Magnetic Resonance Imaging, B.S.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging is one of only two programs of its kind in the country. SLU's MRI program contains a strong science curriculum that prepares students for immediate job placement as well as graduate study.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a large magnet and radio waves to create clear pictures of internal body structures. MRI provides excellent contrast between the different soft tissues of the body and is especially useful in imaging the brain, spine, joints, muscles and other structures. The superior resolution of the images and advancing technology is rapidly increasing the variety of exams an MRI technologist will perform.

MRI technologists are educated and trained to work with patients and other health care team members to obtain high-quality images safely and effectively. MRI offers procedures that are helpful to a broad span of medical specialties. These specialties include neurology, sports medicine, cardiology, pediatrics and more. 

Program Highlights

The advantages of earning your B.S. in MRI at Saint Louis University include:

  • A tailored curriculum that allows for diverse areas of concentration
  • Clinical training sites within the St. Louis metropolitan area
  • An interprofessional focus that emphasizes a team approach to health care
  • Instruction and individual mentorship by professionally credentialed MRI faculty
  • Medically relevant coursework ideal for pre-professional curriculum options, including pre-med and pre-physician assistant
  • Opportunities to participate in professional conferences with faculty and fellow students
  • Undergraduate opportunities to conduct research and produce projects/papers acceptable for publication and presentation at professional conferences

Program Effectiveness Data

Curriculum Overview

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging prepares graduates for entry-level positions as MRI technologists. The program includes all basic sciences and an intensive MRI curriculum that includes approximately 1,000 hours of clinical practicum.  Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national certification to become registered MRI technologists/radiologic technologists (MR).

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Students in SLU's MRI degree program have opportunities to conduct research and produce projects and papers that are acceptable for publication and could be presented at professional conferences. MRI students are encouraged to join and participate in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Careers

The practice of MRI encompasses multidisciplinary skills. The responsibilities of the MRI technologist include:

  • Operation of imaging, laboratory and computer instrumentation
  • Empathetic and instructional approach to patient care
  • Preparation of contrast agents
  • Performance of quality control procedures
  • Application of accepted standards of MRI safety and protection

Jobs can be found in the following settings:

  • Medical and surgical hospitals
  • Freestanding clinics
  • Physician offices
  • Research institutions

Some jobs are classified as traveling jobs where the employee provides temporary help to short-staffed departments for a while. These technologists regularly travel, with the length of stay and location varying.

Career advancement opportunities from the position of staff technologist may lead to areas of administration, education, sales or research.

The salary range for an MRI technologist depends on geographic location, years of experience and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage was $ 81,530 in 2022.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen Applicants

Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a first-year applicant’s file.

  • Admission criteria include:
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale
  • Saint Louis University has a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process.

Transfer Applicants

The minimum college transfer GPA is 2.70/4.00.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $52,260

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers scholarships to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
  • Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Accreditation

The magnetic resonance imaging program at Saint Louis University is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), having been awarded an eight-year accreditation. The program's next scheduled accreditation review is in the third quarter of 2027.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
http://www.jrcert.org

For more information about the SLU magnetic resonance imaging program's goals, program outcomes, certification examination pass rates, job placement rates, technical standards and program-specific costs, please review the additional accreditation information document.

View Additional Accreditation Information (PDF)

Doisy College of Health Sciences Learning Outcomes

  1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the Jesuit mission by caring for the whole patient.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting in the MRI profession.
  3. Graduates will be able to apply critical reasoning as it relates to the MRI setting.
  4. Graduates will be able to demonstrate application of professional knowledge.
  5. Graduates will be able to recognize ethical practices in the health care setting.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program Learning Outcomes and Goals

  1. Students will be clinically competent.
    1. Students will appropriately use, record, and verify patient data.
    2. Students will position patients as directed.
    3. Students will use the proper imaging sequences for ordered exam.
    4. Students practice proper MRI and patient safety.
  2. Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
    1. Students will complete imaging procedures, explaining steps in detail.
    2. Students will present case studies and MRI final capstone project.
  3. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
    1. Students will appropriately communicate with patients.
    2. Students will demonstrate appropriate written communication
    3. Students will demonstrate proper presentation skills
  4. Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.
    1. Students will demonstrate professional behaviors.
    2. Students will have knowledge of ethical behaviors.
    3. Students will demonstrate professional growth through critical thinking

The program annually tracks student learning outcomes as they relate to the above student goals.

Students in Saint Louis University's magnetic resonance imaging program take the following courses.

Undergraduate University Core32-35
Foundation
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (satisfies CORE 3800)
4
CHEM 1080
CHEM 1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
CMM 1200Public Speaking (satisfies CORE 1200)3
ENGL 1900Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies CORE 1900)3
HCE 1600Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context3
HIM 4750Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine3
HSCI 2100Health Care Management3
HSCI 2200Medical Terminology3
HSCI 3200Health Law and Policy3
HSCI 3300
HSCI 3310
Anatomy & Physiology I
and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
4
HSCI 3400
HSCI 3410
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II
and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
4
HSCI 3700Research Methods (satisfies CORE 4000)3
IPE 4200Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice3
MATH 1200College Algebra3
MATH 1320Survey of Calculus3
PHIL 2050Ethics3
PHYS 1220
PHYS 1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
PHYS 1240
PHYS 1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
PSY 1010General Psychology (satisfies CORE 3600)3
STAT 1300Elementary Statistics with Computers (satisfies CORE 3200)3
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI 4300MRI Clinical Practicum I (satisfies CORE 4500)6
MRI 4310Physical Principles3
MRI 4320Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology3
MRI 4330Instrumentation and Quality Analysis3
MRI 4340Clinical MRI & Imaging Production I3
MRI 4345Clinical MRI & Imaging Production II3
MRI 4350Patient Care and MRI Safety3
MRI 4420Emerging Technologies2
MRI 4700MRI Clinical Practicum II10
MRI 4750MRI Clinical Practicum Senior Seminar (satisfies CORE 3500)1
MRI 4960Capstone in MRI2
Total Credits137-140

Second Bachelor's Degree Option

Total semester credits vary based on applicable courses complete in undergraduate program. Specific course plan is individually designed for each applicant.

Transfer Credits
Select 56 credits56
Prerequisite Courses
Principles Chemistry I with Lab4
General Physics I with Lab4
General Physics II with Lab4
Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab4
Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab4
Medical Ethics3
College Algebra3
Oral and Written Communication3
Theology3
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI 4300MRI Clinical Practicum I6
MRI 4310Physical Principles3
MRI 4320Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology3
MRI 4330Instrumentation and Quality Analysis3
MRI 4340Clinical MRI & Imaging Production I3
MRI 4345Clinical MRI & Imaging Production II3
MRI 4350Patient Care and MRI Safety3
MRI 4420Emerging Technologies2
MRI 4700MRI Clinical Practicum II10
MRI 4750MRI Clinical Practicum Senior Seminar1
MRI 4960Capstone in MRI2
Total Credits127

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 to remain in good standing.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEM 1080
CHEM 1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
CMM 1200 Public Speaking (satisfies CORE 1200) 3
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
MATH 1200 College Algebra 3
XXXXElective 3
 Credits16
Spring
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
ENGL 1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies CORE 1900) 3
MATH 1320 Survey of Calculus 3
PSY 1010 General Psychology (satisfies CORE 3600) 3
STAT 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers (satisfies CORE 3200) 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
Critical course:  BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (Critical course:  satisfies CORE 3800)
4
HSCI 2200 Medical Terminology 3
IPE 2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
PHYS 1220
PHYS 1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
 Credits14
Spring
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
HCE 1600 Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context (satisfies CORE 1600) 3
HSCI 2100 Health Care Management 3
PHYS 1240
PHYS 1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
 Credits15-16
Year Three
Fall
HIM 4750 Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine 3
Critical course:  HSCI 3200 Aspects of Health Law 3
HSCI 3300
HSCI 3310
Anatomy & Physiology I
and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
4
Critical course:  HSCI 3700 Research Methods (Critical course:  satisfies CORE 4000) 3
 Credits13
Spring
HSCI 3400
HSCI 3410
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II
and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
4
IPE 4200 Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice 3
MRI 4340 Clinical MRI & Imaging Production I 3
MRI 4350 Patient Care and MRI Safety 3
 Credits13
Year Four
Fall
Critical course:  MRI 4300 MRI Clinical Practicum I (Critical course:  satisfies CORE 4500) 6
Critical course:  MRI 4310 Physical Principles 3
Critical course:  MRI 4320 Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology 3
Critical course:  MRI 4330 Instrumentation and Quality Analysis 3
Critical course:  MRI 4345 Clinical MRI & Imaging Production II 3
 Credits18
Spring
Critical course:  MRI 4420 Emerging Technologies 2
Critical course:  MRI 4700 MRI Clinical Practicum II 10
Critical course:  MRI 4750 MRI Clinical Practicum Senior Seminar (Critical course:  satisfies CORE 3500) 1
Critical course:  MRI 4960 Capstone in MRI 2
 Credits15
 Total Credits119-120

Second Baccalaureate Degree Track

Prerequisite Courses
College Algebra3
Principles of Chemistry I8
General Physics I & II8
Anatomy and Physiology I & II8
Medical Ethics3
Oral and Written Communication Elective3
Theology3
Total Credits36

Courses to Be Taken at Saint Louis University

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
MRI 4300 MRI Clinical Practicum I 6
MRI 4310 Physical Principles 3
MRI 4320 Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology 3
MRI 4330 Instrumentation and Quality Analysis 3
MRI 4340 Clinical MRI & Imaging Production I 3
MRI 4350 Patient Care and MRI Safety 3
 Credits21
Spring
MRI 4420 Emerging Technologies 2
MRI 4700 MRI Clinical Practicum II 10
MRI 4960 Capstone in MRI 2
 Credits14
 Total Credits35

Program Notes

Successful completion of this program leads to a second baccalaureate degree in magnetic resonance imaging. This option is for a student who already possesses a bachelor’s degree and is motivated to become a practicing magnetic resonance technologist.

To be considered for the second baccalaureate degree option, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a baccalaureate degree, with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale), including the prerequisite courses listed above.

The applicant must complete the application for the MRI program and submit official transcripts of prior college work through the SLU admission website at http://www.slu.edu

The applicant must show satisfactory evidence of good character and physical ability to perform functions of magnetic resonance technologists. All applicants must meet the professional performance and technical standards required by the profession. Students must also successfully complete a drug screen and criminal background check prior to the start of clinical rotations.

Application to the program is via a competitive application process with admission granted on a space-available basis. The selection process includes a personal interview for qualified applicants.

Selection Factors — Among the parameters considered by the selection committee are: 

  • Applicant’s academic potential as evidenced by previous performance in college
  • Specific motivation toward pursuit of a health care profession
  • Evidence of sound judgment
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Job shadowing of a magnetic resonance imaging department is highly recommended

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu