Why Pursue an MR Certificate?
Find out what's going on inside the human body by earning a certificate in Magnetic Resonance (MR) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Magnetic Resonance is a procedure that uses pulses of radio wave energy along with a magnetic field to image a specific body area. Structure and function of the body are then presented as cross-sectional anatomy images. Technologists in this field may work in hospitals, imaging centers and mobile units. Take classes online and complete your clinical requirements at a facility near you - all in less than a year! It is a short-term commitment that leads to long-term career benefits.
Focus on Washburn
Graduate from the MR certificate program with entry-level knowledge and clinical skills that are needed in the fast-growing healthcare field. Our core curriculum covers sectional anatomy, clinical practice and patient management, physics, imaging procedures and pathology. The 22-credit-hour certificate program includes hands-on clinical experience and all courses count toward the Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree. Among the benefits offered by Washburn:
- 100% placement rate in MR or a related imaging field
- 90% of our students complete the program in one year
- Small class sizes with no more than 20 students accepted each fall
- All faculty members have direct MR experience
- Graduates are prepared to earn the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification
- Take all courses online
- Fulfill clinical requirements in a facility near you
The prerequisite for admission to the MR Program follows the ARRT guidelines for post-primary certification. You can be currently enrolled in an applicable imaging education program, such as radiology, and have registration status through ARRT. Or, you may apply if you hold a current registration in radiography, radiation therapy, sonography or nuclear medicine.
Explore information related to federally-required disclosure regarding professional licensures by state.
Application Process
- Prerequisite requirements vary depending on the prior learning and experiences of the candidate. Learn more and complete an online application.
Essential Functions
- Students must meet MRI essential requirements to ensure success in both their clinical coursework and later in the workforce.
Clinical Experience
- Students are required to perform 24 hours of MR clinical education each week during fall and spring semesters.
FAQs
- Learn more about this program by exploring the answers to a list of frequently asked questions.
Take a Closer Look
The online format of Washburn's MR program allows you to complete coursework without mandatory classroom attendance, either within Kansas or out-of-state. Technologists currently working in MR may take selected courses or utilize the credit-by-exam option for clinical courses in order to complete the certificate.
You may pursue either the certificate on a part-time or full-time basis, or a limited number of courses. The MR Program requires two semesters of clinical experience.
Fall Semester I
AL341 Sectional Anatomy and Imaging Applications – 4 credits
AL347 Magnetic Resonance Physics I – 3 credits
AL348 MR Imaging I – 3 credits
AL349 MR Clinical Experience I – 3 credits
Spring Semester I
AL350 Magnetic Resonance Physics II – 3 credits
AL351 MR Imaging II – 3 credits
AL352 MR Clinical Experience II – 3 credits
Part-Time Sequence for Registered Technologists
Fall Semester I
AL341 Sectional Anatomy and Imaging Applications – 4 credits
AL347 Magnetic Resonance Physics I – 3 credits
Spring Semester I
AL350 Magnetic Resonance Physics II – 3 credits
Fall Semester II
AL348 MR Imaging I – 3 credits
AL349 MR Clinical Experience I – 3 credits
Spring Semester II
AL351 MR Imaging II – 3 credits
AL352 MR Clinical Experience II – 3 credits
The following must be completed in order to receive college credit at Washburn University in lieu of the clinical courses AL349 and AL352.
1. Credit-by-exam Procedure
- The process of credit-by-exam will be done to convert on-the-job experience into six (6) college credit hours at Washburn University. The process of credit-by-exam is explained in the appropriate University catalog at www.washburn.edu (search for “University Catalog” and then academic year such as 2014-2015).
- The stated fee for credit-by-exam is one-third of the current resident tuition (not online course tuition). For information, see the tuition and fee schedule.
- The items listed below must be submitted to the MR Program Coordinator in order for credit to be awarded.
- With successful completion of listed didactic courses, the student will receive the MR Certificate. Certificate courses include: AL341 Cross-sectional Anatomy, AL347 MR Physics I, AL348 Imaging Procedures I, AL350 MR Physics II and AL351 Imaging Procedures II.
2. Clinical Experience credit will be awarded based on ARRT clinical competency requirements for the given calendar year.
- Send a completed list of exams from the ARRT clinical record report sheet (www.arrt.org) to the program coordinator via email.
- All stated ARRT criteria must be done prior to finishing MR online didactic (lecture) courses and must be verified by the program coordinator.
- Verification letter from the MR supervisor stating completion of a minimum of 6 months of full-time employment (or equivalent to 1,000 hours if part-time or prn status).
For questions, contact Toni Caldwell (marie.caldwell@washburn.edu or 785.670.1286).
Toni Caldwell, LRT(R), BHS, MHA, Program Coordinator
785-670-1286, marie.caldwell@washburn.edu
Ron Horton, AS, RT(R)(MR)
- Adjunct Instructor for MR Physics I and II
Charlotte Ferrill, AS, RT(R)(MR)
- Adjunct Instructor for MR Imaging I and II
Jared Kooser, BHS, RT(R)(MR)
- Adjunct Instructor for MR Clinical Experience I and II
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic Technology (Washburn University)
Bachelor of Health Science (Washburn University)
Learn about the program's mission, goals and student successes.
Bachelor's Degree
All credits in our MR program apply to the Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree at Washburn University.
Jobs & Opportunities
Median Salary
$83,740
(national average - BLS)
Projected Job Growth
+6%
(through 2032 - KSDOL)Placement Rate
100%
Program Cost
A special tuition category, labeled other programs, applies to the MR program. Scholarships through Washburn University as well as the School of Applied Studies may be available to those who qualify.
Apply Now
GET IN TOUCH WITH Allied Health
Allied Health
Benton Hall, Room 107
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.2170
allied-health@washburn.edu
