Without scholarships, thousands of students across the country couldn’t afford to go to school. If you want to become an MRI technician, you may not have to attend college for as long as a doctor would, but that doesn’t mean that your one to four years in school won’t be a financial drain. Some people never go back to school simply because they don’t think they can afford the tuition, but with scholarships, an advanced degree in MRI technology or certificate to become an MRI technician is possible.

Scholarships are based on merit, so even if your family makes too much money to qualify for most grants, they’re a good source of money for college. While some scholarships are given to students who meet certain high school grade or SAT score requirements, most ask for students to write an essay based on an annual theme or the student’s education goals and life experiences. The better your scholarship essays, the more likely it is that you’ll be awarded money from each fund, so it is important to ensure that you have a strong piece to turn in with your application. Here are some tips for writing a strong scholarship essay:

• Have a strong writer, such as an English teacher, look at your essay to give you tips on how it can be improved.
• Never copy someone else’s work (plagiarize) or lie in your essay.
• Follow the directions carefully, making sure that your essay is the correct length and addresses the question or theme clearly.
• Make sure you submit the essay by the deadline, or you’ll be disqualified.

MRI technician scholarships are available from a number of sources. Some that offer scholarships specific to radiological students include the following:

• American Association of Radiologic Technologists (various scholarships)
• Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technicians Elizabeth Bray Scholarship
• Raymond Yandre Radiologic Technology Scholarship
• Iowa Society of Radiologic Technologists Scholarship

In addition to scholarships from private organizations, most radiological programs at schools have in-house scholarships available. These awards are give to students attending certain schools who show promise in the field of MRI technology, maintain high grades, or otherwise qualify to receive funds.

You can also look to non-radiological organizations for scholarship opportunities. Many scholarships are available to students in any medical-related field, including MRI technology. There are also scholarships that don’t require any specific field at all, so you’ll qualify regardless of your major. Along with a scholarship essay, some of these funds have other requirements, such as military service, marital status, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and more. Every scholarship is vastly different, so make sure you read and understand the qualification requirements before you apply.

In the world of medicine, some hospitals and other health organizations also offer money for college to people who they’d like to hire after graduation. This is especially the case if you’re already an employee and are looking to go back to school for more education. You’ll be restricted to working for a single employer for a certain time period, but this is a great way to get your education for free.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically a medical imaging technique used by medical radiologists to see the internal parts of the body. In some ways, it is similar to X-ray imaging. It is a relatively new technology, as MRI was first used on humans in 1977. Becoming an MRI technician generally requires a healthcare education from an accredited college.

Top MRI Tech Colleges

	Keiser University — Keiser's medical assistant associate's degree gives students the skills required to prepare examination rooms, take vital signs, assist in lab operation, take X-rays, perform MRI scans, and more. Graduates of this program may be good candiates for job placement as entry-level MRI technicians.
	South University — The AS in allied health science degree program from South University provides students with a general education with an emphasis on life science subjects including biology, anatomy, chemistry, and nutrition. Graduates of this program will be good job candidates for an entry-level MRI technician position.
	Kaplan University — The AS in medical assisting degree program from Kaplan University provides an education designed to train students for entry-level positions within the healthcare industry. Graduates of this program will be able to assist in routine medical procedures and lab tests, including MRIs.
	Grand Canyon University — Grand Canyon is the only online school to offer the ideal degree for individuals looking to become MRI technicians. Their bachelor's degree in medical imaging science is specifically geared toward preparing its students for a career in the field of medical imaging, including radiology, sonography, CT, X-ray, and MRI technolgies.
	DeVry University — DeVry offers a BBA in health services management as an online degree program that focuses on some of the healthcare knowledge and skills required of MRI techs. In addition, this program being a bachelor's degree teaches management skills for upper-level positions.
	Virginia College Online — This bachelor's degree in health services management from Virginia College is highly rated for its both its affordability and flexibility in terms of course scheduling. Students wanting to pursue careers as MRI technologists can learn entirely online and at their own pace.
	American InterContinental University — AIU Online offers an AABA in healthcare administration that prepares students for entry-level administrative positions within the healthcare industry. MRI technicians will find this curriculum of value as it prepares them to deal with the ethical, legal, and business issues which may arise during their careers.
	National American University — National American University offers an associate's degree in health information technology that will prepare students for careers as medical assistants of all sorts. Medical technologists specifically will work with patients' medical charts and forms and are often times responsible for data entry into computer equipment.
	Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences — The ideal degree for anyone hoping to become an MRI technician or advance an MRI technician career may be the BS in radiological sciences offered by the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences. This degree program provides its students with the credentials that medical imaging professionals need to move into a more administrative career role.
	Independence University — The associate's degree in allied health science from Independence prepares students for careers as MRI technicians by providing them with knowledge of cutting edge medical technologies.