Best institutions to study Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals who are AART-certified radiological technicians to utilize MRI technology to obtain still and moving images of various vascular structures in the human body that aid the physician in the diagnosis or treatment of disease and injury.
62 U.S. institutions graduated 1,327 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.0920, a specialization of Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09), and leads most directly to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists occupation (BLS SOC 29-2035).
About Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals who are AART-certified radiological technicians to utilize MRI technology to obtain still and moving images of various vascular structures in the human body that aid the physician in the diagnosis or treatment of disease and injury. Includes instruction in MRI imaging, sectional anatomy and pathology, MRI technology, MRI techniques and procedures, MRI physics, and clinical training.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician program is designed for individuals seeking to become AART-certified radiological technicians specializing in MRI technology. This program prepares students to obtain still and moving images of various vascular structures in the human body, which assist physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in MRI imaging, sectional anatomy and pathology, MRI techniques and procedures, and MRI physics. Coursework also includes clinical training to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication.
Credentials awarded
What Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree1,000 graduates / yr · 20 institutions75%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year120 graduates / yr · 27 institutions9.0%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years74 graduates / yr · 11 institutions5.6%
- Bachelor's degree64 graduates / yr · 8 institutions4.8%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years55 graduates / yr · 2 institutions4.1%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate6 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.5%
- Master's degree4 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.3%
- Award of less than 12 weeks4 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.3%
Graduates over time
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 206 |
| 2013 | 198 |
| 2014 | 286 |
| 2015 | 319 |
| 2016 | 345 |
| 2017 | 406 |
| 2018 | 508 |
| 2019 | 593 |
| 2020 | 506 |
| 2021 | 525 |
| 2022 | 773 |
| 2023 | 924 |
| 2024 | 1,055 |
| 2025 | 1,327 |
Top 50 institutions for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smith Chason College Los Angeles, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 210 | 72% | $34,395 | $46,174 |
| 2 | Career Networks Institute Santa Ana, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 186 | 89% | $28,284 | $43,465 |
| 3 | Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts San Jose, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 149 | 64% | $31,949 | $77,617 |
| 4 | CBD College Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 135 | 82% | $20,729 | $52,299 |
| 5 | Casa Loma College - Los Angeles Sherman Oaks, CAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 115 | 73% | $28,846 | $58,306 |
| 6 | National Polytechnic College Lakewood, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 68 | 47% | $31,230 | $34,613 |
| 7 | Med College Hialeah, FLPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 44 | 60% | $66,787 | — |
| 8 | American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education Piscataway, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 37 | 88% | $40,225 | $53,576 |
| 9 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitBachelor's | 26 | 54% | $9,377 | $10,408 |
| 10 | Owens Community College Perrysburg, OHPublicAssociate's | 23 | 35% | — | $45,468 |
| 11 | Midwestern Career College Chicago, ILPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 21 | 54% | $12,455 | $42,091 |
| 12 | Southwest University at El Paso El Paso, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 17 | 59% | $19,240 | $51,809 |
| 13 | Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 62% | $35,358 | $76,575 |
| 14 | Sacramento Ultrasound Institute Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 14 | 98% | $34,328 | $65,888 |
| 15 | Stellar Career College Chicago, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | — | $21,507 | — |
| 16 | Forsyth Technical Community College Winston-Salem, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 34% | — | $54,726 |
| 17 | Universidad Central Del Caribe Bayamon, PRPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 40% | $8,011 | $14,472 |
| 18 | Edgecombe Community College Tarboro, NCPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 10 | 37% | — | $60,003 |
| 19 | Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NCPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 33% | — | $51,707 |
| 20 | Stellar Career College - Crown Point Crown Point, INPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 10 | — | — | — |
| 21 | South Suburban College South Holland, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 28% | — | $52,242 |
| 22 | Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Rochester, MNPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | — | — | $72,446 |
| 23 | Mercy College of Ohio Toledo, OHPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 56% | $15,645 | $53,844 |
| 24 | Community College of Baltimore County Baltimore, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 19% | — | $69,898 |
| 25 | William Rainey Harper College Palatine, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 48% | — | $65,443 |
| 26 | Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 21% | — | $46,280 |
| 27 | Kellogg Community College Battle Creek, MIPublicAssociate's | 8 | 30% | — | — |
| 28 | Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 26% | — | $53,180 |
| 29 | University of Hartford West Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 54% | $28,311 | $73,906 |
| 30 | University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 55% | $20,012 | $47,613 |
| 31 | Washburn University Topeka, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 53% | — | $59,779 |
| 32 | Southwestern Michigan College Dowagiac, MIPublicAssociate's | 7 | 38% | — | — |
| 33 | Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, MNPublicAssociate's | 7 | 29% | — | $60,676 |
| 34 | Rhode Island College Providence, RIPublicBachelor's | 7 | 48% | — | $60,999 |
| 35 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 32% | — | $42,770 |
| 36 | Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NVPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 32% | — | $68,033 |
| 37 | Cleveland Clinic School of Health Professions Radiologic Technology Program Beachwood, OHPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | — | — | $41,204 |
| 38 | Lansing Community College Lansing, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 25% | — | $62,717 |
| 39 | Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 80% | $24,886 | $62,107 |
| 40 | University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NEPublicPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 5 | — | — | $85,964 |
| 41 | South College Knoxville, TNPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 5 | 42% | $20,346 | $44,888 |
| 42 | Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CAPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | — | — | $92,363 |
| 43 | Community College of Denver Denver, COPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 4 | 20% | — | $72,086 |
| 44 | AdventHealth University Orlando, FLPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 39% | $31,894 | $77,225 |
| 45 | College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 25% | — | $53,537 |
| 46 | University of Mississippi University, MSPublicMaster's | 4 | 72% | — | $50,045 |
| 47 | West Virginia University Hospital Departments of Rad Tech and Nutrition Morgantown, WVPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | — | — | $65,090 |
| 48 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 24% | — | $76,553 |
| 49 | Allen College Waterloo, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | — | — | — |
| 50 | Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 33% | — | $54,371 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Allied Health Diagnostic field (CIP 51.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 28 states & territories
Where Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Allied Health Diagnostic programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-2035, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the MRI Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, with a job outlook that is faster than average, projecting a growth rate of 7.1% and approximately 2,600 annual openings. The median wage for this profession is $88,180, typically requiring an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.0920
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistsprimary SOC 29-2035 | $95,480 | +7.1% Faster than average | ~2,600 | Associate's degree |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
Tools and technology used
Other Allied Health Diagnostic specializations
The 23 other 6-digit CIP codes under Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09).
- Emergency Medical Technology/CIP 51.0904
Technician (EMT Paramedic) 32,524 graduates / yr662 institutions - Physician Associate/CIP 51.0912
Assistant 13,740 graduates / yr277 institutions - Radiologic Technology/CIP 51.0911
Science - Radiographer 13,035 graduates / yr502 institutions - Surgical Technology/CIP 51.0909
Technologist 8,514 graduates / yr460 institutions - Diagnostic Medical Sonography/CIP 51.0910
Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician 7,984 graduates / yr330 institutions - Respiratory Care Therapy/CIP 51.0908
Therapist 6,816 graduates / yr389 institutions - Medical Radiologic Technology/CIP 51.0907
Science - Radiation Therapist 4,302 graduates / yr212 institutions - Athletic Training/CIP 51.0913
Trainer 3,326 graduates / yr302 institutions - Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment ProfessionsCIP 51.09992,359 graduates / yr80 institutions
- Cardiovascular Technology/CIP 51.0901
Technologist 1,902 graduates / yr91 institutions - Electrocardiograph Technology/CIP 51.0902
Technician 858 graduates / yr43 institutions - Nuclear Medical Technology/CIP 51.0905
Technologist 707 graduates / yr69 institutions - Electroneurodiagnostic/CIP 51.0903
Electroencephalographic Technology/ Technologist 302 graduates / yr31 institutions - PolysomnographyCIP 51.0917242 graduates / yr25 institutions
- Perfusion Technology/CIP 51.0906
Perfusionist 171 graduates / yr14 institutions - Gene/CIP 51.0914
Genetic Therapy partial data92 graduates / yr3 institutions - Mammography Technology/CIP 51.0919
Technician 87 graduates / yr18 institutions - Radiation Protection/CIP 51.0916
Health Physics Technician partial data62 graduates / yr5 institutions - Cardiopulmonary Technology/CIP 51.0915
Technologist partial data51 graduates / yr4 institutions - Orthopedic Technology/CIP 51.0923
Technician limited data22 graduates / yr2 institutions - Hearing Instrument SpecialistCIP 51.0918limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Hyperbaric Medicine Technology/
Technician51.0921 - Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Technology/
Technician51.0922
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What is the primary focus of the MRI Technology program?+
The program focuses on training individuals to utilize MRI technology for diagnostic imaging.
What kind of degree can I earn from this program?+
Students can earn an Associate's degree, along with other shorter awards.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for MRI Technologists?+
The job outlook is strong, with a projected growth rate of 7.1% and about 2,600 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician?+
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician is CIP 51.0920 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals who are AART-certified radiological technicians to utilize MRI technology to obtain still and moving images of various vascular structures in the human body that aid the physician in the diagnosis or treatment of disease and injury. Includes instruction in MRI imaging, sectional anatomy and pathology, MRI technology, MRI techniques and procedures, MRI physics, and clinical training.
How many institutions offer Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician programs?+
62 U.S. institutions reported Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 28 states & territories, awarding 1,327 credentials in the year. That is 1.3% of all Allied Health Diagnostic graduates.
How much do Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists occupation, which Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $95,480 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Allied Health Diagnostic field report median earnings of $57,691 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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