The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) concentration courses offered at the University of Hartford serve to enhance the professional skills of individuals who are currently certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography. Additionally, the courses may be applied to the advanced science and medicine concentration or used as upper level science courses for those individuals enrolled in the baccalaureate degree program as radiography or health science majors. Students who successfully complete all the MRI concentration courses will receive a Magnetic Resonance Imaging concentration certificate. The completion of the academic and clinical components of the MRI concentration should serve to help prepare the student for the advanced level certification examination in MRI as administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

RAD 450 - MRI Instrumentation (3 credits)
Magnetic resonance imaging parameters are introduced. The formation of the MR signal is discussed as well as the essential component parts of an MR imaging system. Magnetic safety precautions that affect both patient and operator are discussed.

RAD 451 - MR Clinical Experience I (1 - 4 credits)
This clinical internship introduces the student to the practical skills necessary to operate a magnetic resonance imaging system. Students will contract, on an individual basis, with the University's MRI component coordinator to complete up to 384 hours of clinical practice. Each credit of clinical internship will account for the completion of 96 hours of clinical experience and one clinical competency evaluation.

RAD 452 - Cross Sectional Anatomy (3 credits)
This is a core course for students enrolled in either the CT or MRI concentration courses. This course introduces the student to cross sectional imaging of the body. The cranial, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities as well as the extremities will be studied in detail.

RAD 454 - MRI Clinical Experience II (3 - 4 credits) Students develop independent skills in obtaining magnetic resonance images of a variety of anatomical portions of the body. Clinical competency evaluations are performed during this course.

RAD 456 - MRI Pathology (3 credits)
The major pathological conditions diagnosed by MR imaging are presented. Emphasis is placed on pathology affecting the cranial cavity, vertebral column and the major orthopedic applications of magnetic resonance imaging. The signal characteristics for the specified pathologic condition are discussed.

The University of Hartford's Magnetic Resonance Imaging concentration utilizes academic courses, laboratory experiences and clinical internships to provide each student with the cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills to perform acceptable magnetic resonance imaging examinations.

Graduates of the University of Hartford's MRI concentration courses are expected to meet the following goals.

Goal 1: Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical structures of the body in a cross-sectional orientation.

Goal 2: Discuss the physical principles related to image formation for magnetic resonance imaging.

Goal 3: Discuss the imaging parameters necessary for data acquisition and image processing in performing magnetic resonance scans.

Goal 4: Demonstrate clinical competency in the performance of magnetic resonance images of a variety of anatomical structures.

Goal 5: Discuss specific pathologic conditions that are enhanced by the use of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnostic purposes.

Goal 6: Demonstrate competency in the performance of quality control testing for magnetic resonance imaging equipment.

Goal 7: Discuss safety precautions for patients and operators specific to the operation of magnetic resonance imaging.