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.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Technologists who already hold ARRT credentials in a primary pathway (usually radiography/X-ray) and want to add MRI as a post-primary credential. It's not typically for career changers without existing ARRT certification.
Not universally. Many employers accept ARMRIT credentials, especially in markets with strong MRI-specific training programs. Check job postings in your target area to see what credentials employers accept.
It verifies you've met ARRT's education and clinical requirements for MRI and passed their post-primary examination. It demonstrates MRI competence to employers who recognize ARRT credentials.
Varies widely. 6–18 months depending on how you complete education and clinical requirements. Already-credentialed techs may move faster since they have foundational knowledge.
Patient care, safety procedures, image production, imaging procedures by body region. 200 questions, 3.5 hours, administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.