When it comes to applicants, we look at more than test scores and grades. While those numbers are important, we also care about your career aspirations and goals. We’ve designed this program to have three pathways to admission; an associate degree or bachelor's degree from an affiliated university, or a degree with completed prerequisite programs from another institution. Discover what comes next on your path to becoming an MRI technologist.

Transfer student policy

Rochester Community and Technical College may accept transfer credit for previous general college coursework. Refer to those institutions to learn about their transfer policies. Transfer students from other MRI programs are not accepted. For more information, review the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science credit transfer policy.

Admission requirements

Prerequisites

To be eligible for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program, you must:

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• Complete at least four hours of job shadowing in an MRI department (this can be done at Mayo Clinic or another health care institution)
• Be currently enrolled at one of the program’s academic affiliates and be on track for degree completion or have already earned an associate degree (or higher)
• Complete the following prerequisite coursework with a C or higher prior to the program start date; pass/fail will not be accepted

Subject and minimum requirements

Subject	Minimum requirements
English	One semester of college-level English composition
Mathematics	One semester of college algebra; a higher-level math course also satisfies this requirement
Anatomy and physiology	Two semesters of college-level anatomy and physiology with a lab component. This can be fulfilled by completing Anatomy & Physiology I and II OR Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses.
Physics	One semester of college-level physics with lab component
Speech or interpersonal communications	One semester of college-level speech or interpersonal communications
Chemistry	One semester of college-level chemistry with a lab component
Ethics	One semester of college-level ethics or medical ethics

In addition to the prerequisite courses listed above, some affiliates may have additional degree requirements or prerequisites.

Competitive applicants

Students will be most competitive if they meet the following criteria:

• Have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including courses in mathematics and sciences
• Have completed the prerequisite coursework within five years of applying
• Have previous patient care or customer service experience
• Demonstrate genuine interest in the MRI profession

Safety information for prospective students

Students that are pursuing a career in MRI need to be fully aware of the magnetic fields that are used and also understand the consequences of not following safety guidelines. Students that are offered an interview during the admissions process will be required to undergo safety screening by completing the MRI Screening Form. Admission to the program is conditional upon the screening form being reviewed and deemed safe for the student to perform their duties in the MRI environment. Review the following information regarding MRI safety and the American College of Radiology Guidance Document on MR Safe Practices: 2019.

MRI safety policy

Our program is dedicated to providing safe clinical experiences for students. The MRI safety policy serves to define safe MR practices for students and reflects current American College of Radiology MR Safety guidelines to assure that all students are appropriately screened for magnetic field or radiofrequency hazards.

Technical standards

The MRI program is committed to diversity and educating students who will make the population of health care professionals a true representative of our diverse community. The MRI program technical standards are not intended to deter any candidate for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the fulfillment of the complete curriculum. Program applicants and admitted students with disabilities are confidentially reviewed to determine whether there are any reasonable accommodations that would permit the individual to satisfy the program standards. To seek exceptions to these standards, students accepted for admission must initiate a request at least six weeks before the program begins.

Application process

Application timeline

Application window	Program start date	Apply
Dec. 1-Jan. 15	May 28	Online application

Application instructions

Complete the following steps to apply:

1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission
   • Select - Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
   • Select - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
2. Complete each section of the application and submit
3. After submission, view the required Supplemental Items and Documents
• Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section
• Complete the Recommendation Request section

Additional required items

• CV/resume: Upload your resume in the application system. Your resume is a chance to highlight your experiences and skills.
• Complete the essay questions and upload them to the Supplemental Items section.
• Two recommendations are required and must be completed in the Recommendation Request section. Each recommender will receive an email with a link to complete a form and upload a letter.
  • Academic: Choose a person familiar with your educational qualifications and your potential for success in the field of MRI. References may include current or former teachers or professors.
  • Professional: Choose a person familiar with your professional qualifications and your potential for success in the field of MRI. References may include employers, teachers, or supervisors.
• Unofficial college transcripts may be uploaded in the Supplemental Items area for application purposes. Submit a transcript from every college and university you have attended. If appointed to the program, official transcripts must be mailed directly to Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences from each educational institution. 
  
  Send your transcripts to:
  
  Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program
  Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
  Siebens Building, 7th Floor
  200 First St. SW
  Rochester, MN 55905

Note: Incomplete applications or applications postmarked or electronically submitted outside the application window, may not be processed. Program information and application materials are updated each year and therefore are not valid for subsequent applications.

Any updates or changes to the published information that affect applicants for the next class are made on this website before the application window opens

Interview process

It has been determined that interviews will be conducted 100% virtually for the upcoming admissions cycle. All applicants who meet the minimum admissions requirements will be offered an interview.

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in the program and to ensure patient safety. Applicants must demonstrate objective competency in English through the admission interview and may be required to submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination or equivalent examination.

Multiple program applicants

MRI program applicants must determine their first and second choice program preference by Feb. 27, 2024, if they are also applying for another MCSHS allied health program. 

Acceptance

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, the MRI Program may accept up to 16 students. All acceptance letters are emailed in March. Your reply is required within seven business days. Acceptance is contingent upon successful completion of the occupational health review and background checks (federal and Minnesota). Students are responsible for the associated fee required to complete these requirements.

Enrolled students are required to be covered in a medical insurance plan throughout their educational program at Mayo Clinic. Students who do not have health care coverage should purchase a policy from an agency or company of their choice. Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences does not endorse any particular plan or provider.

Admission policies

Non-U.S. citizen applicants

Admission to Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is open to U.S. workers in the four categories below. Therefore, visa sponsorship is not available.

1. U.S. citizens
2. U.S. nationals
3. Lawful permanent residents
4. Asylees and refugees

Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT). Scores from the speaking portion of the exam are given particular consideration in admission decisions. Learn more about the exam and register online at the Educational Testing Service.

The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences code for the TOEFL iBT is 5784.

Educational transcripts from schools outside the U.S. must be translated (if they are not already in English) and evaluated for U.S. equivalence by an accredited credential evaluation service company prior to submission. Please refer to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for a list of qualified companies. The applicant pays for the examination and credential-evaluation services.

Equal opportunity 

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences upholds all federal and state laws that preclude discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities, or veteran status. For more information, see the Office for Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Learn more about Mayo Clinic School of Health Science admissions and tuition.