Aquarius Institute

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist
The Aquarius Institute has been in business since 1996.  Starting off in Chicago, Aquarius Institute began providing career training for job skills to individuals to meet the requirements of the ever changing technology related jobs.  After a few years, Aquarius Institute moved into the City of Des Plaines in the year 2001.  At the address of 911 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Aquarius Institute continued its business at this location until the year 2011.  (Copies of the City of Des Plaines Business licenses from year 2001 to 2011 are enclosed for review.)  Aquarius Institute at first started its business in providing Computer Information Systems training.  Among Computer Information Systems training, we also provided training in the latest high demand software and hardware.  We continued to provide I.T. training up until the year 2005.
Aquarius Institute realized less job potential for the local individuals due to outsourcing of I.T. jobs to foreign countries (such as India, China, etc.)
Therefore, in the year of 2005, Aquarius Institute took a tangent and started to provide more service related skills training in the Allied Medical Health Care field.  Currently, the Allied Medical Health Care field is the best service field to be in.  Health care training is also a high demand job growth sector due to the many technological advancements found in health care today.  Another plus for the health care field currently is that many jobs are opening up due to America's ageing population.

Currently, Aquarius Institute provides training in medical diagnostic testing in the field of Ultrasound/Sonography Technology and MRI Technology.  We also provide training in Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, EKG Technician and Medical Billing & Coding certification.

Aquarius Institute is known to provide actual job skills training in order to have our students gain real job skills.  We have classroom lectures with live demonstrations of job skills during lectures, as well as individual hands on practice lab sessions.

Furthermore, we require our students to complete several hundreds of hours of clinical internship at our affiliated medical diagnostic imaging facilities.  Due to Aquarius Institute's consistent efforts in providing high demand job skills training, we have several thousands of our graduates currently employed in the American work force in the fields of Information Technology and Health Care with an annual income of $40,000 to $180,000.

Programs

    Healthcare Course
        MRI Technologist
        Ultrasound/Sonography Technician
        Medical Assistant
        EKG Technician
        Phlebotomy Technician
        Medical Administrative Assistant
        Medical Billing & Coding

This is a one year comprehensive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist Training Program which also includes 1000 hours of mandatory MRI Clinical Internship. This program is developed to prepare students to operate MRI Equipment safely and competently to produce diagnostically acceptable images. Having completed this course the student will have sufficient knowledge and skills to work in an MRI center or Hospital's MRI Dept. as a MRI technologist. This course provides sufficient theory and practical knowledge so as to enable the students to challenge the National Certification Examination in MRI modality. Upon successful completion of both Didactic and Clinical parts of the Program, School will conduct a comprehensive exam and those who will get a minimum of 70% score will be awarded the Certificate of Completion from the School. It will be the responsibility of the School to provide Clinical Internship opportunities to the MRI students in MRI Clinics or MRI Department in Hospitals. School reserves the right to assign the student to any available Clinical Site.

Program Learning Outcomes

Below are the learning outcomes that the MRI student must master in keeping with the program mission and goals. These outcomes serve to guide the student toward fulfilling the program goals. They form the basis for measuring what the student has accomplished upon completion of the program. Upon completion of this Program, the graduate will be able to:

    To provide compassionate and responsible patient care during diagnostic procedures.
    Use oral and written communication with patients, peers, and medical staff.
    Produce diagnostic MRI Images safely and competently in the context of all MRI procedures.
    Utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills in performing medical imaging procedures.
    Successfully pass the completion examination given by the School and certification examination given by the MRI National Registry.
    Possess the clinical skills necessary for professional practice as an entry-level MRI Technologist.


Admission Requirements:

    Minimum 18 years of age
    Proof of graduation from a U.S. high school, GED or Equivalent
    Entrance exam, interview and essay.
    Completed application with non-refundable registration fee
    Physical examination (including Hepatitis B immunization) at the student's expense (following acceptance into the program.)
    Malpractice insurance at the student's expense (following acceptance into the program.)
    Visual Acuity, Hearing Acuity, speaking ability, Digital Dexterity and Physical Ability
    Should have a reliable means of transport


Clock Hours: 300 hours
Tuition = $12,500
Registration Fee = $150
Text Books = $500


Vocational Objectives:
This course has been designed to meet the growing demand of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists in the field of Diagnostic Medicine. According to present job market analysis a large number of qualified individuals are required in the Medical Technologist field. The objectives of this course are to provide efficient and well trained MRI Technologist to satisfy the present day job market needs.

Job Prospect:
MRI is becoming a widely accepted diagnostic procedure and there is a growing demand for qualified, well trained and efficient MRI Technologist.

Aquarius Institute of Computer Science
Des Plaines, IL

Aquarius O'Hare
1011 East Touhy Avenue
Suite 335
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone:(847) 296-8870
Fax: (847) 296-8860
http://www.aquariusinstitute.com

American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education

American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education was founded in New Jersey in June- 2004 and formed an alliance consisting of members of the medical community such as Specialty Physicians; Registered Nurses; Radiology Technicians; Radiologist(s) and Embryologists who contributed to its various aspects of establishment.
AIMS EDUCATION specializes in helping people choose or modify their careers in allied healthcare fields. Finding stable livelihood for the graduates has been marked as its top priority.
Along the CORRIDOR OF TIMES Aims has traversed in all her grace and dint the challenging path of progress and has reached an optimal success check point after five years since inception. AIMS EDUCATION started in a humble way by an ambitious yet altruistic group of physicians, nurses and IT professionals who concretized their consensual desire in 2004, in providing quality education at affordable prices in one of the most sought after careers in Allied Health care fields.
Academic standards have been the apple of the eye of the academic activities at AIMS EDUCATION. Untiring efforts rendered by the teaching faculty with the administration's guide and support have seen some remarkable progress in teaching and examination methodologies.Having quality and standard as the "Mantras", AIMS EDUCATION has achieved much coveted acknowledgement for these salient features from the prestigious accrediting agency CSS-MSA (Commission on Secondary Schools- Middle States Association) within this short period of time.

Affiliations & Approvals

    USDOE (Federal Student Aid) US Dep. of Education
    VA (Veteran Affairs)
    NJDOE (State of NJ Dep. of Education)
    NHA (National Healthcare Association)
    NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing)
    SEVIS (Student Visa-M1) (Student and Exchange Visitor Program-SEVP)
    ARMRIT (American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists)
   
Accreditation

    CESS-MSA (Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools)
    ARMRIT (American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists)
    Programmatic Accreditation of MRI Technologist Program
    CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs)
    Programmatic Accreditation of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program (General Concentration)

Below is a list of  current academic programs. American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education  is constantly growing so please check back often for new program offerings.

    Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist (EEG)
    English as a Second Language (ESL)
    Electronic Health Records Specialist
    MRI Technologist
    Diagnostic Medical Sonography
    Cardiovascular Technologist
    Echocardiography Technologist
    Polysomnograpy (Sleep) Technologist
    Embryology Technologist (IVF)
    Surgical Technologist
    Medical Assistant
    Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
    Pharmacy Technician
    EKG/Phlebotomy Technician
    EKG Technician
    Computerized Accounting & Bookkeeping
    Phlebotomy Technician
    Medical Office Specialist


 MRI Technologist Training Program Details
The MRI Technologist certificate program at AIMS Education is designed to prepare our students for a career in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI Technologists are allied health professionals who use specialized MRI equipment to visualize the internal structures of the human body. They interface with patients, radiologists, and other medical staff to deliver a highly technical service to their communities. Graduates of our ARMRIT accredited MRI Technologist program are eligible to sit for the ARMRIT national certification exam for magnetic resonance imaging.

In this program, students will learn how to perform patient examinations using MRI equipment, under the guidelines set by radiologists and ordered by physicians. This comprehensive training program will include classroom instruction, clinical hours, and a clinical externship. The externship is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a real work environment.
Employment Opportunities in MRI Technology
The number of MRI job opportunities is growing faster than the availability of qualified MRI Technologists. This has resulted in tremendous career opportunities for all of our graduates. Most of the employment opportunities are in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers. MRI Technologists can expect to work in clean, well lit, and comfortable environments. Jobs may require a moderate amount of physical activity working with the MRI equipment and maneuvering patients.

Program Length:
    1980 Clock Hours, 66.0 Credit Hours
    Classroom Instruction - 980 Hours
    School Clinical / Externship - 1000 Hours
    Approximately 18 Months
    Day and Evening Classes Available

Admission Eligibility:
    High School Diploma
    GED




Contact :
4500 New Brunswick Ave, Piscataway, NJ - 08854
EFax : (908) 450-6111 , E-Mail : contact@aimsedu.com
WEB  :  http://www.aimseducation.edu

American Academy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (AAMRI)

The American Academy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (AAMRI) is a licensed proprietary technical school which provides education and certification in magnetic resonance imaging. 
                                         
The mission of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist Training Programs, as provided by the American Academy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (AAMRI), is to prepare the student for a career as a Registered MRI Technologist.
The American Academy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (AAMRI) is authorized and certified by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges to operate as a Licensed Proprietary School and to provide two Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Training Programs:  Program I (12 months duration) is approved for 38 semester credit hours and Program II (9 months duration) is approved for 30 semester credit hours.

Program I
The American Academy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (AAMRI) Technologist Training Program I is of one year (12 months) duration and consists of the Didactic Component (6 months) followed by the Clinical Component (6 months).
Classes begin each July and January with specific dates to be announced.

 Program II
The American Academy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (AARMI) Technologist Training Program II is 9 months (39 weeks) duration and consists of the Didactic Component (14 weeks) followed by the Clinical Component (25 weeks).
Classes begin each July and January with specific dates to be announced. 

Tuition :
Program I
Tuition for the one year certification Program I is $12,000.  Following admission and prior to initiation of the Didactic Component of the Program, 1/2 of the Tuition is requested ($6,000).  Following successful completion of the Didactic Component and prior to initiation of the Clinical Component of the Program, the remaining 1/2 of the Tuition is requested ($6,000).

Program II
Tuition for the nine month certification Program II is $9,000.  Following admission and prior to initiation of the Didactic Component of the Program, 1/2 of the Tuition is requested ($4,500).  Following successful completion of the Didactic Component and prior to initiation of the Clinical Component of the Program, the remaining 1/2 of the Tuition is requested ($4,500).

 Financial Aid
The American Academy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging is approved by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to enroll veterans, military and other eligible persons in the AAMRI Technologist Training Program under provisions of Titles 38 and 10, United States Code.

Contact :
 James T. Patrick, MD, PhD
AAMRI
3402 Mandy Lane
Morehead City, NC  28557
Telephone:  252-726-7705
Web :http://www.aamri.com

How MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging) works ?

MRI machines make use of the fact that body tissue contains lots of water, and hence protons (1H nuclei), which get aligned in a large magnetic field. Each water molecule has two hydrogen nuclei or protons. When a person is inside the powerful magnetic field of the scanner, the average magnetic moment of many protons becomes aligned with the direction of the field. A radio frequency current is briefly turned on, producing a varying electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field has just the right frequency, known as the resonance frequency, to be absorbed and flip the spin of the protons in the magnetic field. After the electromagnetic field is turned off, the spins of the protons return to thermodynamic equilibrium and the bulk magnetization becomes re-aligned with the static magnetic field. During this relaxation, a radio frequency signal (electromagnetic radiation in the RF range) is generated, which can be measured with receiver coils.

Information about the origin of the signal in 3D space can be learned by applying additional magnetic fields during the scan. These additional magnetic fields can be used to only generate detectable signal from specific locations in the body (spatial excitation) and/or to make magnetization at different spatial locations precess at different frequencies, which enables k-space encoding of spatial information. The 3D images obtained in MRI can be rotated along arbitrary orientations and manipulated by the doctor to be better able to detect tiny changes of structures within the body. These fields, generated by passing electric currents through gradient coils, make the magnetic field strength vary depending on the position within the magnet. Because this makes the frequency of the released radio signal also dependent on its origin in a predictable manner, the distribution of protons in the body can be mathematically recovered from the signal, typically by the use of the inverse Fourier transform.

Protons in different tissues return to their equilibrium state at different relaxation rates. Different tissue variables, including spin density, T1 and T2 relaxation times, and flow and spectral shifts can be used to construct images. By changing the settings on the scanner, this effect is used to create contrast between different types of body tissue or between other properties, as in fMRI and diffusion MRI.

MRI is used to image every part of the body, and is particularly useful for tissues with many hydrogen nuclei and little density contrast, such as the brain, muscle, connective tissue and most tumors.
Magnetic field

MRI scans require a magnetic field with two properties, uniform field density and strength. The magnetic field cannot vary more than 1/10,000 of 1% and field strength ranges (depending on the scanner) from 0.2 to 3 teslas in strength in currently clinically used scanners, with research scanners investigating higher field strengths such as seven teslas. The lower field strengths can be achieved with permanent magnets, which are often used in "open" MRI scanners, for claustrophobic patients. Higher field strengths can be achieved only with superconducting magnets. An MRI with a 3.0 tesla strength magnet may be referred to as a "3-T MRI" or "3-tesla MRI"

Since the gradient coils are within the bore of the scanner, there are large forces between them and the main field coils, producing most of the noise that is heard during operation. Without efforts to damp this noise, it can approach 130 decibels (dB) with strong fields [9] (see also the subsection on acoustic noise).
Contrast agents and implants

MRI contrast agents may be injected intravenously to enhance the appearance of blood vessels, tumors or inflammation. Contrast agents may also be directly injected into a joint in the case of arthrograms: MRI images of joints. Unlike CT, MRI uses no ionizing radiation and is generally a very safe procedure. Nonetheless the strong magnetic fields and radio pulses can affect metal implants, including cochlear implants and cardiac pacemakers. There are many electronically activated devices that have approval from the US FDA to permit MRI procedures in patients under highly specific MRI conditions . In the case of cochlear implants, the US FDA has approved some implants for MRI compatibility. In the case of cardiac pacemakers, the results can sometimes be lethal, so patients with such implants are generally not eligible for MRI.

Prepolarized MRI

In 2001, a research team at Stanford invented a new technique which came to be called "Prepolarized MRI" or PMRI. The team demonstrated that the magnets do not have to be both uniform and strong, rather two magnets can be used together, where one is strong and the other one is uniform.

The first magnet in a PMRI scanner is strong, but not uniform. This magnet creates a very strong magnetic field which varies in uniformity by as much as 40%. This is the "prepolarize" component. A second much weaker (only requiring the electric power necessary to run two hairdryers) but far more precise magnet then creates a homogeneous magnetic field. These two magnets can be ordinary copper wound magnets, which greatly lowers the cost of an MRI scanner. Because the magnetic field is "tuned" by the second magnet, a PMRI scan can be obtained immediately adjacent to a metal prosthetic, unlike an MRI scan.


When are MRI scans used?

An MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. The receiver information is processed by a computer, and an image is produced.

The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.

An MRI scan can be used as an extremely accurate method of disease detection throughout the body. In the head, trauma to the brain can be seen as bleeding or swelling. Other abnormalities often found include brain aneurysms, stroke, tumors of the brain, as well as tumors or inflammation of the spine.

Neurosurgeons use an MRI scan not only in defining brain anatomy but in evaluating the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma. It is also used when considering problems associated with the vertebrae or intervertebral discs of the spine. An MRI scan can evaluate the structure of the heart and aorta, where it can detect aneurysms or tears.

It provides valuable information on glands and organs within the abdomen, and accurate information about the structure of the joints, soft tissues, and bones of the body. Often, surgery can be deferred or more accurately directed after knowing the results of an MRI scan.

What is an MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging ) scan?

MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging ) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. The receiver information is processed by a computer, and an image is produced.

The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize internal structures of the body in detail. MRI makes use of the property of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to image nuclei of atoms inside the body.

An MRI scanner is a device in which the patient lies within a large, powerful magnet where the magnetic field is used to align the magnetization of some atomic nuclei in the body, and radio frequency magnetic fields are applied to systematically alter the alignment of this magnetization. This causes the nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner—and this information is recorded to construct an image of the scanned area of the body. Magnetic field gradients cause nuclei at different locations to precess at different speeds, which allows spatial information to be recovered using Fourier analysis of the measured signal. By using gradients in different directions, 2D images or 3D volumes can be obtained in any arbitrary orientation.

MRI provides good contrast between the different soft tissues of the body, which makes it especially useful in imaging the brain, muscles, the heart, and cancers compared with other medical imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or X-rays. Unlike CT scans or traditional X-rays, MRI does not use ionizing radiation.