If you want to work as an MRI technologist in the United States, you’ll probably come across two certifying organizations: ARRT and ARMRIT. Both certify MRI technologists, and both are accepted for MRI accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). But they suit different paths. Here’s how they compare and how to decide which fits you.
Key takeaways
- ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certifies many imaging disciplines. You can earn its MRI credential, R.T.(MR), through an MRI education program or as an add-on to another ARRT credential such as radiography.
- ARMRIT (American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists) certifies MRI technologists only. It’s often chosen by people who train specifically in MRI without a radiography background.
- The ACR accepts MR registration from either ARRT or ARMRIT for its MRI accreditation program.
- Some employers, including some federal jobs, specifically ask for ARRT. If you already hold R.T.(R), ARRT is usually the most direct route.
- Always check the requirements of your state and the employers you want to work for.
Side-by-side comparison
| ARRT, R.T.(MR) | ARMRIT | |
|---|---|---|
| What it certifies | Many disciplines (radiography, CT, MRI, mammography and more) | MRI only |
| Founded | 1922 | 1991 |
| Main routes to eligibility | An ARRT-recognized MRI education program (primary pathway), or adding MRI to an existing radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy or sonography credential (postprimary pathway) | MRI education from schools dedicated to MRI and/or documented MRI clinical experience |
| Clinical experience | Postprimary: at least 125 repetitions of 21 or more MRI procedures, plus 16 hours of structured education | Reported by training schools as at least 1,000 supervised clinical hours for approved programs |
| Application fee | $225 | Application fee plus a separate testing fee (check ARMRIT’s current fees) |
| Exam provider | Pearson VUE | PSI |
| Renewal | Continuing education every two years (24 credits) and annual renewal | 24 MRI continuing education credits per three-year cycle; $300 renewal fee for 2026–2028 |
| ACR MRI accreditation | Accepted | Accepted |
Who recognizes each one?
ACR accreditation. For a facility to earn ACR MRI accreditation, its technologists must meet minimum qualifications. Being registered as an MR technologist with ARRT, ARMRIT or the Canadian CAMRT meets the requirement. Other routes also exist, such as ARRT registration or an unlimited state license plus six months of supervised MRI scanning.
States. Most states don’t license MRI technologists separately. Those that do usually accept national certification. ARMRIT lists recognition in states including Washington, New Mexico, New Hampshire and North Dakota. Check your state board before you choose.
Employers. Many hospitals and imaging centers accept either ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT. Some employers, including some Veterans Affairs (VA) job postings, ask specifically for ARRT certification. Look at real job ads in the area where you want to work.
Which path fits you?
You’re already a radiologic technologist with R.T.(R). ARRT’s postprimary pathway is usually the most direct choice. You keep everything in one registry, and you can add MRI while working. Our guide to adding CT or MRI credentials explains the steps.
You want to work only in MRI and don’t have an imaging background. You have two main options:
- An ARRT-recognized primary MRI program, often an associate degree, which leads to R.T.(MR) and broad acceptance.
- An MRI-focused training program that prepares you for ARMRIT, which may be shorter. Before enrolling, check that employers in your area accept ARMRIT and what clinical hours the program provides.
You hold another imaging certification, such as sonography or nuclear medicine. You may be eligible for ARRT’s postprimary MRI pathway. Check the requirements for your specific credential.
You want to keep options open. ARRT credentials cover more disciplines, so it’s easier to add CT, mammography or other credentials later.
Questions to ask before you choose a program
- Which certification exam does this program prepare me for?
- Is the program recognized by ARRT, or approved by ARMRIT?
- How many supervised clinical hours or procedures will I complete, and where?
- What are the program’s exam pass and job placement rates?
- Do local employers accept the certification I’ll earn?
- Does my state license MRI technologists, and which certifications does it accept?
- Is federal financial aid available?
Frequently asked questions
Is ARMRIT as good as ARRT? Both are accepted for ACR MRI accreditation, and many employers accept either. ARRT is more widely recognized overall because it covers many disciplines, and some employers require it.
Can I become an MRI tech without an X-ray background? Yes. You can complete an ARRT-recognized primary MRI program, or an MRI-focused program that prepares you for ARMRIT.
Can I hold both ARRT and ARMRIT? Yes. Some technologists hold both, though most employers need only one.
Which pays more? There’s no reliable national data comparing pay by certifying organization. Pay depends mainly on location, experience and employer. The BLS reports a national median of $95,480 for MRI technologists (May 2025).
Sources
- American College of Radiology (ACR): MRI accreditation technologist requirements.
- American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT): homepage, application and renewal pages.
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): credential options, postprimary clinical experience requirements and application fees.
- USAJOBS: Veterans Affairs radiologic technologist posting (2025).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists.
Requirements change. Check ARRT, ARMRIT, your state board and potential employers before you enroll in a program.