the GAIN program, the EDD and Workforce Investment Act programs. The College is approved for the training of veterans 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 diploma: 15 core courses, 2,060 clock hours including 1,040 externship hours, and 63.5 semester credits.
The required courses below are from National Polytechnic College's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Lecture | Lab | External | Total | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTBS 102 | Medical Terminology & Body Systems | 20 | 20 | 40 | 1.5 | |
| MRI 100 | Patient Care, Legal, Ethical, and Safety Issues | 60 | 40 | 100 | 4 | |
| A&P 100 | Anatomy & Physiology | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| MRI 210 | Cross Sectional Anatomy I | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| MRI 211 | Cross Sectional Anatomy II | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| MRI 215 | MRI Pathology | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| MRI 218 | MRI Safety | 60 | 50 | 110 | 4.5 | |
| MRI 220 | Principles and Physics I | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| MRI 221 | Principles and Physics II | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| MRI 230 | Clinical Externship Preparation | 20 | 30 | 50 | 2 | |
| MRI 240 | Clinical Practicum I | 240 | 240 | 5 | ||
| MRI 245 | Clinical Practicum II | 240 | 240 | 5 | ||
| MRI 250 | Clinical Practicum III | 240 | 240 | 5 | ||
| MRI 255 | Clinical Practicum IV | 240 | 240 | 5 | ||
| MRI 260 | Clinical Practicum V | 80 | 80 | 1.5 | ||
| Totals | 520 | 500 | 1,040 | 2,060 | 63.5 |
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTBS 102 | Medical Terminology & Body Systems | 1.5 |
| MRI 100 | Patient Care, Legal, Ethical, and Safety Issues | 4 |
| A&P 100 | Anatomy & Physiology | 5 |
| MRI 210 | Cross Sectional Anatomy I | 5 |
| MRI 211 | Cross Sectional Anatomy II | 5 |
| MRI 215 | MRI Pathology | 5 |
| MRI 218 | MRI Safety | 4.5 |
| MRI 220 | Principles and Physics I | 5 |
| MRI 221 | Principles and Physics II | 5 |
| MRI 230 | Clinical Externship Preparation | 2 |
| MRI 240 | Clinical Practicum I | 5 |
| MRI 245 | Clinical Practicum II | 5 |
| MRI 250 | Clinical Practicum III | 5 |
| MRI 255 | Clinical Practicum IV | 5 |
| MRI 260 | Clinical Practicum V | 1.5 |
| Totals | 63.5 |
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.