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Stellar Career College Chicago

Stellar Career College  ·  Chicago  ·  ACCSC Accredited

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Diploma Program

At a Glance

18-month hybrid program

Clinical externship at affiliated healthcare facilities

Eligible to sit for the ARRT-MRI certification exam (if qualified)

Financial aid available for qualifying candidates

Virtual tutoring during instructors’ prep hours

Career services & placement assistance upon graduation

Program Overview

The MRI Technologist Program at Stellar Career College equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on skills required for a successful career in medical imaging.

Through a balance of classroom learning and clinical practice, students study anatomy, physiology, MRI safety, and the latest advancements in imaging technology — including 3T wide-open MRI and AI-assisted systems. The hybrid format offers flexibility while maintaining academic excellence, pairing online classes with clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities.

As a result, graduates develop the professional and technical expertise to operate MRI equipment, communicate effectively with patients, and produce accurate diagnostic images — well-prepared to begin a rewarding healthcare career.

Program Objectives

The program prepares students to apply advanced imaging concepts and clinical procedures effectively, with a deep understanding of patient care and MRI safety, and eligibility for the national ARRT certification exam.

  • Understand the core components and functionality of MRI system hardware
  • Apply principles of magnetism, signal production, and image formation in clinical settings
  • Analyze MRI tissue characteristics and how they influence image contrast
  • Use pulse sequences and imaging parameters to produce optimal diagnostic results
  • Demonstrate strong communication, safety awareness, and quality-control practices
  • Complete academic and clinical requirements to qualify for ARRT certification

Program Highlights

Duration
18 months
Format
Hybrid
Externship
Provided by Stellar Career College at affiliated healthcare facilities for real-world experience

Admission Requirements

Admissions Process

  1. Submit the Online Application
  2. Attend the mandatory Orientation Session
  3. Complete the online assessments — Entrance Exam, Digital Literacy Assessment, and Distance Education Assessment
  4. Submit required admission documents (see below)
  5. (Optional) Submit certifications (CPR, CNA, etc.)
  6. Get estimates / payment plan from the Financial Aid Department
  7. Attend an interview with the Program Director
  8. Receive your acceptance documents and sign them
  9. Receive onboarding instructions and information

Note: Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher are exempt from the Entrance Exam.

Required Admission Documents (PDF format)

  • Government-issued ID (front and back)
  • Transcript — official high school or college transcript, or GED report
    • High school or college transcripts — all programs: required GPA 2.0
    • GED report equivalent GPA (students must submit the full GED report) — all programs except MA/PHL: required GPA 3.0; Medical Assisting/PHL: required GPA 2.0
  • Updated résuméNeed help? Review this guide: Harvard Career Services: Create a Strong Resume
  • Letter of recommendation — from a supervisor or instructorSample format: University of California, Berkeley – Sample Recommendation Letter (PDF)
  • Essay (2–3 pages, APA format) — Why are you interested in this program? Why now? What impact do you hope to make in healthcare?APA formatting reference: Purdue OWL: APA Sample Paper

Financial Aid Information

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Stellar Career College provides financial guidance throughout the process.

  • Our FAFSA school code is 037593. Please enter the school code exactly as shown so that Stellar Career College receives your financial aid information.
  • The school associated with the code may show “Computer Tutor Business and Technical Institute” — that is the previous name of our institution and can be used to process your FAFSA. The site may also show Stellar Career College based in Modesto, CA; that is correct, as we have a branch there as well.
  • If you’d prefer to pay out of pocket through our interest-free payment plan, please contact us and we’ll help you set it up.

Ready to start your career in MRI?

Apply online or request a call, and our admissions team will guide you through every step.