Overview
Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly known as MRI, utilizes powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to form images of the body to diagnose illness. MRI provides non-invasive, diagnostic testing on almost every aspect of the human body, including bones, organs, muscles, and neurological functions.
Please note that the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Advanced Certificate program is currently undergoing a program review that may lead to curriculum changes.
About the program
The BCIT Magnetic Resonance Imaging program delivers the training health authorities seek. The only one of its kind in BC, we make sure you graduate fully prepared to start your career.
- Part-time, advanced certificate that takes an average of two years to complete
- Fully online, giving you flexibility to learn at your own pace
- A four-month clinical experience in an MRI setting provides direct work experience
See Program Details to discover more about BCIT’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging Advanced Certificate.
Who it’s for
This program is for medical imaging healthcare professionals who:
- Have completed one of the following programs: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy
- Have six months or more of related work experience
- Enjoy thinking analytically and problem-solving
- Enjoy working independently in a self-directed work environment
In addition, eligible applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in Canada.
Ready to add MRI to your diagnostic skill set? See Program Entry to learn more about applying to our program.
What grads can do
MRI is a critical branch of medical imaging testing. Our grads are in demand. See Graduating and Jobs to learn more about career opportunities.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
Note: In alignment with public health orders, this program requires that students be vaccinated for a number of communicable diseases – including COVID-19.
Application processing
This program is open to applications beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Entrance requirements
This program has a two-step admission process. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
The MRI Advanced Certificate is a second discipline program which requires:
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Post-secondary education: diploma, degree or equivalent accredited program in one of the following:
- Medical Radiography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Radiation Therapy
- Submit the following with your online application:
- MRI Safety Screening form [PDF]
- Proof of current active registration with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) or Sonography Canada or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the program area when the entrance requirements are complete.
Clinical requirements
Note: Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly-funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term-care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.
As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times through the flu season prior to being placed in your clinical studies.
The program will work with students who reside in BC to obtain clinical placements at BC sites. Students residing outside BC will need to find their own clinical placement. BCIT will help facilitate the clinical placement once a non-BC student has initiated contact with a site that is local to them. Students may be required to relocate for the clinical at their own expense.
Prior to entry into the clinical phase of the program, students must provide:
- Immunization Review [PDF]
- Submit to Student Health Services.
- For instructions and more information, visit Student Health Services’ Health Science Student Information and view HSPnet's Practice Education Guidlines for BC - Immunization [PDF].
- Criminal record check clearance for children and vulnerable adults
- Verification of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training
- Recent respirator mask fitting results (testing required annually)
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
The estimated cost per theory course is $912 tuition; there are six theory courses. The clinical experience course is $1526. The total cost of texts required for the program is estimated at $800 – $900. The total cost to complete the program, if students complete all theory courses and the clinical experience (40 credits), is approximately $7,800.
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Books & supplies
The estimated cost per theory course is $912 tuition; there are six theory courses. The clinical experience course is $1526. The total cost of texts required for the program is estimated at $800 – $900. The total cost to complete the program, if students complete all theory courses and the clinical experience (40 credits), is approximately $7,800.- Go back Entrance Requirements
- Next up Courses
Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required Courses: | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
MIMG 7200 | Fundamentals of MRI | 3.0 | |
MIMG 7202 | Advanced Concepts in MRI Imaging | 3.0 | |
MIMG 7210 | MRI: Clinical Applications 1 | 3.0 | |
MIMG 7220 | MRI: Clinical Applications 2 | 3.0 | |
MIMG 7230 | MRI: Clinical Applications 3 | 3.0 | |
MIMG 7240 | Professional Practice, MRI Safety, and Patient Care | 3.0 | |
MIMG 8200 | MRI Clinical Experience* | 22.0 | |
*Students will be required to do a full-time (equivalent to typical working hours) 16-week (4 month) MRI clinical experience at an approved clinical site to meet the clinical requirements of the program. The clinical experience reflects hospital shift work, which ranges from 8 – 10 hours per shift. Students could be expected to clinical shifts in evenings, night shifts and weekends. MIMG 8200 is available in the January, May, and September terms. Any other approach should be discussed with the program head to ensure that it will meet your learning goals and BCIT's requirements. |
|||
Total Credits: | 40.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
**prior learning assessment challenge courses
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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- Next up Program Details
Program Details
Program aim
The aim of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program is to prepare graduates with the knowledge, critical thinking and technical skills to safely perform high quality diagnostic MRI studies while maintaining a high level of care for the patient.
Program goals
The goal of the BCIT MRI program is to provide graduates with the necessary tools to integrate theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. The program is committed to providing qualified graduates in appropriate numbers to serve the needs of healthcare providers and patients in BC and across Canada.
The program has adopted the standards of the National Competency Profile (NCP) of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT).
Graduates of the MRI program have the necessary knowledge and skills to:
- Perform a wide variety of MRI procedures independently
- Describe the physical principles of MRI and apply them to MRI procedures
- Integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical skills to provide high quality diagnostic MRI studies
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Identify anatomical structures
- Analyze images for the identification of pathological conditions
- Critique MRI studies for image quality
- Adapt studies as needed based upon patient and related circumstances
- Provide safe and effective patient care as it relates to the MRI environment
- Ensure safety for self, staff and patients
- Demonstrate life-long learning and professional growth
Program length
The maximum time to complete the program is three years.
It is recommended that students complete the theory courses for the program within two years (six terms) and that students enroll in the 16-week clinical experience upon completing their last theory course.
Approach to completing the program
Students have some flexibility in how they approach the required program studies. The following is recommended:
- MIMG 7200 is the first course as it is a prerequisite for all other theory courses in the program.
- The remaining theory courses (MIMG 7202, 7210, 7220, 7230, and 7240) be completed within five terms (eighteen months) before the start of the 16 week practicum.
- MIMG 7240 be taken as the last course and completed just prior to beginning the clinical practicum.
A recommended approach for completing the program is as follows:
-
Term 1 - MIMG 7200
Term 2 - MIMG 7202 and/or MIMG 7210
Term 3 - MIMG 7210 and/or MIMG 7220 and/or MIMG 7230
Term 4 - MIMG 7220 and/or MIMG 7210 and/or MIMG 7230
Term 5 - MIMG 7230 and/or MIMG 7240
Term 6 - MIMG 7240
Term 7 or 8 - MIMG 8200 MRI Clinical Practicum*.
*Students will be required to do a full-time (equivalent to typical working hours) 16-week (4 month) MRI clinical experience at an approved clinical site to meet the clinical requirements of the program. During your clinical term, you must be available to work varying shifts, which include weekdays, evening, nights and weekends. MIMG 8200 is available in the January, May, and September terms.
Any other approach should be discussed with the program head to ensure that it will meet your learning goals and BCIT's requirements.
CAMRT preparation guide and practice exams
Online practice exams are available for students in the program. These exams are for review only and do not count towards program marks. Students can take these practice exams while doing their clinical experience.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and its affiliate accreditation (AC) through their new EQUAL Canada program.
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Studies may begin at the start of the next term following acceptance in the program. The online theory courses (MIMG 7xxx series) can be done in any of the three 12 week terms in which they are offered. The 12 week terms are:
- Winter (January to April)
- Spring (April to July)
- Fall (September to December)
MIMG 8200 is a 16-week full-time (equivalent to working hours) clinical experience that students are required to do at an approved clinical site following the successful completion of their theory courses. MIMG 8200 is generally done starting in January, May or September.
Program location
Courses are offered through online learning.Continue your education
Graduates of the BCIT MRI Advanced Certificate can transfer up to 40 credits into the elective courses of the Bachelor of Health Science – Magnetic Resonance Imaging Option.
- Go back Courses
- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Our graduates are ready
Our grads are working in MRI departments across the province. We provide you with everything you need to write the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) exam as soon as you graduate.
Career opportunities
Grads work as MRI technologists in hospitals and private clinics. Most positions start at approximately $36 per hour.
With experience, you can choose to generalize or specialize in areas such as:
- Nephrology
- Trauma
- Neurological
- Pediatrics
Keep learning
Advance your education and transfer your credits to complete BCIT’s Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Technology programs.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
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- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Ray Lee
Program Head
Victoria Banham, BA
Program Assistant
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Contact Us
Ray Lee
Program Head
Tel: 604-432-8231
Toll-free: 1-800-663-6542 local 8231
E-mail: rlee232@bcit.ca
Victoria Banham
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8727
E-mail: Victoria_Banham@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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