Course Description
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic imaging modality known for its exceptional soft tissue contrast, functional imaging capabilities, and lack of ionizing radiation. MRI radiologic technologists (RTs) are responsible for producing high-quality images by understanding how system components, sequence parameters, and digital image settings work together to influence image signal, contrast, spatial resolution, and scan time. This comprehensive course on MRI sequence parameters equips MRI RTs with the knowledge and confidence needed to optimize protocols across a wide range of clinical applications. This course begins with reviewing the fundamentals of nuclear precession, resonance, excitation, and relaxation, and builds on this foundation by detailing signal formation and spatial localization. Learners will explore how digital imaging settings influence image quality and how core sequence parameters determine image weighting and overall diagnostic value. Advanced topics, including fat suppression techniques, specialized gradient sequences, parallel imaging, and artifact-reduction tools will be also covered, providing practical strategies to improve workflow and image quality. By the end of the course, RTs will be able to refine imaging protocols, reduce artifacts, and produce high-quality diagnostic images with confidence.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• SUMMARIZE the fundamental principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including nuclear precession, resonance, and excitation.
• IDENTIFY the key MRI system components and their roles in spatial localization.
• EVALUATE how digital imaging parameters affect image signal, contrast, spatial resolution, and scan time.
• EXPLAIN how the core imaging parameters of repetition time, echo time, and echo train length influence image quality, weighting, and scan time.
• IDENTIFY the most appropriate image weighting and suppression techniques to optimize tissue contrast for different clinical examinations.
• APPLY advanced imaging options such as parallel imaging, gating, saturation bands, and gradient moment nulling to reduce artifacts and improve image quality.

 

 

Category: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.25 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.

Category	Content Area	Credits
Magnetic Resonance	Image Production	2.25

Category	Subcategory	Credits
Magnetic Resonance	Data Acquisition, Processing, and Storage	0.25
Magnetic Resonance	Physical Principles of Image Formation	0.5
Magnetic Resonance	Sequence Parameters and Options	1.5

Category	Credits
Digital	0
Fluoroscopy	0
Mammography	0