Magnetic Resonance Imaging 1st Discipline

Diploma

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists operate medical diagnostic equipment that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of almost every part of the human body without the use of harmful radiation. The Magnetic Resonance Program offers five (5) semesters of hands-on learning experience along with simulation to prepare students for a rewarding career working alongside physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. Utilizing state-of-the-art MRI simulation software, an MRI extremity scanner, IV arms, and other industry-standard tools, students practice and simulate real-life MRI scanning exams and image analysis.

In the MRI program, courses are delivered through a mixture of face-to-face and virtual classes, on and off-campus lab sessions, clinical practicum training and online study. Students will learn in a variety of clinical settings, from busy trauma centres to outpatient clinics across Alberta and Saskatchewan.

After graduation, students are eligible to write the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and/or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) MRI National certification exams. This certification qualifies graduates to work across Canada and/or the United States, and it allows MRI technologists to apply for registration with provincial regulatory bodies such as the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT).

Please refer to the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website to learn more about their requirements for licensing/mandatory registration and declaration of conduct, which may include disclosure of information related to criminal convictions and professional misconduct or incompetence as well as any personal factors that could impact the ability to practice safely.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Closed N/A
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry-relevant training

Our 20-month program consists of full-time academic studies and practicum experience at participating sites throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.

You will be expected to experience all shifts in the MRI departments, including weekends and evenings when applicable. You’ll attend on-campus and virtual classes on a full-time basis at NAIT before spending your clinical practicum at one or more facilities to get optimal exposure to MRI procedures.

You can expect to spend on average: 

  • 27 hours per week in class
  • 10 - 20 hours per week studying 
MRI student

Program outcomes

These program outcomes are aligned with CAMRT 2019 National Occupational Competency Profile.

  • Demonstrate conduct in alignment with professional expectations, standards of practice, ethical guidelines, regulation, and legislation.
  • Integrate safety practices and guidelines as they relate to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), patients, staff, and the work environment.
  • Implement scanning techniques and utilize MRI and accessory equipment to acquire images for diagnostic purposes.
  • Evaluate the quality of MRI images and adapt procedures based on patient and equipment considerations.
  • Provide compassionate patient-centred care and appropriate interventions to a diverse population.
  • Demonstrate effective communication, conflict resolution, and critical thinking skills within an interprofessional team environment.

Open Studies Pathway

You now have an additional pathway to the School of Health and Life Sciences at NAIT. Complete one or more select Open Studies courses to be guaranteed a program entrance interview.

A new frontier in hands-on health-care training

CAE Healthcare and NAIT have entered a simulation research partnership to improve health-care education and patient safety, including support for the polytechnic's simulation research initiatives.

Pushing the limits of simulation training

NAIT's Simulation Centre re-creates the real world of health-care careers

Keeping it Real

From practicing on high-fidelity manikins to learning on the latest software, watch how NAIT students practice the best patient care.

International Applicants

Some NAIT programs are unavailable to international students because they do not meet eligibility for a Study Permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

  • Study Permit: Due to the length of the clinical, this program does not meet the criteria of a study permit.
  • Co-Op Work Permit: Due to this program not meeting the criteria of a study permit, it also does not meet the criteria for a Co-Op Work Permit.
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit: This program does not qualify for a study permit and therefore is not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program. Completion of this program will not make you eligible for a PGWP.

International students who have questions about permissions to take this program can contact a NAIT Academic Advisor – International to discuss options.

International Applicants

Career Outcomes

After graduation, students are eligible to write the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and/or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) MRI National certification exams. This certification qualifies graduates to work across Canada and/or the United States, and it allows MRI technologists to apply for registration with provincial regulatory bodies such as the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT).

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C- in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

International Applicants

This program does not accept international applicants. International applicants interested in this program may contact a NAIT International Academic Advisor to discuss their options.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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