MRI Admission Information
You can help doctors save lives. MRI technologists use radio waves and magnetic fields to create images of the human body. Interested? Here’s what you need to know about the application process for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Application period:
March 15 - June 1
How to apply
Students are admitted annually. Because clinical internship spots are limited, admission is competitive to ensure everyone receives a valuable hands-on experience.
If you have any questions or just want to talk to someone about the program, please reach out to us.
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Attend an Information Session
We're excited to help you take the next step toward a career in MRI. All prospective students are required to attend an MRI program information session for the current application period before applying. During the session, our supportive MRI team will walk you through the program and application process. It’s a great opportunity to get your questions answered and see if the program is the right fit for you.
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Gather Official Transcripts
Request official transcripts from all schools you've previously attended—including San Jac. Have them sent to you, then scan and save as a PDF. You'll upload them with your application. Note that unofficial transcripts printed from college websites will not be accepted.
Transcripts from other colleges attended should also be submitted to the San Jac Admissions Office.
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Process Degree Evaluation
Next, head over to the Secure Online System (SOS) to process and print your degree evaluation for the MRI AAS degree. Be sure to select the catalog year that matches the year you're applying for. Once completed, include the printed evaluation with your application.
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Gather any National Certifications
If you have any national or state recognized certifications in a healthcare field, gather those and submit them with your program application.
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Complete Your Prereqs
Before you can apply to the MRI program, you’ll need to receive a grade of C or higher in the following required prerequisite courses:
- Math 1314
- BIOL 2301/BIOL 2101
- SCIT 1420
- RADR 1201*
- BIOL 2302/2102*
If selected, all program courses are taught with an in-person delivery method.
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Complete the HESI A2 Exam
All medical imaging AAS students are required to take the HESI A2 exam—a timed, computerized test that takes about 4.5 hours and helps assess your readiness for the program. Be sure to review the HESI A2 exam instruction packet so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
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Apply to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program
When you’ve completed the above steps you’re ready to apply to the MRI program. Check out the handy application checklist. You’ll be notified within two to three weeks after the application deadline.
Applications will be evaluated with our admission scoring rubric.
Applications accepted March 15 - June 1.
Helpful Resources
MRI's are a painless diagnostic test that produces clear images of your inner body using a magnet, radio waves, and a computer. With a degree from San Jac, you can make your own waves in medical imaging. Explore these resources to learn more about our program and your future career.
All MRI students receive hands-on training at clinical sites around the Houston area. Check out the program information and clinical obligations to learn more.
All MRI students receive hands-on training at clinical sites around the Houston area. Check out the program information and clinical obligations to learn more.
See the goals we set forth for our students to achieve.
The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our program is currently seeking programmatic accreditation with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT defines and publishes this information.
Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Credentialing Examination Rate | number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation |
|---|---|
| Year 1 - 2025 | 15 of 16 - 94% |
| Year 2 | of - 0% |
| Year 3 | of - 0% |
| Year 4 | of - 0% |
| Year 5 | of - 0% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 15 of 16 - 93.8% |
Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Job Placement Rate | number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation |
|---|---|
| Year 1 - 2025 | 13 of 13 - 100% |
| Year 2 | of - 0% |
| Year 3 | of - 0% |
| Year 4 | of - 0% |
| Year 5 | of - 0% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 13 of 13 - 100% |
Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%.
| Program Completion Rate | number graduated divided by number started the program |
|---|---|
| Year 2025 | 16 of 18 |
| Annual Completion Rate | 88.9% |
Approximate Program Costs
| In-District | Out-of-District | |
| Prerequisites - 17 hours | $1,411 | $2,448 |
| Required program general education courses – 9 hours | $747 | $1,296 |
| Program core courses - 34 hours | $2,822 | $4,896 |
| Total program course costs* *textbooks/course materials not included |
$4,980 | $8,640 |
Additional Program Costs
| Vendor | Cost | |
| Program core courses - books and course materials | Barnes & Noble campus providers | $900 |
| Background check & drug/alcohol screening | One Source/Verified Credentials |
$100 |
| Immunizations & physical: TB, MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hep B, Hep C antibody test, Seasonal Flu | Various Vendors | $700 |
| CPR for healthcare providers | American Heart Association | $100 |
| Uniforms | TMC Scrubs N More | $155 |
| ARRT certification exam | ARRT | $225 |
| Clinical management system | Trajecsys & My Clinical Exchange | $230 |
| Total additional program costs | $2,410 |
Approximate Total Program Costs
- In-District: $7,390
- Out-of-District: $11,050
Additional Information
- The program is paid for by the semester. All tuition and fees must be paid in full before published deadline dates.
- “In-District” includes the following Independent School Districts: Channelview, Deer Park, Galena Park, La Porte, Pasadena and Sheldon. Students who are not residents of Texas, including foreign students, will be required to pay additional fees.
- Students are responsible for their expenses incurred while in the program. Students are required to furnish their own travel related to their clinical educational experiences.
- The ARRT (American Registry for Radiologic Technologist) Exam fees are paid directly to the ARRT.
MRI uses powerful magnetic fields—understanding safety requirements is essential before entering any MRI environment. Read our MRI safety protocols before applying.
MRI Safety Protocols
The magnetic field generated by a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is extremely
powerful and can attract ferromagnetic objects with significant force, potentially
resulting in serious injury or death. MRI safety risks include, but are not limited
to, retained metal fragments from previous metal work and implanted medical devices
containing a battery or power source, such as pain pumps, insulin pumps, battery-powered
hearing aids, and pacemakers. Due to these safety concerns, all students must undergo
comprehensive MRI safety screening prior to participation in the MRI program.
Pre-Enrollment Screening
Students selected for admission to the MRI program are required to attend a mandatory
pre-enrollment session prior to program entry. During this session, students receive
formal instruction on magnetic resonance safety and complete the magnetic resonance
safety screening form. Student responses are reviewed by a San Jacinto College medical
imaging faculty member registered in magnetic resonance imaging through the American
Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Students will sign the form and acknowledge
their understanding of the potential hazards of MRI.
Students with Identified Contraindications
Students identified as having possible contraindications to MRI exposure based on
the magnetic resonance safety screening form are not permitted to enter any MRI areas
or departments prior to additional screening at assigned clinical education centers.
Before beginning each assigned clinical rotation, the student must be screened on-site
by the clinical education center’s MRI technologist in accordance with facility-specific
MRI safety policies. The form must be signed by the screening technologist and returned
to the program director. This screening is required at every clinical site prior to
entering MRI zones III or IV.
Ongoing Safety Requirements
All MRI program students will be required to:
- Complete the MRI safety screening form and sign a written acknowledgment of the potential hazards associated with MRI environments prior to program admission.
- Complete the MRI safety module within the clinical orientation curriculum and achieve a 100% score on the associated MRI safety assessment quiz prior to entering any clinical MRI setting.
- Complete on-site screening by MRI technologist at assigned clinical education center prior to starting clinical rotation (Students identified with contraindications to MRI exposure).
- Notify program officials of any changes in medical history and resubmit magnetic resonance safety screening from
Contraindications and Program Eligibility
Students with MRI contraindications, including, but not limited to, retained metal
fragments from previous metal work or implanted devices containing a battery or power
source (e.g., pain pumps, insulin pumps, battery-powered hearing aids, pacemakers)—may
be restricted from entering MRI environments. In such cases, students may be unable
to complete the clinical requirements of the MRI program, which may prevent successful
program completion.
Questions
Questions related to MRI safety should be submitted to: MagneticResonanceImagingAAS@sjcd.edu
Coursework from another program will be evaluated on an individual basis by the program director, department chair and the admission appeals committee. A grade of C or better is required in all transferred prerequisite, general education and program-specific courses.
Transfer students are required to obtain a letter from the current program director verifying good academic and ethical standing. Transfer from another program will require a one-time entrance didactic and skills competency exam based on the program progression level.
Transfer students need to have been enrolled in a magnetic resonance imaging program within two semesters of the requested transfer. Transfer students must meet all criteria required of San Jacinto College magnetic resonance imaging program students and complete at least 50% of the program at San Jacinto College. Transfer students from another program will be admitted on a space-available basis.
