Magnetic Resonance Imaging, A.A.S.

Program Goals

• Prepare individuals for entry level magnetic resonance imaging practice as MRI Technologists with knowledge and experience in the specialized areas of medical resonance imaging.
• Deliver a competency-based curriculum and instructional delivery system, which stresses the application of theory to the realities of the clinical setting.
• Develop habits of critical thinking and scholarship that leads to effective practice.
• Provide the foundational knowledge and experience in various healthcare settings for thedevelopment of effective communication skills.
• Assist students in internalizing the values, attitudes and professional behaviors necessary to promote the standards of the profession.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging will:

• Students will demonstrate the ability to provide safe and effective patient care in the invasive cardiovascular lab, including appropriate patient preparation, monitoring, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Students will competently perform diagnostic and therapeutic invasive cardiovascular procedures, utilizing appropriate techniques and equipment.
• Students will apply clinical knowledge to assess and respond to complex cardiovascular cases, making informed decisions in real-time situations.
• Students will identify and understand the pathophysiology of common cardiovascular diseases, and their implications for invasive cardiovascular procedures.
• Students will understand the pharmacological principles related to cardiovascular medications and their application during invasive procedures.
• Students will demonstrate Franciscan values, professionalism, ethical behavior, and effective communication in the clinical cardiovascular setting.

Licensure/Certification

MRI certification is through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Degree Requirements

The AAS in Medical Resonance Imaging requires 74 credit hours.  At least 55 percent of the total credit hour requirement for the degree must be completed at the University of Saint Francis.  In addition, each student must demonstrate completion of the program’s clinical outline and meet all university associate degree requirements. 

Program of Studies

Admission Requirements

The University of Saint Francis accepts a limited number of students each year into this academically competitive program. Candidates will be considered for admission to the program who:  

1.Have three years of high school math with a minimum of two years of algebra or an equivalent college level course in algebra.  

2.Follow a college preparatory curriculum including four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of social sciences and three years of laboratory science.  

3.Submit all previous academic transcripts of attempted coursework and upon review:  

• Demonstrates that no course in the required general education has been repeated more than once for successful completion in the last two years.  

• Displays only one semester of academic credit that is between a 2.0 and 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last two years of coursework.  

1. Meet one of the following  

• Graduate from an accredited high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above. Students who did not graduate from high school must have completed the General Education Development (GED) tests, with a composite score of at least 600 and no sub-score below 145, or the High School Equivalency test (HSE) with a score of at least 75 with no sub score below 8. 

• Earn 12 or more credit hours in applicable college subjects, as either a pre-radiologic technology student or a transfer student with a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or above. At least three credits must be from a biological or physical science course with a lab component.  

• Possess an associate or higher-level degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.7.  

2. Obtain one of the following Test Scores  

1. SAT score of 1000 or higher   

2. ACT composite score of 19 or higher   

3. Allied Health Programs by ATI TEAS exam with desired scores of: Math: 65% or higher, Reading 65% or higher, English 55% or higher, Science 45% or higher and a total score of 58% or higher.    

4. Complete 12 hours of academic coursework at a 3.2 GPA or higher in one  semester.  

The determination of acceptance to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program will be made after the individual review of each applicant’s file.  Additional information of the individual applicant may be requested at the committee’s discretion prior to a decision being made. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to admit a student on a one semester probationary status. Any students enrolled in current semester classes will be admitted conditionally, until receipt of semester grades.    

Students who meet only the GPA of the above  admission criterion may be admitted as a pre-MRI technology student.  Applicants to the program will be considered only once after an initial denial has been issued  

Prior to enrollment in the first clinical course, the accepted student must submit proof of a physical exam, required immunizations and ability to meet technical standards required of healthcare students.  In addition, proof of certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is required and a current Criminal Background History must be completed.  Negative information found in the criminal background check could result in the affiliating agencies withholding the clinical experience.  If this were to happen, the student cannot complete all aspects of the program and would be dismissed from the program.  

Enrollment in the MRI program is based on available resources. Students who are attending the university and meet program requirements for acceptance will have the first opportunity to register for clinical courses. It is never a guarantee that an accepted student automatically has a place in the clinical course is based upon the following: date of acceptance to the program, GPA, and number of required general education hours completed, either at the university or transferred.  

Progression

Students must achieve 82% in all MRI courses to remain in good academic standing.   

Proposed Grading Scale 

100-96 A  

95-92 A-  

91-89 B+  

88-85 B  

84-82 B-  

81-77 C+  

76-72 C  

71-70 D  

69 and below F  

To be in good academic standing, students must maintain a GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, a grade of 82% percent or higher in all professional courses, a “C” or higher in general education courses, and achieve all clinical competencies required in each semester or summer session to advance in the program.