ARRT MRI Certification: The Post-Primary Pathway Explained
ARRT MRI certification is a post-primary credential for radiologic technologists adding MRI to existing ARRT credentials. It requires structured education, clinical experience, and passing the ARRT MR exam.
Definition
ARRT MRI certification (officially R.T.(MR)) is a post-primary credential from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. It’s designed for technologists who already hold ARRT certification in a primary pathway and want to add MRI as an advanced modality.
Key distinction: Unlike ARMRIT (which serves career changers), ARRT post-primary MRI builds on existing radiologic technology credentials.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | American Registry of Radiologic Technologists |
| Prerequisite | ARRT certification in a primary pathway |
| Exam format | 200 questions, computer-based |
| Time limit | 3.5 hours |
| Testing centers | Pearson VUE |
| Exam fee | Approximately $225 |
| CE requirements | 24 CE credits every 2 years (biennium) |
Who ARRT MRI Certification Is For
ARRT post-primary MRI is the common pathway for:
✅ Radiologic technologists (R.T.(R)) adding MRI to their credentials ✅ CT technologists or other ARRT-credentialed techs expanding to MRI ✅ Technologists whose employers specifically require ARRT MR
It is not typically for:
- Career changers without ARRT credentials, including those already working in healthcare (ARMRIT is usually more appropriate)
- People who haven’t completed primary ARRT certification
ARRT MRI Eligibility Requirements
Primary Credential
You must hold current ARRT certification in a primary pathway:
- Radiography (most common)
- Radiation therapy
- Nuclear medicine technology
Education Requirements
Structured education covering MRI content areas:
- May be through formal programs
- Or documented educational experiences meeting ARRT specifications
Clinical Experience
Documented clinical competency in MRI procedures. Requirements may include:
- Specified number of supervised procedures
- Competency verification
- Clinical log documentation
Ethics Requirements
Compliance with ARRT Standards of Ethics.
How to Get ARRT MRI Certified
Step 1: Verify Primary Credential
Confirm you hold active ARRT certification in a primary pathway.
Step 2: Complete MRI Education
Meet ARRT’s structured education requirements through:
- Formal MRI training programs
- Academic coursework
- ARRT-approved educational pathways
Step 3: Complete Clinical Experience
Document MRI clinical experience meeting ARRT specifications:
- May be completed at current workplace if MRI is available
- Or through structured clinical programs
Step 4: Apply and Take the Exam
- Submit application through ARRT
- Schedule exam at Pearson VUE
- 200 questions, 3.5-hour time limit
- Scaled passing score
Step 5: Maintain Certification
- Complete 24 CE credits every biennium
- Comply with ethics requirements
- Pay renewal fees (~$30/biennium)
ARRT vs. ARMRIT: Which Path?
| Factor | ARRT Post-Primary | ARMRIT |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Already ARRT-credentialed | Career changer |
| Primary credential required | Yes | No |
| Typical timeline | 6–18 months | 12–18 months |
| Exam fee | ~$225 | ~$300 |
Decision guide:
- Already ARRT-certified? → Consider ARRT post-primary
- No healthcare credentials? → ARMRIT is typically your path
- Unsure? → Check local job postings for employer preferences
Related: ARRT vs ARMRIT MRI certification
Employer Recognition
ARRT credentials are widely recognized across healthcare settings. Many employers specifically list “ARRT (MR)” in job requirements.
Advantages of ARRT pathway:
- Broad name recognition
- Multi-modality credential stacking
- Standardized CE and ethics requirements
Consideration: Some markets equally accept ARMRIT. Research your specific target employers before assuming one credential is universally required.