ARRT MRI study plan
ARRT MRI · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Physics and Instrumentation
Define and apply the Larmor equation to calculate precessional frequency at common field strengths (0.3T, 1.5T, 3T).
Differentiate T1, T2, T2*, and proton density contrast by predicting how TR and TE changes alter tissue signal.
Diagram the radiofrequency transmit/receive chain and label each component's function.
Explain how slice selection, phase encoding, and frequency encoding each map to a specific gradient axis.
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn k-space and pulse-sequence diagram set (5 diagrams) with every axis, gradient, and echo labeled correctly, plus a scored 30-question physics self-quiz at 80% or better.
Physics and Instrumentation
Compare spin-echo, fast spin-echo, gradient-echo, EPI, and inversion-recovery sequences on speed, SAR, and tissue contrast.
Calculate SNR and CNR changes when voxel volume, number of excitations, bandwidth, or coil type is altered.
Diagnose common artifacts (aliasing, chemical shift, motion, truncation, susceptibility, zipper) by cause and corrective action.
Explain parallel imaging acceleration and its trade-off with SNR and artifact.
Your checkpoint
A completed artifact troubleshooting table covering at least 10 artifacts with cause, appearance, and two corrective actions each; self-quiz score of 80% or better on sequence/SNR content.
Safety
Classify the four MRI safety zones and state who may enter each and under what conditions.
Apply the MR safety labeling categories (MR safe, MR conditional, MR unsafe) to at least 15 real-world implants and devices.
Explain RF heating, SAR limits, and the patient and technical factors that raise SAR.
Describe the quench sequence, oxygen monitoring, and emergency patient evacuation procedure.
Your checkpoint
A written patient-screening checklist you could hand to a technologist, covering at least 25 screening questions and the zone-entry rules, reviewed against your notes with zero factual gaps.
Safety & Patient Care
Explain gadolinium contrast pharmacology, including relaxivity, dosing, and excretion pathway.
Differentiate NSF risk factors from iodinated-contrast allergy risk and state appropriate screening and premedication steps.
Demonstrate the safety workflow for a patient with a pacemaker, an aneurysm clip, and a metallic foreign body.
Identify handling requirements for cryogens, magnetic shielding, and the fringe field.
Your checkpoint
A one-page contrast-and-device safety reference sheet plus a passing score (85% or better) on a 40-question mixed safety and patient-care quiz.
Imaging Procedures
Select appropriate coils, patient positioning, and scan planes for brain, spine, and musculoskeletal protocols.
Build a protocol for routine brain, cervical spine, and knee exams, specifying sequence, plane, TR/TE, and slice parameters with rationale.
Explain the indications and technique for fat suppression, and distinguish chemical shift, STIR, and Dixon methods.
Identify when to add contrast, MRA, or a fluid-sensitive sequence to a routine protocol.
Your checkpoint
Three complete written protocols (brain, cervical spine, knee) with parameter tables and a one-line justification for every sequence chosen.
Imaging Procedures & Patient Care
Compare abdominal and pelvic MRI protocols, including breath-hold strategy, bowel preparation, and motion control.
Describe MRCP, MR angiography, and cardiac gating technique at a conceptual level.
Justify patient education, coaching, and comfort interventions (earplugs, positioning pads, communication) for claustrophobic or pediatric patients.
Adapt protocols for a patient who is pregnant, pediatric, or unable to hold still.
Your checkpoint
A written case-based response to three patient scenarios (claustrophobic adult, 6-year-old child, 28-week pregnant patient) documenting protocol modifications and patient-care actions.
Patient Care & Imaging Procedures
Outline pre-, intra-, and post-procedure patient monitoring, including vitals, contrast reaction recognition, and documentation.
Explain informed consent, patient confidentiality, and screening responsibilities within the technologist's scope.
Review infection control and IV access practice for contrast-enhanced exams.
Re-identify any weak areas from weeks 1-6 and remediate the two lowest-scoring topics.
Your checkpoint
A completed weak-area remediation log listing the two lowest-scoring topics, the study actions taken, and a re-quiz score improvement of at least 10 percentage points.
Patient Care & Imaging Procedures & Physics and Instrumentation & Safety
Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test-like conditions and log every missed item by domain.
Review all missed items and write a one-sentence correction for each.
Recite the core equations and safety limits from memory without notes.
Build a final week-of-exam checklist covering logistics, rest, and last-minute review topics.
Your checkpoint
Two timed practice exams completed with a recorded score, a domain-by-domain error analysis, and an overall score of 85% or better on the second attempt.
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or better on a 30-question Physics and Instrumentation quiz and complete the 5-diagram sequence set.
Week 3: Pass an oral self-check on all four safety zones and MR device labeling categories with no incorrect answers.
Week 4: Score 85% or better on the mixed safety and patient-care quiz and finish the contrast/device reference sheet.
Week 6: Three written protocols and three adapted-scenario responses completed and reviewed for parameter accuracy.
Week 8: Two timed full-length practice exams complete with a second-attempt score of 85% or better and a written error analysis by domain.