MRI Technology

MRI Technology Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the structure of the MRI Technologist program?

• Start Date: Fall Quarter (annually)
• Length: 6 quarters (including summer); ~18 months
• Credits: 95 total, full-time program
• Format: Hybrid/in-person at the Downtown Campus during the first year
• Location: Bates Technical College Downtown Campus, 1201 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA

What is the expected cohort size?

We anticipate enrolling 16–20 students per year, depending on clinical site availability.

Where are clinical placements located?

During the final two quarters, students complete full-time (36-40 hours/week) clinical rotations, potentially close to their home. Anticipated placement areas extend from Everett in the north to Olympia in the South. Additional clinical sites may be arranged as needed.

What are the admissions requirements?

Admissions are competitive. Priority will be given to students who:

• Have completed all prerequisite courses with a minimum 3.0 in each course
• Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite coursework and overall
• Submit official transcripts showing completed or in-progress courses (must finish by end of August prior to enrollment for Fall Quarter)
• Have healthcare or related relevant work experience
• Demonstrate passion for and knowledge of the industry, as evidenced by job shadowing and thoughtful and reflective personal essay.

Prerequisite Courses (WA State Common Course Numbers):

• ENGL101 – English Composition (5 credits)
• MATH146 – Intro to Statistics or MATH141 – Precalculus I (5 credits)
• BIOL241 – Anatomy and Physiology I (5 credits)
• BIOL242 – Anatomy and Physiology II (5 credits)
• Any 200-level CMST course, e.g., CMST&210 (Interpersonal) or CMST&220 (Public Speaking) (5 credits)

Recommended (not required):

• PHYS114 and PHYS115 – Introductory Physics I and II, or equivalent
  Students without physics experience may find the imaging physics curriculum more challenging.

What are the program requirements beyond academics?

Students must be able to be safely in and around MRI magnets while they are operating. Some types of implants or conditions may make this profession unsafe for individuals. Physical abilities to meet the competencies required to perform the work should also be considered by each student.

To begin clinical placement, students must:

• Pass a background check and drug screening
• Provide proof of immunizations
• Not have any electromagnetic implants that would make it unsafe to be an MRI Tech. This could include Pacemakers, ICDs, interventricular shunts, spinal cord stimulators or pain management pumps, insulin infusion pumps, cochlear implants, brain stimulators, sleep implantable devices, or similar.
• Be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or GED

What types of jobs can this program qualify me to work in?

This is an MRI-only primary pathway. Upon completion:

• The program is registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), allowing graduates to take the ARRT MRI exam upon successful completion of the program.

• A dedicated course will support exam preparation, and the college offers career services including resume support.

• Graduates will not be licensed to work as X-ray technologists
• Licensure is through the Washington State Department of Health

How do I arrange a job shadow experience?

Job shadowing is a great way to explore the day-to-day work of an MRI technologist and strengthen your application. While Bates Technical College does not directly arrange job shadowing, most hospitals and imaging labs offer shadowing opportunities through their Volunteer Services department or Student Placement Coordinators, the information is often accessible on their websites.

• Visit the hospital or clinic’s website and search for “Volunteer Services” or “Job Shadowing” opportunities.
• Follow their application process, which may include background checks, proof of immunizations, or orientation sessions.
• Be proactive and respectful when reaching out—these opportunities are competitive and often require advance planning.

Is the program accredited?

• Bates Technical College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
• While the MRI program will not have separate programmatic accreditation at launch, ARRT accepts NWCCU accreditation and we will seek ARRT approval as a Recognized Educational Program in the coming year.
• Faculty and curriculum will meet ARRT education requirements.
• We are not pursuing ARMRIT accreditation at this time, though ARMRIT standards were considered during development.

What is the cost of the program?

• Tuition and fees are based on credits per quarter.
• Click here for up-to-date information.
• WA resident estimates: 16 credits ≈ $1,990 per quarter, plus associated program fees. Total estimated tuition and fees: $14,000–$16,000. Additional costs for supplies, software, and clinical requirements may apply.

Still have questions? We’re happy to help!

Visit our Career and Advising page to get up-to-date information about meeting with an advisor.

Ready to apply?

Program applications will be accepted through a link on our website each spring/summer, refer to the website for details.

Prerequisites

Required Courses (with a grade of 3.0 or higher):

• ENGL& 101 – English Composition
• MATH& 146 – Statistics or MATH& 141 – Precalculus I
• BIOL& 241 – Anatomy & Physiology I
• BIOL& 242 – Anatomy & Physiology II
• CMST& 210 – Interpersonal Communication or CMST& 220 – Public Speaking

Recommended Courses:

• PHYS& 114 and PHYS& 115 – Introductory Physics (or equivalents)

Note: Conditional acceptance is possible if coursework will be completed by August 31, 2025.

Materials

Before beginning the program-specific application, gather the following:

• Your ctcLink ID number (if available)
• List of all colleges attended, with approximate dates and any degrees or certificates earned
• Current resume outlining education, work, volunteer experience, and certifications
• Personal essay (500–750 words) following the program guidelines (see below)
• Job shadow verification (recommended but not required)

Program Application: Complete the MRI Technology AAS program application which includes:

• Contact and general information
• Academic background and GPA
• List of completed and/or in-progress prerequisites
• Healthcare-related work or volunteer experience
• Uploaded resume
• Uploaded personal essay

Personal Essay Guidelines: 

Note: Essays must be original and personally written. Essays that seem to be generated by AI will be disqualified and the application will not be considered.

Requirements:

• 500–750 words
• PDF or Word doc, 12-pt standard font, double-spaced
• Must include your full name at the top
• Must be written in your own words, not using AI tools

Essay Topics:

• Your motivation for entering the field
• Your understanding of the MRI Technologist role
• Insights from your job shadow and/or work experience
• Anticipated challenges and rewards of the career
• Your personal strengths and preparation for the program

Tuition and Fees

At Bates, our tuition is affordable and there are options to help make it even easier to gain an education. Federal aid is available for many of our students. Scholarships are also available through the Bates Foundation.

See if you qualify for other funding through our special funding programs with the Workforce Education office.

No accreditation or related information have been provided.

Learn more about this program's Advisory Committee.

No forms have been provided.