Earn your ARRT MRI credential with confidence in the physics, safety, and procedures that matter.
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) certification is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). It recognizes technologists who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to safely operate MRI equipment, screen patients for the magnetic environment, acquire diagnostic-quality images, and perform a wide range of anatomical procedures.
ARRT offers MRI through two routes. The primary pathway is open to candidates who complete an educational program with MRI as their discipline. The post-primary pathway is for technologists who already hold an ARRT credential in a supporting category (such as Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, or Sonography) and wish to add MRI to their credentials by meeting structured education and clinical experience requirements.
Both pathways culminate in a computer-based examination built from the ARRT MRI content specifications. The exam covers patient care, MR safety, image production, and imaging procedures, and passing it—along with meeting ARRT's education and ethics requirements—leads to the R.T.(MR) credential.
Mapped to the ARRT content outline.
Patient interactions, assessment, monitoring, contrast media administration, and management before, during, and after the exam.
MR safety practices including patient and personnel screening, the four-zone environment, magnetic field and RF hazards, projectile risk, and emergency procedures.
Fundamentals of magnetism, resonance, relaxation (T1/T2), and signal generation that underlie MR image formation.
Pulse sequences, timing parameters (TR, TE, TI), and acquisition options that control tissue contrast and scan time.
K-space filling, image reconstruction, quality factors, and management of image data.
Recognition and reduction of motion, aliasing, chemical shift, susceptibility, and other MR-specific artifacts.
Imaging of the brain, head and neck, and spine, including relevant anatomy, positioning, and protocols.
Imaging of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, joints, and MR angiography procedures.
Registered radiologic technologists and other qualified imaging professionals who want to specialize in MRI, as well as students completing a primary MRI program. It suits those who enjoy applied physics, prioritize patient safety in a high-field environment, and want to perform advanced cross-sectional imaging.
Eligibility depends on the pathway (primary or post-primary) and includes specific education, clinical competency, and ethics requirements. Requirements change over time, so confirm current details directly at arrt.org before applying.
Create a free profile now — you'll be ready to jump in the moment Magnetic Resonance Imaging prep launches, and you can start with radiography or CIIP today.
Official exam details and eligibility: arrt.org