The MRI Program at South Suburban College is a 4-semester program starting with the summer semester and ending the following summer semester. The program combines in-person didactic instruction, clinical education, and the flexibility of online learning. The clinical portion of the program consists of an orientation to the clinical aspects of MRI, demonstration of the use of the equipment, and an opportunity to participate under close supervision in actual MRI procedures. Although the program is offered as an evening option, the clinical rotation will be scheduled during the day at most of the clinical sites.

Advance your career with the South Suburban College MRI Program. The SSC MRI Program fulfills all of the AART’s post-primary structured education and clinical requirements.


With faith in both faculty and the Advisory Committee, we set forth the following student learning outcomes for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program:

  • MRI Program students will become clinically competent and able to perform appropriate patient care practices and employ equipment skill techniques.
  • MRI Program students will have the ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in decision making processes related to MRI examinations. Students will demonstrate appropriate image evaluation and protocol optimization techniques.
  • MRI Program students will demonstrate effective work habits and professional values.
  • MRI Program students will develop the skills necessary to function as a professional in the healthcare setting.
  • Successful MRI Program students will be prepared for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Magnetic Resonance (MR) national credentialing exam.

Students applying to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program must be registered as an RT(R) in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) and must possess either an AAS or BA/BS degree in Radiologic Technology. Graduates of AMA approved hospital-based radiologic technology programs will be evaluated on an individual basis. Candidates pursuing certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging must be registered with the ARRT in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology (registration through NMTCB is also accepted), Radiation Therapy, or Sonography (registration through ARDMS is also accepted). No students will be considered for admission to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program unless they possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (where A=4.0).

  1. Submit an SSC application and forward all official high school or HSE/GED transcripts as well as other college transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions no later than April 1.

  2. Submit a completed online MRI Program Admission Application to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program by April 1.

  3. All students must be certified in CPR and hold a current card throughout the entire internship portion of the program.
  4. Admission will be given to the most qualified candidates as determined by their cumulative grade point average (GPA) ranking and other admission criteria.
  5. Applicants will be notified in writing of their admission status no later than April 30.
  6. A photocopy of the student’s current health care insurance must be submitted to each respective program coordinator in order to participate at any clinical education site. Failure to maintain comprehensive health care insurance will result in the student being immediately withdrawn from the clinical site and thereby receiving a failing grade in the clinical education class. Furthermore, the student will be financially responsible to pay all medical bills and co-payments as a result of injuries or health issues that arise from participation of clinical education programs.

Admissions to the MRI Program will be determined by the following criteria:

  1. Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on program prerequisites.
  2. Preference will be given for individuals with B.S. or M.S. college degrees in radiologic technology or other areas, military, completion of MRI 210 and 211, and/or related work experience.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the program.

The MRI Program at South Suburban College (SSC) has been educating magnetic resonance imaging technologists since 2001. The MRI Program is designed for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialed radiologic technologists who are pursuing a post-primary ARRT MR certification. The MRI certificate program is designed to fulfill the post-primary MRI didactic and clinical experience requirements set forth by the ARRT. Upon successful completion of the MRI Program, students will be eligible to sit for the national credentialing examination. The curriculum in the MRI Program includes the best of in-class didactic instruction, the flexibility of online education, and clinical experience. SSC partners with CORSMED MRI simulator to provide effective virtual MRI scanning. Courses MRI 210 and 211 can be taken before full admittance into the MRI Program.

MRI safety is at the forefront of learning in all SSC MRI courses. Students work collaboratively as a part of the healthcare team to ensure the well-being of the patients, support personnel, and preceptors. The SSC MRI Program provides continuing education and upward mobility for credentialed radiologic technologists.

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