MRI is an imaging modality that creates images of the body using radiofrequency waves in conjunction with extremely powerful magnets. This non-invasive technique relies on the magnetic properties of atoms (rather than radiation) and provides valuable diagnostic information to aid in patient management. MRI is widely used.

MRI technologists use their communication, patient-care and collaborative skills to interact with patients and other members of the health care team. They are responsible for the safety of patients and other staff members in the Magnetic Resonance environment. Using their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology along with the principles of MRI physics and methodology, MRI technologists operate MRI scanners to create images of a patient’s body tissues, which physicians then use as an aid to diagnose patients. The skill of the MRI technologist is extremely important in obtaining high-quality diagnostic images. MRI technologists work with radiologists and other health care providers.

MRI Technologists find rewarding careers in clinical environments such as hospitals, diagnostic imaging centres and independent health facilities. Other career opportunities can be found in the areas of education, sales, applications and research.

The MRI (1^st Discipline) program is a comprehensive, learner-centered program that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to care for patients in the MR environment and competently perform MRI procedures.

When you enroll in this first entry MRI program, you will study: patient education and communication techniques to share important information with patients and caregivers; cross sectional anatomy and pathology to produce high-quality diagnostic MRI images; radiation protection and radiobiology; foundational CT; MRI safety guidelines and requirements; patient care and safety in the MRI environment; preparation and position of patients for their MRI examinations; how to perform MRI procedures for a variety of body systems and conditions, using basic and advanced techniques.

For more detailed course information, visit the MRI Curriculum Page.

Length: 30 weeks
Start/End (January 2024 intake): January 2025 / August 2025
Start/End (September 2024 intake): September 2025 / April 2026

You will be assigned to a clinical placement site(s) through Michener’s Office for Clinical Education.

The clinical practicum is full-time and comprised of a combination of evening, night, weekend and day shifts. Students should be prepared to work a significant number of evening and night rotations. Weekend rotations may also be scheduled for your best learning opportunities.

As clinical education is a major component of all Michener programs, our affiliated clinical sites are integral to your education. They include teaching and community hospitals as well as private clinics primarily in Ontario. Working closely under the supervision of MRI Technologists, you will have the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills into practice during the clinical phase of your program. Clinical placements give you hands-on experience in work environments and the opportunity to network with potential employers.

You may be placed in more than one clinical site during your clinical placement period, based on the required clinical competencies for your program and the range of services at the clinical sites.

Clinical partner sites are subject to change; therefore, specific geographic regions may not be available at the time of your placement and other regions may be added. Please note that when you accept a seat in the program, you also accept to go to any of the program’s affiliated clinical sites available at the time of your placement.

For more information about Clinical Education, please see Michener’s Clinical Education Model page.

• Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists 
• College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario
• Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences

Is the program designed to go at your own pace?

No, there is a set order to the courses and timelines, and each course has a weekly schedule, with fixed start and end dates, structured deadlines for assessments, etc. that students will need to follow. As part of the didactic courses, students are expected to complete weekly activities, both on their own and together with their faculty and peers.

What kind of structured deadlines do you have for assignments and exams?

Every course follows a structured schedule with set deadlines for submission of assignments and examination date. All assignments and exam dates are listed in the course outline that you will be able to access once you are enrolled in each specific course per semester.

CLINICAL PRACTICUM – FAQS

When will I find out where I will be doing my clinical?

The clinical placement selection process follows Michener’s Clinical Placement Policy and Procedure. If you have any questions, please contact the Office for Clinical Education clinicaleducation@michener.ca.

Can I choose which site I will be going to?

You will have the opportunity to rank your regional preferences via the clinical placement process. However, please note that when you accept a seat in the program, you also accept to go to any of the program’s affiliated clinical sites available at the time of your placement. For more details on the clinical placement policy and process, please review Michener’s Clinical Placement Policy and Procedure.

Can I do my clinical at my current place of employment?

The ability to complete one’s placement at their current place of employment is dependent on several factors, including but not limited to 1) the availability of a clinical placement; 2) the employer. Michener is affiliated with many geographically-diverse clinical partners for MRI placements.

Can I do my clinical practicum on a part-time basis?

No, the clinical practicum can only be completed on a full-time basis (Full-time means 5 days x 8 hour shifts per week). The practicum is two semesters long – a total of thirty (30) weeks.

What shifts will I be scheduled for?

The clinical practicum is comprised of a combination of evening, night, weekend and day shifts.Students should be prepared to work a significant number of evening and night rotations. Weekend rotations may also be scheduled for your best learning opportunities.

I want to keep working during my clinical time. What shifts can I work?

It is the responsibility of the individual student to make their own choices regarding the balance between their studies and other aspects of their lives. As the clinical practicum is full-time, all students will need to make the necessary arrangements in advance to enable their ability to commit to their clinical placement fully and to focus on their preparations to challenge the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) national certification examination. (Please note that learning and participating in mentored practical training for eight hours a day can be significantly more tiring than working in the job in which you are already familiar; as such, students are advised to minimize additional work commitments during this period.)