Technical Standards for Admission

Applicants must have satisfactory abilities and skills to perform medical procedures with accuracy and precision.

To practice medical imaging, safety, efficiency, and compassion are of primary importance. To be considered for admission, applicants must be able to fulfill ALL of the following duties. Students unable to fulfill ALL of the following duties will not be considered for acceptance into the professional curriculum of the Advanced Medical Imaging Technology Program.  These are minimal standards and due to the hands-on, physical nature of the work, special accommodations cannot be made.

Do you feel as if you can do the following without assistance?

• Demonstrate normal or corrected vision and hearing to discern visual/audible signals, sounds on equipment and communication devices and respond to patients in emergency situations
• Read and comprehend technical and medical terminology and information
• Communicate (orally and in written form) using active listening with patients, staff and other personnel clearly and effectively
• Demonstrate ability to follow oral and written directions/instructions
• Sit or stand up to eight hours per day and walk for long distances
• Lift or carry approximately fifty pounds of weight
• Show dexterity and strength to perform daily on-the-job tasks that may require moving large and heavy pieces of medical equipment in tight spaces
• Move or transfer patients safely to and from wheelchairs, stretchers, beds and imaging tables
• Work compassionately with extremely ill or dying patients
• Observe patients visually or via monitors during simulation or treatment procedures
• Demonstrate use of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar for verbal or written comprehension
• Demonstrate time management skills; ability to multi-task, and work in stressful environment(s)
• Work individually or in groups to complete assigned tasks.
• Respond promptly and correctly to the requests of physicians, supervisors, and others in authority.
• Take constructive criticism and evaluation of your work and apply to future efforts.

MRI Technologists work around powerful, high-field magnets, and thus in order to work in this environment, MRI Technologists and potential AMIT/MRI students cannot have certain implants or medical devices, such as pacemakers, brain aneurysm clips, and cardiac defibrillators. Many other metallic implants are OK for working in an MR environment, however, such as hip/knee replacements, braces, dental fillings, and orthopedic screws. 

Prior to applying to the AMIT program, it is advised that you look over and complete the screening form/questionnaire. If you have any questions about certain implants you have, please contact the AMIT program.

MRI Screening Form (PDF)

Once admitted all students will be required to submit a state and national background check. 

National and state background checks must be completed yearly for all MRI and Nuclear Medicine students prior to the first clinical experience.  Clinical sites reserve the right to decline clinical positions to any student who fails to meet their expectation of conduct.  If two sites decline a student, the student may not be able to complete the clinical experience and program.  If you are concerned regarding this requirement, please contact the Clinical Coordinator or Program Director to discuss this further. 

You will need to schedule an individual background check appointment with UC Public Safety to complete both a state and national background check (you do NOT need a fingerprint card).  The cost is $67.20 for both the BCI (state) and FBI (national) checks.  The University’s Public Safety office is located at 4 Edwards Center on main campus. To complete the application, you will need to supply your Driver’s license, SSN, address and payment.  Specifics on dates will be given at orientation each year.  Typically, you will fill out the background check application during the first week of September (this will be facilitated by the AMIT staff). We will assist you in properly filling out the document to ensure timely processing. The AMIT program will receive the results of the check and once processed, will be made available to the students for their individual records (a copy). 

Once admitted all students will be required to submit a drug screening. 

The University of Cincinnati and its clinical partners are all part of the drug free workplace initiative and are drug free. This includes marijuana because it is still federally illegal.  Students will be dismissed from this program if found to be manufacturing, distributing, selling, using, offering for sale, possessing, buying or attempting to buy any drug, controlled substance, and/or narcotics in an illegal manner. Additionally, Students will be dismissed from the program if found to be attending class or clinical rotations while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or narcotics.  Legally prescribed drugs are acceptable when used in the manner prescribed by a licensed physician and the effects of the drugs do not impair the students’ judgment or physical activities.

The professional curriculum of the Advanced Medical Imaging Technology Program requires you to complete a 12-panel drug screening, at the expense of the student, as a condition of your acceptance and matriculation into the professional program. Clinical sites have the right to refuse clinical positions to any student refusing or failing any part of a drug screen.  If two clinical sites decline a student because of this policy, the student may not be able to complete the clinical experience and may be dismissed from the program.  The program and its affiliates will not be able to refund any monies spent by the student should the student fail to satisfactorily complete any drug screening requirements or fail to comply with the policies of the program and clinical affiliates regarding drug screening. Please note that the AMIT faculty reserves the right to request a student undergo a drug screening if use is suspected at the expense of the student. Refusal to comply with a drug screening request will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the program.

You will need to schedule an individual drug screening appointment with UC Health Services.  Your drug screening must be completed at UC Health Services, do not go to any other facility to complete this requirement (the screening panel for clinicals is very specific).  The cost is $40 for the full panel drug screening requirement.  Also, all results will remain confidential, and I will only be notified if your results prohibit you from beginning clinical rotations. 

Upon acceptance, students will be required to submit immunization records. Please visit the University Health Services webpage below for more information.