MRI for Technologists: Basic Principles of MRI

Format: Online Course
Credit:  2.0 ARRT Category A
Fee for Credit Certificate: $15
 

Click ENROLL NOW to view or download this program and complete the POSTTEST online.

MRI for Technologists is a training program designed to meet the needs of radiologic technologists entering or working in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These units are designed to augment classroom instruction and on-site training for radiologic technology students and professionals planning to take the review board examinations, as well as to provide a review for those looking to refresh their knowledge base in MR imaging.

COURSE OVERVIEW
The skill of the technologist is the single most important factor in obtaining good quality diagnostic images. A successful MRI examination is the culmination of many factors under the direct control of the technologist.

Basic Principles of MRI introduces the learner to the fundamental technical concepts of magnetic resonance imaging including the physics of how hydrogen protons respond when subjected to a magnetic field to how changes in magnetization can be detected and recorded.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After concluding this educational activity, the reader should be able to:

• List the different types of tomographic imaging
• Explain how MRI and CT differ
• Explain the atomic structure of the hydrogen proton and its utility in MRI
• Describe how the hydrogen proton responds when placed in an external magnetic field
• Explain how a rotating magnetic field affects the behavior of hydrogen protons
• Describe how protons can be reoriented to longitudinal and transverse directions
• Compare and contrast transverse and longitudinal relaxation
• Describe the time constants relevant to transverse and longitudinal relaxation
• Explain Faraday’s law
• Discuss why and when free induction decay occurs

EDUCATIONAL CREDIT
This program has been approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 2.0 hours of ARRT Category A continuing education credit.

HOW TO RECEIVE CREDIT
Estimated time to complete this activity is 2.0 hours. The posttest and evaluation are required to receive credit and must be completed online.

• In order to access the posttest and evaluation, enroll in the online course at www.icpme.us.
• Read the entire activity.
• Log in to your account at www.icpme.us to complete the posttest and evaluation, accessible through the course link in your account.
• A passing grade of at least 75% is required to be eligible to receive credit.
• You may take the test up to three times.
• Upon receipt of a passing grade, you will be able to print a certificate of credit from your online account.
• There is a $15 fee to process a certificate of credit.

FACULTY
Daniel R. Thedens, PhD
Associate Research Scientist
Department of Radiology
Division of Diagnostic Physics
University of Iowa Health Center
Iowa City, IA

Daniel R. Thedens received his doctorate in electrical engineering from Stanford University. In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities at the University of Iowa, Dr. Thedens is an Associate Research Scientist in Department of Radiology, Division of Diagnostic Radiology - Physics, at the University of Iowa Health Center. He also serves as co-chair for the Radiology MR Research Advisory Board as well as Technical Director of the Small Animal MRI Facility.

Dr. Theden’s research interests are 3D MR image acquisition, rapid MR acquisition techniques, imaging of cartilage and other orthopaedic applications, cardiac MRI, and MR image processing.

We are grateful to Dr. Thedens for updating his original work, released in 2009.

SPONSORED BY




SUPPORTED BY AN EDUCATIONAL GRANT FROM


 

DISCLAIMER

Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.