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THE CURRICULUM
A curriculum built around MRI science and clinical practice.
Explore the Illinois MRI Program curriculum as you plan your MRI education in the Chicago area. Courses cover medical terminology, anatomy, MRI physics, safety, clinical applications, supervised internships, and registry preparation.
AI-generated illustration for Chicago-area MRI education.
Structured for Excellence in Medical Imaging
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Illinois MRI Program at CRNI is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and clinical practice. Our curriculum is structured into core educational modules covering MRI physics, safety, and procedures, followed by immersive clinical rotations. This sequential approach ensures that students master the fundamentals before applying their knowledge in high-stakes medical environments, preparing them for immediate certification and career success.
Certification preparation supports examination readiness. Eligibility and certification depend on the certifying organization’s current requirements and the student’s background.
Available Courses
MRI 001 – Medical Terminology
This course introduces students to medical terminology commonly used in healthcare and medical imaging environments. Emphasis is placed on understanding medical word structure, including prefixes, suffixes, root words, abbreviations, and commonly used healthcare terminology. Students learn terminology related to anatomy, physiology, pathology, patient care, and diagnostic imaging procedures. The course is designed to provide students with the communication foundation necessary for successful participation in MRI clinical environments and professional healthcare settings. Students also develop skills in interpreting and applying medical terminology in clinical documentation and patient communication.
MRI 002 – Patient Management
This course introduces students to patient care principles and professional responsibilities within the MRI environment. Topics include communication skills, patient assessment, infection control, patient safety, medical ethics, confidentiality, and emergency procedures. Students learn techniques for interacting with diverse patient populations while maintaining professionalism and compassion. The course also discusses legal and ethical responsibilities related to patient care and healthcare delivery. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a safe and supportive environment for patients undergoing MRI procedures.
MRI 003 – Anatomy and Physiology
This course provides students with a foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology relevant to MRI imaging. Students study body systems, organ structures, physiological processes, and anatomical relationships commonly visualized in MRI examinations. Emphasis is placed on correlating anatomy with diagnostic imaging procedures and sectional imaging concepts. The course also introduces pathological relationships and physiological changes that may affect MRI imaging. Students develop knowledge necessary for image evaluation and clinical application.
MRI 101 – Sectional Anatomy
This course focuses on sectional and cross-sectional anatomy as visualized through MRI imaging. Students learn to identify anatomical structures in axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique imaging planes. Emphasis is placed on image recognition, spatial orientation, and anatomical relationships demonstrated in MRI examinations. Students review normal anatomy of major body regions and correlate anatomical structures with clinical imaging applications. The course prepares students to accurately evaluate MRI images and recognize anatomical landmarks during scanning procedures.
MRI 102 – MRI Physics 1
This course introduces the foundational physics principles of magnetic resonance imaging. Students study magnetism, resonance, radiofrequency energy, pulse sequences, image formation, and basic MRI instrumentation. Emphasis is placed on understanding how MRI images are produced and how imaging parameters affect image quality. Students are introduced to MRI terminology, hardware components, and signal generation principles. The course establishes the physics foundation necessary for advanced MRI coursework and clinical applications.
MRI 103 – Pathology
This course introduces common pathological processes and disease conditions demonstrated through MRI imaging. Students study the appearance and characteristics of various pathological conditions affecting major body systems. Emphasis is placed on correlating pathology with anatomy, physiology, and MRI imaging findings. Students also learn terminology associated with pathological processes and disease progression. The course prepares students to recognize abnormal imaging appearances encountered in clinical MRI practice.
MRI 201 – MRI Safety
This course focuses on MRI safety principles, patient screening, contrast safety, and regulatory guidelines associated with MRI environments. Students learn about magnetic field hazards, implant screening, emergency procedures, and MRI zone safety concepts. Emphasis is placed on maintaining patient, staff, and public safety within the MRI suite. The course also reviews contrast administration considerations, safety documentation, and professional responsibilities related to MRI safety compliance. Students develop the knowledge necessary to safely participate in MRI procedures and clinical operations.
MRI 202 – MRI Physics 2
This course expands upon foundational MRI physics concepts through advanced study of image optimization, artifacts, pulse sequences, and imaging parameters. Students analyze factors affecting image contrast, spatial resolution, scan time, and signal-to-noise ratio. Emphasis is placed on troubleshooting image quality issues and understanding advanced imaging techniques used in clinical MRI practice. Students also study artifacts and methods used to minimize or correct imaging errors. The course prepares students for advanced clinical applications and registry-level MRI physics concepts.
MRI 203 – Clinical Internship 1
This course provides introductory supervised clinical education in MRI procedures and departmental workflow. Students observe and participate in patient care activities, MRI safety procedures, patient positioning, and imaging preparation under direct supervision. Emphasis is placed on developing professionalism, communication skills, and familiarity with MRI clinical operations. Students begin applying didactic knowledge within real clinical environments while developing foundational technical skills. Clinical performance and competency development are continuously evaluated throughout the internship.
MRI 301 – MRI Applications
This course focuses on MRI procedures, imaging protocols, and clinical applications across multiple body systems. Students study routine and advanced MRI examinations, protocol selection, imaging planes, contrast considerations, and scan optimization strategies. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, anatomy visualization, and procedure planning. Students review imaging applications related to neurological, musculoskeletal, abdominal, spinal, and vascular MRI procedures. The course prepares students for advanced clinical participation and registry preparation.
MRI 302 – Clinical Internship 2
This course provides intermediate supervised clinical MRI education with increased participation in imaging procedures and departmental responsibilities. Students continue developing technical skills, patient care abilities, and workflow management while performing MRI procedures under supervision. Emphasis is placed on competency development, professionalism, patient safety, and imaging quality. Students gain additional experience with scan setup, protocol execution, patient monitoring, and communication within the healthcare team. Clinical performance evaluations are used to assess student progress and competency achievement.
MRI 401 – Registry Prep
This course provides comprehensive review and preparation for professional MRI certification examinations. Students review MRI physics, anatomy, patient care, pathology, safety, procedures, and image evaluation concepts commonly tested on registry examinations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, examination strategies, and reinforcement of core MRI concepts. Practice examinations, case reviews, and structured review activities are incorporated throughout the course. The course is designed to strengthen student readiness for professional certification and entry-level practice.
MRI 402 – Clinical Internship 3
This course provides advanced supervised clinical MRI education emphasizing competency achievement and entry-level workflow participation. Students perform MRI procedures with increasing independence under appropriate supervision while demonstrating professionalism, technical competency, and patient safety practices. Emphasis is placed on image quality, workflow efficiency, communication, and preparation for transition into entry-level MRI technologist roles. Students complete final competency evaluations and demonstrate readiness for professional practice. Clinical performance is continuously assessed throughout the internship experience.
Enrollment Requirements
• Prior Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (Associate or Bachelor's degree in a science-related field preferred).
• Official Documentation: Submission of official transcripts from previous educational institutions and a valid government-issued ID.
• Technical Requirements: Access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet for online coursework and simulation software.
• Background Check & Immunizations: Completion of a background check and evidence of current immunizations required for clinical placement.
• Professional Reference: One letter of recommendation from a professional or academic mentor.
Ready to Start Your MRI Career?
Contact our admissions team today to learn more about the MRI program structure and secure your future in medical imaging.
Apply Now ↗These course descriptions explain the published curriculum. Consult the current official catalog for course sequencing, prerequisites, instructional hours, schedules, and completion requirements.
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Read how MRI coursework and supervised clinical training fit together and use our admissions checklist to prepare follow-up questions. The FDA’s MRI resources for professionals provide independent safety background; clinical activity must follow site policies and appropriate supervision.