Associate of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology

Course Descriptions

Core Courses

MRI 132 Principles and Physics of MRI I 3 credits
This course begins with an introduction to the role and responsibilities of the MRI technologist. The course continues with a discussion of the following areas of MRI physics: fundamental properties of electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism in relation to MRI imaging, including the atomic structure, especially the nucleus and its properties that are of specific interest to MRI; interaction between the atomic nucleus and the static magnetic, gradient magnetic, and radio frequency (RF) fields of an MRI imager, and; net magnetization, precession, and resonance. The course also presents information addressing the purpose and function of MRI system components for the safe and effective performance of MRI examinations, as well as the interactions of the electromagnetic fields with metal objects and with the human body.

MRI 133 Principles and Physics of MRI II 3 credits
This course is a continuation of MRI 132 with lectures covering: fundamental MRI principles of resonance and relaxation of hydrogen protons after RF excitation; spin echo, gradient echo, and inversion recovery pulse sequences; interactions between pulse sequence parameters and their effects on image contrast, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and scan time; explanations of basic pulse sequence diagrams, and; spatial localization of the MR signal. Safe and effective performances of MRI examinations are reviewed. (Prerequisite: MRI 132)

MRI 142 MRI/CT Cross Sectional Anatomy I 3 credits
MRI technologists are required to use anatomical knowledge on a daily basis. They use knowledge of cross sectional anatomy in at least three ways:
1) To position the patient correctly within the magnet;
2) To ensure that images show the anatomy of interest, and;
3) To review images during the acquisition to look for pathology.
This course is taught directly from actual MRI and CT cross section images. Both normal and pathological images are utilized, allowing the student to recognize the differences. Students will be responsible for recognizing all relevant anatomical structurues in all multi-planar directions and oblique. The course includes MRI case studies; MRI positioning; MRI terminology; cranial anatomy and anatomical structures of neck, and spine; presentation and application of MRI, and; biologic effects of MRI.

MRI 143 MRI/CT Cross Sectional Anatomy II 3 credits
This course is a continuation of MRI 142. Emphasis is placed on students recognizing the anatomic structuring of the abdomen, pelvis, and extremities in cross section. The course utilizes actual MRI and CT images and includes MRI case studies; MRI positioning; MRI terminology; comparison of normal anatomy with pathology, and; biologic effects of MRI. (Pre-requisite: MRI 142)

MRI 152 Patient Care for MRI Technologists I 2 credits
MRI technologists are required to communicate effectively with the patient, answer questions, assure the safety of the patient, and make the patient comfortable throughout the examination. In this course, students learn how to provide basic patient care in the MRI environment. The course is offered in two parts or consecutive courses. During the first semester (course one) an emphasis is placed on general patient care skills relevant to all health care workers, including: patient rights, privacy issues and other ethical concerns; universal precautions and infection control; proper body mechanics and lifting techniques, and; empathetic communication skills.

MRI 154 Patient Care for MRI Technologists II 2 credits
This course is a continuation (or course two) of MRI 152 and includes specific application of patient care skills to the MRI clinical setting. Additional emphasis is placed on preparation of the student for clinical internship responsibilities. Students learn: how to prepare a patient for an MRI examination; patient assessment protocols; safety issues for MRI patients; and emergency procedures specifically related to a MRI imagine facility. Students are also trained in basic first aid and cardiac life support methods. (Prerequisite: MRI 152)

MRI 262 MRI Topics* 3 credits
The first half of the course introduces students to current trends and research in the field of MRI imaging. During the last half of this course students do literature research and report on an MRI topic of personal interest to them and their classmates.

MRI 295 Professional Development for the MRI Technologist* 3 credits
This course includes an overview of job-hunting skills, including techniques of presentation, advertising, resumé writing, job interviewing skills, and the integration of sound business practices for the MRI Technologist. Students also develop and present their personal philosophy of their roles and responsibilities in working in the healthcare field. Mock interviews will be scheduled during a time that students are already at UNC for their residential MRI 257 course.

MRI 256 MRI Clinical Practices I 1 credit
In this course, students meet once a month to discuss their clinical internship experiences, present case studies, and review basic patient care and communication skills. (To be taken in conjunction with MRI 282)

MRI 257 MRI Clinical Practices II 1 credit
In this course, students meet once a month to discuss their clinical internship experiences, present case studies, and review basic patient care and communication skills. In addition, the course includes a basic program review to help prepare students for the ARMRIT certification examination. (To be taken in conjunction with MRI 283)

MRI 282 MRI Internship I 11 credits
This course provides the student with practical hands-on working experience in an MRI imaging facility, which enables the student to put into practice the learning and theory gained from the classroom during the previous two semesters. The student completes 500 hours of the required total 1000 hours of clinical internship during this course. (Prerequisite: successful completion of Semester One and Two course work)

MRI 283 MRI Internship II 11 credits
This course is a continuation of MRI 152 and enables students to further master the skills and techniques required of MRI Technologists. Students complete the final 500 hours of the required 1000 hours of clinical internship experience. (Prerequisite: successful completion of MRI 282)

General Education Courses

GEN 125 Communication* 4 credits
This course addresses effective written and interpersonal communication including disaster reporting. This course also covers such topics as effective communication styles in emergency situations, appropriate communication for conflict management, communication as applied to team building and group motivation. This course also addresses written communication, including sentence structure, writing effective paragraphs, logical sequencing of written material, among other professional writing topics.

GEN 135 Anatomy and Physiology/Medical Terminology* 4 credits
Human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology are covered, including the structures and functions of the body; understanding medical term prefixes, roots, and suffixes, and; how to use anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology in a clinical medical setting.

GEN 145 Psychology Stress and Trauma* 4 credits
Stress is one of the greatest factors in determining a person’s sense of health and well-being. This course offers an overview of the neuropsychological aspects of stress and stress related situations. Students will learn to identify causes and symptoms of stress and how to effectively manage the body and mind together to reduce pathologies impacted by unmanaged stress. In addition, this course presents an overview of the effects of trauma on a person, including psychological and physical aspects of coping and recovery.

GEN 155 Ethics* 4 credits
This course introduces students to various ethical and organizational leadership models. Course content includes studies on situational leadership, principle-centered leadership, ethical values and models of ethical decision-making, and leadership ethics. Additional topics include emergency decision-making, ethical dilemmas, value systems, philosophy of leadership, leadership strategies, team development, personal ethics, and ethical scenarios or case studies.

* Online Internet delivered, instructor-led course

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