MR (ARRT) - R.T. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT)

The Registered Technologist (R.T.) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certification offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a specialized credential for radiologic technologists. It signifies advanced proficiency in MRI technology, including understanding the physics behind MRI, patient care and safety protocols specific to magnetic resonance environments. 

The certification is aimed at professionals who have already gained experience in radiologic technology and are looking to specialize further in MRI. The R.T.(MRI)(ARRT) certification is recognized in the healthcare industry as a mark of advanced professional development and commitment to high standards of patient care in the field of magnetic resonance imaging.

Eligibility

• Earn an associate degree or higher

• Complete an ARRT-approved educational program in MRI technology

• Demonstrate good moral character

Completion Time: Exam time 3.5 hours, total appointment time 3 hours 50 minutes

Cost: $225 (Primary or Post-Primary Pathway

Exam Format

• The exam consists of a series of multiple-choice questions covering MRI procedures, patient care and safety.

• Questions also test knowledge of MRI equipment, image production, and quality control.

• It includes 200 scored questions and 20 unscored.

• The passing score is determined by the ARRT based on a scaled scoring system, with a scaled score of 75 the current criteria to pass the exam.

Application Process

You can earn the MRI credential through the primary or postprimary eligibility pathway. The primary pathway requires you to fulfill educational and ethics requirements, while the postprimary pathway is open to those who already hold an ARRT certification and are adding the MRI credential. Those holding credentials from the ARDMS or NMTCB also qualify for the postprimary pathway.

You must renew your registration and certification annually, with continuing education required every two years. The renewal deadline is always the last day of your birth month. Renew online with a credit or debit card. Registration and certification are discontinued if you don’t complete the renewal process.

Renewal Fees

Renewal fees are $30 for your first discipline and $15 for each additional discipline. For those who obtained certification using the postprimary pathway with certification through the NMTCB or ARDMS pay $45 for the first discipline and $15 for each additional discipline.

Continuing education can include ARRT-approved online classes, self-study readings and modules, lectures at professional society meetings and classroom learning. You must earn 24 CE credits every two years to maintain your certification and registration with ARRT as an R.T.(MRI).

The ARRT offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Primary Pathway Handbook

• Postprimary Pathway Handbook

• Exam Content

• Task List

• Overview of Computer-Based Testing

After obtaining MRI certification, technologists may pursue further credentials in other radiologic specialties, including:

• Bone Densitometry (BD)

• Breast Sonography (BS)

• Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI) 

• Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography (CV)

• Computed Tomography (CT) 

• Mammography (M) 

• Nuclear Medicine Technology (N) 

• Quality Management (QM)

• Radiation Therapy (T) 

• Radiography (R)

• Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) 

• Sonography (S)

• Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI) 

• Vascular Sonography (VS)