Mri Technologist Apprenticeship Program

MRI Apprenticeship Program 2023

Background:

• There are nearly 40 million MRI scans performed in the US annually.
• UTMB performed over 21,000 MRI exams last year & has seen year over year growth as high as 11% since 2019.
• At any point in fiscal year 2022, UTMB had at least 3 open MRI positions with some positions going unfilled for over 9 months.
• This gap in technologist coverage was the catalyst to discussions with the US Department of Labor & Galveston College to create the States first MRI Apprenticeship program.

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvOezMIL9BU

Behind the Scenes with an MRI Technologist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDRmDh1ZAp8&feature=youtu.be

Program Differences (Time):

Traditional Track

• 2 years of college to become a radiology technologist
• USUALLY, radiology techs go to CT school first before MRI. This adds 3-6 months.
• 1 year of college to become a MRI technologist

Apprenticeship Track

• This is a HYBRID program combining some course work and competencies.
• Apprenticeship term is 18 months – 1.5 years. Your grasp of the field determines the length.

Program Differences (Cost):

Traditional Track

• 2 years of college to get an associates degree in Radiology. (~$5,500*)
• Take and pass the ARRT Radiology exam. (~$200)
• You pay for MRI school which takes approximately 1 year (~$2,600*)
• Take and pass the ARRT MRI exam. (~$225)
• You will PAY approximately $8,500 over 3 years, with limited opportunity to work to make money.

Apprenticeship Track

• Upon start of program & until the first 50% of competencies and coursework are completed UTMB will pay you $21/hr.
• Upon successful completion of the second 50% of competencies and associated coursework, UTMB will pay you $24/hr.
• Upon successfully passing the ARMRIT exam you will be promoted to full entry level MRI salary. ~28$/hr.
• You will MAKE approximately $46,000 in one year while we teach you a skill which allows you to make even more!

How does it work?

• Starts in the fall of 2023
• Probationary period of 12 weeks.
• Courses will be offered 1-2 days a week, in person, at Galveston College. Attendance is mandatory. UTMB pays for the courses and any school related books needed.
• You will work along side a Certified MRI Technologist the other 3-4 days a week on the Galveston campus.
• As you progress through the program you will rotate campuses and/or shifts which may include weekends and holidays.
• You will be given a schedule of competencies and estimated timelines to accomplish them.
• You will meet one-on-one with the MRI Service line Manager and Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer every 1-2 weeks to discuss progress and make adjustments to your competency schedule as needed.

What do you give back in return?

• Upon successful completion of the program, you commit to working with UTMB MRI department for 2 years.
• During your employment you will be expected to meet all requirements of a MRI Technologist to include, call, weekends, holidays and disaster team assignments.

Application for consideration:

UTMB Employees

• Letter of reference from your manager to include the number of unexcused absences and/or tardies over the last 12 months.
• 1 page essay covering the following:
  • What qualities you have that make you the correct choice for this program.
  • Describe your support system. We have to ensure you can dedicate the amount of time necessary to be successful.

Non UTMB Employees

• Letter of reference from a professional preferably someone who works for UTMB.
• 1 page essay covering the following:
  • What qualities you have that make you the correct choice for this program.
  • Describe your support system. We have to ensure you can dedicate the amount of time necessary to be successful.

Email application to alwester@utmb.edu

Next steps:

• We will accept application May 1 – May 7.
• We will accept 10 people to go before a panel interview.
• From those 10, we will accept 5 to take a HESI exam at the college.
• From those 5, we will select 3 for the fall program.

Those 3 selected candidates will be present when the US Department of Labor presents UTMB with their Apprenticeship Certificate as our inaugural group and appear in any associated marketing publicity.