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 technologists operate this specialized medical diagnostic equipment, without the use of harmful radiation, to provide non-invasive imaging on almost every aspect of the human body.
Please note that the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diploma program is currently undergoing a program review that may lead to curriculum changes starting January 2026.
The BCIT Magnetic Resonance diploma program provides access to state-of-the-art MRI simulator and labs so that you are ready to start your career the moment you graduate.
About the program
- Full-time, 24 month diploma program
- 48 weeks of clinical experience with hospital partners across BC
See Program Details to discover more about BCIT’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diploma.
Who it’s for
This program is for individuals who:
- Enjoy working directly with patients and teams in a hospital environment
- Have strong technical skills and good attention to detail
- Possess excellent communication skills and strive towards patient-centered care
- Are BC Residents
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.
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.
Casper Test
All applicants must complete the Casper Test.
Visit Casper to reserve a test date. Last minute bookings are not recommended, register at least three days prior to your preferred test date. Please go to the Casper test website for any information or questions regarding the test.
Casper results are only valid for a single testing cycle – September to August.
Application processing
Note: Applicants to this program must be residents of British Columbia. This program does not accept applications from international students. View programs that do.
Applications are accepted from February 1st* to May 15th*
*or next business day
We recommend that you apply early . A complete application, including all supporting documents, must be submitted by the application deadline date to be considered.
Indigenous applicants: This program is committed to the recruitment and retention of Indigenous applicants. To support applicants, a dedicated Indigenous admissions process was established, and dedicated seat(s) per intake are reserved for Indigenous students.
To be considered under this admission category, applicants must:
- Self-identify as an Indigenous person of Canada on the admission application
- Have successfully completed the program’s entrance requirements.
Our program also works closely with Indigenous services at BCIT to ensure students receive the best possible support and encouragement while in the program. Please visit Indigenous Initiatives for more information on available resources.
Entrance requirements
Competitive Entry: Three-step process
This program is competitive and only applicants who have met the academic entrance requirements will be considered.
Preference for shortlisting will be given to applicants with:
- A demonstrated interest in the field
- A strong GPA
- Final grades rather than midterm grades
- Math, biology, and physics requirements completed within the past five years
- Post-secondary education
- Related volunteer and/or work experience
Applicants with preferred entrance requirements are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 1 – English Studies 12 (73%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following (or equivalent):
- Pre-Calculus 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- MATH 0001 - Technical Mathematics (73%) or
- MATH 0120 - Math 12 Competency Test (73%) or
- 3.0 credits post-secondary math (linear algebra, pre-calculus or calculus) at 100 level or higher (73%) from a recognized institution
- Biology: one of the following (or equivalent):
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BHSC 0110 - Foundational Human Anatomy and Physiology (73%) or
- BHSC 0100 - Human Biology (73%), or
- BHSC 0012 - Biology 12 Challenge Exam (73%) or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary human biology (73%) from a recognized institution
- Physics: one of the following (or equivalent):
- Physics 12 (73%), or
- PHYS 0312 - Technology Entry Physics 2 (73%), or
- PHYS 0120 - Physics 12 Challenge Exam (73%)
- 3.0 credits post-secondary physics at 100 level or higher (73%) from a recognized institution
- Complete the following assessment:
- Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (Casper): Casper will send your results directly to the BCIT Magnetic Resonance Imaging program.
Note: Please register to complete the Casper assessment as soon as possible. Registration numbers and dates are limited. - Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
- Casper Confirmation Form [PDF]
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]
This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program. - MRI Safety Screening form [PDF]
- Physical and Program Requirements [PDF]
To acknowledge the nature of this training and the physically demanding nature of this work.
If more than five years have elapsed since you completed the math, biology, or physics requirements, upgrading is preferred.
- Students can only write the math and physics challenge exams once.
- A student who registers and writes these exams a second time will be given the mark from their first attempt.
- The post-secondary human biology courses' content must include cytology and the structure and function of the following organ systems: digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, renal/urinary, and reproductive.
- To meet the minimum requirements, applicants must submit final or midterm grades in support of their application. Midterm reports must demonstrate a minimum completion of 50% of the gradable course work.
Step 2: Department assessment
All applications will be reviewed by the program area. Applicant files are assessed and scored based on completion, academic strength of listed entrance requirements, scoring of the mandatory questionnaire, and Casper test results. Only complete applications received by the application deadline date will be considered.
Step 3: Conditionally selected applicants
Applicants conditionally accepted into the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program will be notified. The following will be required for full acceptance:
- Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - Level C
- Criminal Record Check [PDF]
- Immunization Review [PDF] submitted to Student Health Services. Immunization is a mandatory requirement for this program. For instructions and more information, visit Student Health Services’ Health Science Student Information.
Once these and any other outstanding conditions have been met, you will receive notification of your full acceptance.
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.
Face Respirator Fit Testing
A face piece respiratory fit test is required before students are permitted to enter the clinical practicum. Upon successful completion of the fit test, the original certificate must be presented to the program and annual re-fitting is required. Students are expected to carry their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.
For the respirator fit testing, testing with a N95 respirator is required and must be performed in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02. Fit testing must also include inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of protective equipment. Students will be given specific instructions on how to access fit testing by the program prior to the first clinical practicum. Students are responsible for paying for the annual fit test while in the program.
Recommended for success
This is a physically and emotionally demanding profession requiring the ability to work in a busy, sometimes stressful environment. Since the work is highly technical and exacting, you must feel comfortable with complex instruments, possess considerable manual dexterity, and have meticulous work habits. You must have a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to work as a health-care team worker with the stress management skills to cope with trauma situations and acutely ill patients. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required. To be proficient, the ability to visualize anatomy in three dimensions and to differentiate shades of gray is important.International applicants
Applicants to this program must be residents of British Columbia. This program does not accept applications from international students. View programs that do.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
January each year.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.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level* of the program through re-admission. Please note that applications are considered based on:- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
- Approved success plan: acceptance will, in part, be dependent upon the successful implementation of a plan resolving previous academic difficulties.
Note: Students returning to the program at level 1 are required to apply as a new applicant.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
View the Re-admission Guidelines and Process
- The Magnetic Resonance Imaging program reserves the right to deny any applicant re-admission to the program after a single clinical failure due to:
- Violation of BCIT guiding principles and standards or conduct (policies 5101, 5102, and 5104)
- Violation of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) Code of Ethics
- If you have withdrawn from or failed any Magnetic Resonance Imaging course that is a prerequisite for a course in the next level of the program, you are deemed to have failed out of the program. You must apply for re-admission when ready to return to the program.
- If you have any combination of two instances of withdrawal or failure in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging course, or have failed two or more courses in a single term, you may be re-admitted to the program only “with written permission from the Associate Dean, who will detail any special considerations in a written contract” (BCIT Policy 5103).
- The length of time out of the clinical environment will influence which level of the program to which you may be re-admitted. If you have been out of the program for two sequential terms you may be required to repeat a previous clinical course for which you have credit.
- You may be required to audit or retake courses already successfully completed. You may not take any courses in the next level until you have successfully completed all courses in your current level.
- If you have failed any level 3 courses, you must re-apply for the failed courses(s) and must audit the remaining level 3 course(s), including meeting attendance and participation requirements. This is to ensure that you are prepares to successfully and safely enter level 4 clinical.
Submit the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Re-Admit form [PDF] with your application.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Students are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation costs while participating in clinical placements.
Books & supplies
Textbooks and supplies for the program are approximately $2000.
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Face respirator fit testing: approx. $28 per year annual re-fitting required.
Students will be required to recertify their CPR (HCP) on an annual basis in preparation for the clinical practicums.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Program matrix
| Term 1 (January to May) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| BHSC 1130 | Relational Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 6.0 | |
| BHSC 1135 | Human Behaviour (MRI) | 2.5 | |
| HSIP 1000 | Health Sciences Interprofessional Patient Care | 2.0 | |
| MIMG 1110 | MRI Physics 1 | 6.5 | |
| MIMG 1120 | MRI Anatomy 1 | 4.0 | |
| MIMG 1150 | MRI Patient Care | 2.0 | |
| MIMG 1230 | MRI Equipment and Safety | 4.0 | |
| MIMG 1400 | Professional Practice | 1.5 | |
| Term 2 (May to August) | Credits | ||
| MIMG 2110 | MRI Physics 2 | 5.0 | |
| MIMG 2160 | MRI Techniques and Applications 1 | 2.5 | |
| MIMG 2170 | MRI Pathology 1 | 2.5 | |
| MIMG 2180 | Applied MRI Techniques and Applications 1 | 4.5 | |
| Term 3 (September to December) | Credits | ||
| BHSC 2130 | Relational Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4.0 | |
| COMM 3200 | Communications for Magnetic Resonance Imaging | 3.0 | |
| MIMG 2120 | MRI Anatomy 2 | 3.0 | |
| MIMG 3160 | MRI Techniques and Applications 2 | 2.0 | |
| MIMG 3170 | MRI Pathology 2 | 2.0 | |
| MIMG 3180 | Applied MRI Techniques and Applications 2 | 5.0 | |
| Term 4 (January to May) | Credits | ||
| MIMG 4000 | MRI Clinical 1 | 24.0 | |
| Term 5 (May to August) | Credits | ||
| MIMG 4010 | MRI Clinical 2 | 15.5 | |
| RSCH 4200 | Applied Research in Healthcare | 3.0 | |
| Term 6 (September to December) | Credits | ||
| MIMG 4020 | MRI Clinical 3 | 18.0 | |
| MIMG 4300 | Certification Exam Preparation | 2.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 124.5 | ||
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.
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.
The program has adopted the standards of the National Competency Profile (NCP) of the Canadian Association of Magnetic 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
These goals will be achieved through intensive face-to-face, blended and online theoretical courses. Fundamental healthcare skills will be taught, while mastering MRI specific content. Critical thinking and hands-on experience will be practiced through labs and simulation. Three clinical terms, with a total length of one year, will create job ready technologists and the ability to contribute to this quickly expanding healthcare profession.
Program length
Two years, full-time beginning in January each year.
Three clinical terms will be scheduled within this time frame.
Grading
All didactic (instructional) courses require 65% to pass. All clinical experience is competency based and therefore has satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading.
To continue from one level of the program to the next, all courses must be successfully completed in each level. To graduate, all courses must be successfully completed.
Accreditation
This program is Accredited with Condition by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and its affiliate accreditation (AC) through their new EQUAL Canada program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Our graduates are ready
You will graduate from the program as an entry-to-practice Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologist. Our grads will possess the skills and competence to integrate themselves as a contributing member of the healthcare team.
Graduates of the program are eligible to write the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam to obtain their Registered Technologist Magnetic Resonance (RTMR) designation.
Career opportunities
Graduates primarily work in hospitals, private clinics and research facilities. Casual, part-time and full-time positions offer work flexibility. Salaries start at approximately $33 per hour. Opportunities include:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologist in the above settings
- Equipment sales
- Education and teaching positions
Keep learning
Enhance your education with the Advanced Certificate in Health Leadership
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging faculty are known for their skills, expertise, and dedication to student learning. Our instructors are all CAMRT certified technologists and remain active in the profession.
Contact Us
Ray Lee
Program Head
Tel: 604-432-8231
Toll-free: 1-800-663-6542 local 8231
E-mail: rlee232@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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