Diagnostic Imaging
in the School of Health Professions
MRI Emphasis
The certified MR technologist is a prominent member of the health care team focused on the diagnosis of human disease. They work with non-ionizing radiation and magnetic fields to produce medical images in diagnostic imaging or radiology departments of hospitals and medical clinics or free-standing imaging centers.
The School of Health Professions does not accept students who are, or have been, enrolled in a similar program and wish to transfer into one of the School of Health Professions programs. All students must take and complete all required courses shown in the current Student Catalog.
Diagnostic Imaging MRI is a specialty using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body for diagnosing several types of pathologies. The emphasis combines didactic and clinical education experiences to provide students with the knowledge and skills to take the advanced registry examination in MR, administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT.
The emphasis is part of a three-year Diagnostic Imaging Radiography track or a one-year pre-certified track leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. See the prerequisites (pdf).
Visit the program on the campus of MD Anderson during one of the program information sessions.
See the Outcome Effectiveness Data.
Visit the DI Curriculum page for information about Transferability of Credit.
MRI machines generate strong magnetic fields and radiofrequencies in the areas within and surrounding the MRI scanner, therefore all individuals must be screened to ensure safety prior to entering Zones III or IV of the MR environment (MRI Safety Policy DI 3.07, DI Clinical Policies Manual pdf).
An Overview of Diagnostic Imaging
Administration
Dean: Shirley Richmond, Ed.D.
Program Director: William Undie, Ed.D.
Education Coordinator of Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Sonja Boiteaux, M.S.R.S.
Senior Health Educator of Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Roger A. Wilson
Medical Director: Aurelio Matamoros, M.D.
View the complete roster of SHP educators
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Imaging MRI emphasis is accredited by and has conformed its curriculum to the standards published and monitored by the:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Dr., Ste. 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone 312-704-5300
Fax 312-704-5304
E-mail mail@jrcert.org
Upon completion of the program, students will qualify for examination and certification from the ARRT.
Mission and Goals
Mission
The mission of the Diagnostic Imaging Program Magnetic Resonance Imaging Emphasis is to provide the highest quality of education to magnetic resonance imaging students through formal didactic and state-of-the-art clinical experiences that prepare our students to be magnetic resonance imaging professionals who are patient care focused, critical thinkers and engaged in lifelong learning.
Vision
We shall be the premier educational program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging by providing innovative curricular, clinical and continuing education services to the diagnostic imaging community and the patients we serve.
Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Fulfillment of the program’s mission is assessed by the program’s effectiveness and the degree to which the program achieves the goals and learning outcomes that will enable our students to succeed academically and professionally.
Goal: 1. Students will develop patient care focus by providing superior patient care.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will provide empathetic professional patient care.
2. Student will demonstrate judicious use of magnetic fields and radiofrequencies.
Goal: 2. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in the clinical environment.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will competently perform non-routine procedures.
2. Students will appropriately evaluate images.
Goal: 3. Students will adopt a philosophy of life-long learning through continuing education and professional involvement.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate continued competency through life-long learning.
2. Students will demonstrate a sense of professionalism and desire to learn.
Goal: 4. Students will embrace the MD Anderson core values of caring, integrity and discovery.
Student Learning Outcome
Students will demonstrate the core values of caring, integrity and discovery.
Goal: 5. Students will communicate effectively in a variety of settings.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to use effective oral communication in the clinical settings,
2. Students will communicate effectively during oral presentation of projects.
Clinical Affiliations
The program has developed affiliations with medical institutions in Texas, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified radiologist. During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated hospitals and clinical laboratories.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Bellaire Imaging Clinic
- Radiology Outpatient Center
- Texas Medical Center
- West Houston Imaging Clinic
- Baylor St. Luke's Medical Cente (CHI St. Luke's Health)
- Houston Methodist Hospital
- Memorial Hermann
- Memorial MRI & Diagnosti
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Cente
- Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicin, College Station
- Texas Children's Hospita
- University of Texas, Health Science Center at Housto
Effectiveness Data
Credentialing Examination
Five-year average credentialing examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Radiography exam pass rate of not less than 85 percent at first attempt within six months of graduation.
| Year |
Pass Rate | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 100% | 13 of 13 |
| 2014 | 100% | 15 of 15; 1 graduated in 2015 |
| 2015 | 81% | 9 of 11 |
| 2016 | 100% | 14 of 14 |
| 2017 | 100% | 12 of 12 |
5-Year Average 96%
Program Completion
Program completion rate is defined as the number of students who complete the clinical phase of the program within 150% of the stated program length. The program length for the clinical phase of the program is 20 months and program completion rate is defined as those students graduating within 20 months of beginning the clinical phase of the program.
| Year | Completion Rate | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 93% | 14 admitted; 13 graduated; 1 dismissed |
| 2014 | 88% | 18 admitted; 16 graduated; 2 dismissed |
| 2015 | 100% | 11 admitted; 11graduated |
| 2016 | 100% | 14 admitted; 14 graduated |
| 2017 | 100% | 12 admitted; 12 graduated |
5-Year Average 96%
Job Placement
Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within twelve months of graduation.
| Year | Placement Rate | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 100% | 12 of 13 employed; 1 chose not to pursue an MRI career |
| 2014 | 93% | 14 of 15 employed |
| 2015 | 100% | 10 of 11 employed; 1 chose not to seek employment |
| 2016 | 100% | 14 of 14 employed |
| 2017 | 100% | 11 of 12 employed; 1 not able to obtain |
5-Year Average 99%
For more information regarding program effectiveness data visit the relevant Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technolog web site.
Curriculum
Diagnostic Imaging Track in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (30 or 42 SCH)
Students continuing the three-year track at the senior level take 30 semester credit hours towards their degree during their final year.
Students entering the one-year track at the senior level take 42 semester credit hours towards their degree.
The semester-by-semester schedules include all courses needed to graduate, but the sequences are subject to change.
Three-Year Track Seniors (30)
Fall Semester (9)
DI 4361 MRI Physics I: Physics, Instrumentation, and Safety (3)
DI 4364 MRI of the Extremities (3)
DI 4390 Internship I (3)
Spring Semester (9)
DI 4363 MRI Physics II: Advanced MRI Procedures, Contrast Agents, and Quality Assurance (3)
DI 4366 MRI of the Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis (3)
DI 4391 Internship II (3)
Summer Semester (12)
DI 4362 MRI of the Nervous System (3)
DI 4365 Special Topics and Future Directions in MRI (3)
DI 4367 MRI Comprehensive Review (3)
DI 4392 Internship III (3)
One-Year Track Seniors (42)
Fall Semester (16)
DI 4300 Research Techniques in Radiologic Sciences (3)
DI 4361 MRI Physics I: Physics, Instrumentation, and Safety (3)
DI 4364 MRI of the Extremities (3)
DI 4390 Internship I (3)
HS 3370 Fundamentals of Writing and Critical Thinking (3)
HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics (1)
Spring Semester (13)
DI 4301 Research Project (3)
DI 4363 MRI Physics II: Advanced MRI Procedures, Contrast Agents, and Quality Assurance (3)
DI 4366 MRI of the Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis (3)
DI 4391 Internship II (3)
HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence (1)
Summer Semester (13)
DI 4362 MRI of the Nervous System (3)
DI 4365 Special Topics and Future Directions in MRI (3)
DI 4367 MRI Comprehensive Review (3)
DI 4392 Internship III (3)
HS 4111 Medical Law (1)
William Undie, Ed.D.
713-792-3455
WUndie@mdanderson.org
School of Health Professions
713-745-1205
askSHP@mdanderson.org