If you are comparing ARMRIT-accredited MRI programs, Tesla MR Institute and AIMS Education are two programs with very different approaches to getting you certified. AIMS is a traditional in-person college in New Jersey. Tesla MR is a nationwide online program with local clinical placements. Both lead to the same credential.
Here is the full comparison so you can decide which format fits your life.
Program Comparison at a Glance
| Category | Tesla MR Institute | AIMS Education |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | ARMRIT | ARMRIT |
| Program length | 12 to 18 months | ~20 months |
| Total cost | $11,000 to $12,900 | ~$35,000 |
| Payment | Upfront discount or monthly plans | Financial aid eligible (FAFSA) |
| Format | Online coursework + in-person clinicals | In-person classes + clinicals |
| Clinical hours | 1,000 hours | 1,000+ hours |
| Clinical placement | Program places you within 50 miles | Clinical sites in NJ area |
| Degree awarded | ARMRIT certification | Associate Degree + ARMRIT |
| Prior healthcare experience | Not required | Not required |
| Location | Nationwide (online + local clinicals) | Piscataway, New Jersey |
Both programs prepare you for the ARMRIT registry exam. The differences come down to cost, format, and geography.
Cost: $11,000-$12,900 vs. ~$35,000
This is the largest gap between the two programs.
Tesla MR Institute’s tuition ranges from $11,000 with the upfront payment discount to $12,900 on the monthly plan. No federal financial aid is required because the total cost is manageable through payment plans.
AIMS Education’s associate degree program runs approximately $35,000 in total tuition and fees. The upside is that AIMS is eligible for federal financial aid through FAFSA, which may include Pell Grants and federal student loans. If you qualify for significant grant aid, the out-of-pocket difference narrows.
The cost gap is roughly $22,000 to $24,000 before financial aid. After grants and scholarships, AIMS may cost less for students who qualify for substantial aid. Run the numbers for your specific situation.
Both programs lead to the same ARMRIT credential. MRI technologists earn the same salaries regardless of which program trained them.
Program Format: Online vs. In-Person
Tesla MR Institute delivers coursework entirely online. You study MRI physics, cross-sectional anatomy, patient safety, and imaging protocols through self-paced modules and live sessions. Clinical rotations happen at a site near your home, arranged by the program. This means you can live anywhere in the country and train locally.
AIMS Education is an in-person program. You attend classes and labs at their campus in Piscataway, NJ. Clinical rotations are at facilities in the New Jersey and greater New York metro area. The hands-on campus experience includes direct access to instructors and lab equipment during your didactic coursework.
Who benefits from each format:
In-person works better if you learn best in a structured classroom setting, want face-to-face interaction with instructors, and live within commuting distance of Piscataway. Some students genuinely retain more in a physical classroom than through a screen.
Online works better if you need to keep working during training, do not live near a program campus, or need scheduling flexibility. Tesla MR students study on their own time during the didactic phase, then commit roughly 20 hours per week during clinical rotations.
Clinical Placement
Tesla MR actively places students at clinical sites within 50 miles of their home address. With 334+ clinical site partnerships across 38+ states, most students are placed without needing to relocate. The program handles the affiliation agreements and site coordination.
AIMS Education arranges clinical placements at facilities in the NJ/NY metro area. If you already live or work in this region, the clinical commute is straightforward. Their local hospital and imaging center relationships are well-established.
The key difference: Tesla MR’s model works regardless of where you live. AIMS requires you to be in or near New Jersey for the entire program. If you are in the Northeast and want local clinical connections in the NJ/NY market, AIMS has that advantage. If you are anywhere else, Tesla MR’s nationwide placement model is the practical choice.
Credential: Associate Degree vs. Certificate
AIMS Education awards an Associate of Occupational Science degree in MRI Technology alongside ARMRIT exam eligibility. Tesla MR awards a certificate with ARMRIT exam eligibility.
For most MRI technologist job postings, the hiring requirement is the ARMRIT credential, not a specific degree. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, the associate degree adds minimal practical value. If you have no college degree and want one, the associate from AIMS is a legitimate credential on your resume.
The Time Factor
AIMS Education’s program runs approximately 20 months. Tesla MR’s program takes 12 to 18 months depending on your pace.
The timeline difference matters financially. Every month earlier you finish training is a month sooner you start earning MRI technologist wages. At the national median of $88,180 per year, each month of earlier employment is worth roughly $7,300 in potential earnings.
Who Should Choose AIMS Education
- You live in or near New Jersey and want to stay local
- You prefer in-person classroom instruction and direct lab access
- You qualify for significant federal financial aid (Pell Grants)
- You want an associate degree along with your ARMRIT credential
- You value being physically present with instructors and classmates
Who Should Choose Tesla MR
- You do not live near Piscataway, NJ
- You need to work while completing your training
- You want lower total cost without taking on student loans
- You want to finish in 12 to 18 months rather than 20
- You need clinical placement arranged for you in your local area
Tesla MR’s tuition starts at $11,000 with clinical sites in all 50 states. Most students complete in 12-18 months.
The Bottom Line
Both Tesla MR and AIMS Education are legitimate, ARMRIT-accredited programs that prepare you for MRI technologist certification. The right choice depends on where you live, how you learn best, and what you can afford.
If you are in the New Jersey area and want a traditional campus experience with an associate degree, AIMS is a solid option. If you want maximum flexibility, lower cost, and the ability to train from anywhere in the country, Tesla MR is designed for that.
The credential at the end is the same. What differs is the path to get there.