Overview
The MRI program is offered through a partnership with other Community Colleges as part of the Michigan Educational Program in Collaboration (Mi-EPiC) consortium. The program begins every May and is 16 consecutive months long. The consortium offers two options for completing the MRI Program:
- Traditional associate degree track: The Associate Degree program is designed for those with no healthcare experience. Applicants to this track must complete 7 prerequisite courses to be eligible for the program.
- Fast-track certificate of achievement: This track is designed for those who are already ARRT certified.
While the MRI degree and certificate are awarded by LCC, the program is run through Michigan Colleges Online (MCO). For more information on this curriculum and career, visit the MCO program website.
To apply for the MRI program:
Admission into the MRI program is on a competitive basis and does have program-specific entrance requirements. Admission is determined using a point system. The applicants with the highest points each year are admitted. LCC typically receives about 10 applicants each year for the 5 seats available.
Check out the MRI Advising Guide for detailed information on the admission requirements, application process, point system used to determine admission, program layout, cost, and more. Applications are due February 1st. Course admission requirements for the Traditional track must be completed by December 31st to be eligible.
To get started, follow the application process found on page 2 of the MRI Advising guide.
Working in MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, procedures play an important role in diagnosing
diseases and injuries. An MRI uses magnetic field and radio waves to produce images
of the inside of the human body. When a patient lies inside the MRI machine, which
is like a large tube, radio waves produce faint signals that create sectional images
that are ultimately used by physicians to diagnose medical problems.
MRI technologists are highly-trained and possess the expertise for competent practice.
They are mostly employed by hospitals but increasingly, jobs are becoming available
in physician offices and imaging centers. The main duties of the MRI technologist
include explaining the procedure to the patient, preparing the patient and positioning
them correctly, operating the equipment, and recording the images for the physician
to interpret. The patient might be in pain or distress, or they might feel claustrophobic.
The MRI technologist will provide support while talking patients through the procedure
and letting them know what to expect.
How the MRI program works
The MRI program is offered through a partnership with other Michigan Community Colleges
in the Michigan Radiologic and Imaging Science (MiRIS) Consortium. Each college enrolls
students in the program under their admission criteria and each awards the degree
according to that college’s completion requirements.
Students in the program complete MRI courses delivered in an online environment by
one of the MiRIS colleges through Michigan Colleges Online (micollegesonline.org).
Clinical education courses are arranged through the MiRIS Consortium’s MiRIS Director
in collaboration with the MRI departments of affiliating hospitals, clinics or other
MRI provider facilities. These experiences are developed to meet the established objectives
and eligibility requirements of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
(ARRT) and prepare students to complete the MRI certification exam.
Contact Information
Amy Lee
MRI Program Director
Michigan Colleges Online (MCO) / Michigan Community
College Association (MCCA)
517-372-4350
alee@mcca.org
Jamia Dunckel
Medical Imaging Program Director
Lansing Community College (LCC)
517-483-1412
wilkinj4@star.lcc.edu
Mission and Goals
The mission and purpose of the MiRIS MRI Program is to provide for both the personal and professional career development of each MRI student. The general goals of the program are:
- The students will demonstrate entry level
knowledge and competency in the practice of MRI.
- The students will demonstrate professional
attitude values and behaviors necessary for
professional success.
- Students that will demonstrate critical
thinking and communication skills as responsible
members of the health care team.
- Graduates will be employable and meet the
needs of the health care community.
- Graduates of the program will be well prepared to successfully complete the ARRT certification examination.
Outcomes
When students complete this program, they will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology,
positioning, and MRI Sequence parameters to
accurately demonstrate anatomical structures.
- Determine imaging parameters to achieve
optimum imaging.
- Evaluate images for appropriate positioning,
coil selection, and image quality.
- Apply the principles of ferromagnetic safety
and contrast application for the protection of
the patient, technologist, and others.
- Recognize emergency patient conditions and
initiate life-saving first aid and basic
life-support procedures.
- Evaluate the performance of MRI systems,
know the safe limits of equipment operation, and
report malfunctions to the proper authority.
- Participate in MRI quality assurance
programs.
- Provide care and comfort in regard to
holistic health of the patient and others.
- Provide patient education related to MRI procedures.
Related Links
For more information on the MRI program, see:
- The Student Handbook
- The Michigan Radiologic and Imaging Science (MiRIS) Consortium website
- The MRI Program's Program Effectiveness Data on the Michigan Colleges Online website
- The MRI Program's Safety Statement on the Michigan College's Online website
Contact Us
Radiologic Technology/MRI Program
Health and Human Services Division Office
HHS Building, 108
517-483-1410
517-483-1508 fax