Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Program overview

Program costs

Your estimated cost is approximately $5,000 for tuition, fees, and books. Additional living costs include food, housing, school supplies, childcare, transportation, health insurance, immunizations, and professional membership.

Time commitment

  • Two to three hours in the online classroom on Tuesday nights.
  • 21 hours per week of clinical training in term one.
  • 28 hours per week of clinical training in terms two and three.

Schedule

Term 1: 10 credit hours
  • MRI 101: MR Physics I Principles, Equipment + Safety (2 credits)
  • MRI 111: MR Cross-Sectional Anatomy I (2 credits)
  • MRI 271: MR Clinical Education I (6 credits)
Term 2: 11 credit hours
  • MRI 102: MR Physics II Advanced Principles (2 credits)
  • MRI 112: MR Cross-Sectional Anatomy II (1 credit)
  • MRI 272: MR Clinical Education II (8 credits)
Term 3: 11 credit hours
  • MRI 130: MR Imaging Procedures + Diagnosis (2 credits)
  • MRI 140: MR Registry Review (1 credit)
  • MRI 273: MR Clinical Education III (8 credits)

Total credit hours: 32

Frequently asked questions

What does the program cost?

Tuition, lab, and fees will cost approximately $5000 for tuition, fees, and books. See the tuition and fees website for more information. Additional living costs include food, housing, school supplies, childcare, transportation, health insurance, immunizations, and professional membership.

PCC has a variety of financial aid options and scholarship opportunities available for students.

What are the clinical sites that participate?

The clinical sites vary from year to year. Some are out-patient imaging centers and some hospitals. All applicants will be contacted with a site preference sheet after the final clinical sites have been determined.

Do I have to find my own clinical site?

No. You apply to the PCC MRI Technologist Training Program and the sponsoring clinical sites will select their student(s) from the applicant pool after all applicants have completed their job shadow/interview that PCC assigns you.

What are the hours of the program?

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm. Clinical hours may be any day of the week both day and evening shifts. Clinical shifts (hours and days) are coordinated with the sponsoring clinic or hospital, however, clinical hours are typically day shift hours Monday through Friday.

What are the biggest challenges for MRI students?

The biggest challenge students report is trying to work during the program. Your clinical training hours are typically during a day shift, 21 hours per week spring term, and 28 hours per week in summer and fall terms. Classes are on Tuesday evenings, As a result, trying to coordinate work hours while completing your MRI clinical hours is the greatest challenge.

Do I get paid for my hospital/clinical training experience in the program?

No.

Am I guaranteed a job at the clinical site after I finish my training?

No.

Once I complete the program will I be licensed or certified?

Once you complete the program you will be eligible to take the ARRT national certification examination. When you pass that exam, then you’ll be certified in MRI by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).