RAD 301 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Credits: 2
2 Lecture Hours

Prerequisites: Proof of current certification in radiologic technologists, RTR (R) or radiation therapist RTR (T) or nuclear medicine technologists RTR (N) or CNMT or sonography or vascular sonography (ARRT or ARDMS)

Description
This is a course in medical magnetic imaging for certified technologists that includes a history of magnetic imaging in radiology sciences, advanced principles of image reconstruction for human anatomy utilizing radiographic magnetic resonance techniques, essential elements of medical magnet computer systems, patient positioning for scanning protocols and data acquisition systematic procedures. Students explore cross-sectional anatomy by utilizing medical cross-sectional radiographs to identify cranial, thoracic, abdominal and musculoskeletal systems, distinguishing each body part in a transverse, sagittal, coronal and oblique magnetic resonance image. Students also examine the principles of magnetic imaging for the patient, imaging technologist and medical team as well as production and control of the magnetic field for scanning procedures and equipment techniques.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Survey the principles of spinning nucleus processing about the magnetic field.
Manipulate formulas to calculate principles of frequency and geomagnetic ratios and examine proton precession and imaging principles.
Identify imaging applications such as but not limited to transmitter, receiver, frequency encoding, field of view (FOV), phase encoding, gradient moment, Nulling frequencies, spin echo, gradient echo and inversion recovery principles.
Explain total echo time, T1 and T2 spins, relaxation time and spatial resolution of the MRI sequence and modifications for image production.
Classify biological factors of contrast agents, chemical interactions, osmolality and viscosity and anaphylactic reactions that occur in MRI scanning departments.
Identify the technical matrix necessary for operation of the MRI scanner.
Scrutinize necessary MRI scanning sagittal planes, transverse planes, coronal planes and off-axis sectional anatomy images of the human anatomic body sections.
Identify cranium and face sectional anatomy, vertebrae, soft tissues of the neck and chest, heart, abdomen, pelvis, limbs and vascular structures on MRI images.
Assess potential risks from the magnetic field of an MRI scanner to provide comprehensive safety guidelines and instructions for the patient before the MRI procedure.
Evaluate “standard of care” and “scope of practice” in relation to MRI scanning while demonstrating knowledge of informed consent.

Listed Topics

Patient care: patient interactions and management
Safety: MRI screeing and safety
Image production: physical principles of image formation, sequence parpmeters and options, data acquisition, data processing, data storage
Procedures: neurological, body, musculoskeletal

Reference Materials
Program faculty evaluate teaching resources and materials each year. Students are provided with current state-of-the-art resources in class. Additionally, students are instructed which required textbooks to purchase that contain current technical information.

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 03/16/2026

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