The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) curriculum prepares students to become MRI technologists and skilled healthcare professionals who are trained to use magnetic energy fields to produce images of the human body.

Individuals entering this curriculum must be registered or registry-eligible by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology, or Sonography. Nuclear medicine technology applicants may also be registered or registry eligible by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Sonography applicants may also be registered or registry eligible by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Coursework includes clinical rotations, imaging fundamentals, MRI physics, procedures, anatomy, pathology, patient care, and imaging ethics and law in a medical environment. Students should be able to demonstrate all functional areas related to the magnetic resonance imaging field.

Graduates of accredited programs may be eligible to take the ARRT national examination for certification and registration as MRI technologists. Graduates may be employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, government agencies, and research.

ECC is approved by the North Carolina Community College System to offer the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Curriculum. ECC has entered into a Level III Instructional Service Agreement with Johnston Community College and Vance-Granville Community College to better meet the needs of healthcare facilities across eastern North Carolina. This collaborative program is referred to as the Eastern North Carolina Consortium of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging program. Each semester the curriculum is offered through ECC and taught at one or more of the colleges within the Consortium.

In all health sciences programs, students are assigned clinical rotations with area health care agencies. The student must meet employee health standards and the criminal background and/or drug screening requirements of the agency at the student’s expense prior to or at any time after beginning the program.

Admission Policy and Procedures

Admission into health sciences programs is competitive. The number of students accepted into the program is determined by clinical space available and may, therefore, vary each term.

Step I Application to ECC and MRI program (Must be completed by March 1st)

1. Submit an Edgecombe Community College Admission Application. MRI should be indicated as the desired Program of Study.
2. Submit an MRI program application.
3. Submit official transcripts of high school graduation or GED.
4. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended.
5. Submit an official transcript from a JRCERT approved radiography or radiation therapy or nuclear medicine or sonography program that includes the fall semester of the senior year.
6. Demonstrate a 2.5 GPA on the imaging specialty curriculum coursework. Applicants who are still enrolled in their program of study must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on all curriculum courses through the fall term of the final year.
7. Submit verification of ARRT/NMTCB/ARDMS certification or be ARRT/NMTCB/ARDMS eligible. ARRT/NBTCB/ARDMS eligible students must show evidence of certification prior to completion of the MRI program.

Step II Acceptance

Applicants will be ranked based on the categories listed on the applicant points explanation sheet. In order to receive points in a category, applicants must send supporting documentation required in Step I by the deadline. Qualified applicants with the most points will receive an acceptance letter with an enclosed medical form. The student must accept or reject the seat in writing to the MRI Admissions Counselor. All other applicants will be notified that they have been placed on a waiting list. Students will continue to be accepted from the waiting list until the program is full.

Registration Requirements for Clinical Courses

Students who accept an MRI seat must meet the following requirements by the date provided in order to register for classes. Failure to meet deadlines will result in withdrawal of acceptance status and placement on the waiting list.

1. Submit completed medical form and CPR certification for healthcare providers (1 year).
2. If required by the clinical agency, complete criminal background check and/or drug screening.