Pulse Radiology Institute
Bridging the Skill Gap in MRI Technologist Training

T

he healthcare landscape in the U.S. is undergoing a profound transformation as more and more radiology centers and hospitals housing cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines spring up across the country. Within this landscape lies a pressing demand for qualified MRI technologists that far outstrips the supply.

Pulse Radiology Institute (PRI), an American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) accredited MRI technologist school, bridges this demand gap through its online schooling programs. It distinguishes itself with its forward-looking approach to technologist education, fulfilling the demand for skilled MRI technologists.

Primarily based in Florida, PRI extends its program nationwide to budding MRI technologists from diverse locations. Its distinct approach combines distance learning with practical skills and local hands-on clinical training by partnering with hundreds of radiology providers across the U.S. This ensures a consistent and high-quality educational experience for students regardless of geographical location.

“We are setting a new standard for MRI education as the first online primary pathway for non-allied individuals to become confident, licensed and certified MRI technologists,” says Neil Huber, Founder and CEO.

PRI strategically identifies healthcare positions that hospitals and radiology providers struggle to fill, tailoring its programs to meet this demand. “As the reliance and demand for MRI scans increase year over year, our educational relationship with Pulse Radiology Institute has helped us bring in newly certified talent,” says Victoria Bedel, SVP Northeast Operations at RadNet, Inc. This serves a dual purpose—the programs fulfill the educational needs of students while enabling the institute to form strong, reliable, mutually beneficial partnerships with its clinical affiliates.

The institute offers a comprehensive associate’s degree MRI program, which spans 18 months and follows a hybrid online-offline format. Classwork is conducted online through its advanced learning management system, Canvas, while offline training is held at local radiology partners.

The curriculum is thoughtfully curated with a strong emphasis on MRI, complemented by general education courses for a well-rounded academic foundation. A cornerstone of the program is the clinical externship, which provides students invaluable real-world exposure and the opportunity to earn college credits while training at affiliated clinical centers.

For example, a student in New York can participate in the same program as one in California or Arizona, but each student performs their clinical training at local clinical partners. PRI ensures students complete 1,000 clinical hours at their nearest partner clinic site as part of the clinical externship. This equips students with the required expertise and prepares them to excel as MRI technologists.

Future MRI technologists are evaluated on their compatibility with the clinical partners, employees and most of all, patients, essentially undergoing a live interview. This direct recruitment process offers significant benefits, including streamlined hiring for clinical partners and enhanced job readiness for students, ensuring a well-prepared workforce that seamlessly transitions from education to employment.
Over the years, PRI has scripted a multitude of success stories. One standout is Andre Simmons, who transitioned from a 20-year career in dialysis to MRI technology.

“PRI offered the best path to becoming a certified MRI technologist. I could continue working to pay my tuition through convenient monthly payments. Their user-friendly online setup and accessible professors collectively prepare you for the boards. PRI is, without question, a great way to enter the field,” he shares.

Another testimonial comes from Dakota Snow, an operating room anesthesia technician at a children’s hospital, “My favorite part of PRI is the hands-on clinical experience. Applying everything we’ve learned in real-world scans builds my confidence and prepares me for a successful career in MRI technology.”
From its modest beginnings as a small-scale institution established in 2020, PRI has traversed a long journey driven by ambitious goals. To meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector, the institution is considering expanding its healthcare education curriculum by introducing more programs as part of its growth endeavors.

It specifically aims to elevate its MRI technologists training program to national recognition by 2025. The overarching goal is to establish the MRI program as one of the best in the U.S., ensuring it becomes a top choice for all individuals considering a career in healthcare imaging technologies.

Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pulse Radiology Institute is poised to shape the future of MRI technologist education with its comprehensive training programs. It leads the way in preparing technologists for success while fulfilling the clinics’ demand for skilled MRI machine operators.