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Introducing the Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance Credential

A New Pathway to Safer, Smarter, and More Supportive MR Care  

ARRT is proud to introduce our newest credential: Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance, I.A.(MR)(ARRT). This new credential is designed to support Registered Technologists (R.T.s) in the MR environment. Imaging assistants will play a vital role in:  

  • MR Level 2 safety  
  • Patient care  
  • Positioning  
  • Assisting with contrast administration  

Imaging Assistants, Magnetic Resonance won’t perform imaging or scanning, but this role will enhance patient safety, improve workflow, and support technologists in delivering high-quality care.  Imaging assistants must pass an exam that incorporates the key safety training elements for Level 2 MR personnel. 

Why Did ARRT Create the Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance Credential? 

The health care landscape is evolving—and so are the needs of imaging teams. As MRI scanning services continue to expand rapidly, the demand for trained on-site assistants has become increasingly urgent. Teleradiology and remote scanning capabilities are reshaping health care delivery, making it more essential than ever to have qualified assistants who support patient safety.  

ARRT developed the Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance credential to:  

  • Support patient safety  
  • Expand educational opportunities for those entering the field  
  • Address workforce shortages by creating a new entry point into medical imaging  

This initiative aligns with ARRT’s vision: exceptional patient care, provided by qualified professionals.  

Interested in learning more? 

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What Makes the Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance Credential Unique?  

All ARRT’s credentials are built on a foundation of rigorous standards, ethics, and safety:  

  • Developed through a practice analysis with MR technologists, managers, and radiologists  
  • Backed by 100+ years of ARRT credibility  
  • Designed to meet consistent national standards  
  • Includes required ethics education to promote high standards of professional integrity 

ARRT credentials are nationally recognized, reinforcing public confidence. 

How to Earn an Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance Credential 

Eligibility Requirements  

To apply, candidates must:  

  • Be 18+ years old with a high school diploma or GED  
  • Meet ARRT’s ethics requirements  
  • Complete structured continuing education (CE) and clinical tasks  
  • Be verified by an ARRT certified and registered technologist (in-person or via live video)  
  • Finish all requirements within 24 months of applying  
  • The credential is renewable annually with 10 credits of required, discipline-specific continuing education due every two years.  

Review the I.A.(MR) discipline documents

  • Clinical Competency Requirements
  • Examination Content Specifications
  • Task Inventory
  • Structured Education Requirements

    • What are the Career Benefits of Becoming an Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance?

    Earning this credential offers:  

    • Professional recognition in a growing field  
    • Job readiness with less on-the-job training required  
    • Increased earning potential  
    • Career advancement toward roles like MRI technologist  

    How Will the Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance Support R.T.s? 

    The Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance will support R.T.s, not replace them. We understand that change can raise concerns. Here’s what R.T.s should know:  

    • Imaging assistants do not perform imaging or scanning  
    • Imaging assistants free up R.T.s to focus on complex imaging tasks  
    • Imaging assistants help reduce errors and improve patient care, which will contribute to building safer, more efficient teams  

    ARRT CEO Announces New I.A.(MR) Credential

    Watch this video to hear directly from ARRT's CEO, Liana Watson, as she shares how the new I.A.(MR) credential supports MR teams, enhances patient care, and addresses the growing demand for qualified assistants.

    Why Qualified Individuals Matter  

    Patient Safety

    Credentialed assistants reduce risk in MR environments  

    Quality Care

    Trained professionals support better outcomes  

    Trust

    ARRT credentials are recognized and respected nationwide  

    What’s Next?  

    We're building an online documentation tool for I.A.(MR), which will guide candidates through the requirements for earning the I.A. credential. While the online tool won’t be available until summer 2026, you can begin completing your clinical competency requirements now—an important first step toward eligibility. 

    • What You Can Do Now 
      To earn the I.A.(MR) credential, you’ll need to complete and document specific MR-related clinical activities in a real clinical setting such as a hospital, imaging center, or medical clinic. Each activity must be verified by someone who meets ARRT’s qualifications. Visit our new Get Started on Your I.A.(MR) Clinical Competency Requirements webpage for information about clinical activities and who can verify them.  
    • If You’re Already Working in MRI 
      You likely already work alongside professionals who meet these verifier requirements. 
    • If You’re New to the Field 
      You’ll need to first locate a clinical site and a qualified person who can verify your activities. Many candidates start by contacting hospitals or imaging centers to explore shadowing or clinical placement opportunities. Need more guidance? Check out these recommendations.  
    • After You Secure a Site and Verifier 
      You can begin completing your clinical competencies. Use the I.A.(MR) Clinical Competency Requirements document to track your activities and be sure to save your records so you can enter the information into the documentation tool once it becomes available. You’ll need to log the procedure, date, time performed (include AM or PM), the verifier, and the facility where the procedure was completed.  
    • Important Timeline 
      You’ll have 24 months from the date you complete your first clinical competency or structured education activity to apply for the I.A.(MR) exam. Activities older than 24 months will expire unless you’ve submitted your application and been assigned an exam window. 

    Keep in Touch

    We’ll keep this page updated with the latest developments. You can also Join our I.A.(MR) mailing list to stay up to date!

    Last updated: January 26, 2026