The Australian MRI Radiographer Accreditation Process
An Unofficial Guide

Last Modified March 24 1999  

Preamble &  Opinion

The AIR (Australian Institute of Radiography) administers a programme of peer accreditation for MRI Radiographers.   The system is in its early stages and has not been without its problems.   The implementation has coincided with a major shift in the funding of Australian MRI services and in enmeshed with issues of professional accreditation and MRI site accreditation.  The MRI accreditation can be viewed as a  model for the AIR's imminent move into voluntary and compulsory continuing professional accreditation.  In that sense their implementation of the MRI accreditation may foreshadow attitudes of the AIR professional staff and the Federal Council, and structures that might affect Australian Radiographers generally.

Participation in the initial Level 1 examination was high.   Information about the process is reasonably well distributed to members of the AIR but non-members have not been so effectively reached.   Hopefully this page can help that deficit..

I have  been a strong supporter of peer accreditation for Australian Radiographers performing MRI since the first serious forum on the concept took place at a national MRI User's meeting in Warramang Victoria August 1995.   My opinions on the creation and implementation method are varied and should become apparent as the page develops.  I believe that all Radiographers performing MRI need to develop and evidence a level of competence diligence and skill, and that these skills are important and valuable.   Whether the current accreditation process, and the actions of the professional organizations and individuals pivotal in MRI practice in Australia will effectively champion that position remains to be seen.
This page is a collection of links, notes and observations on the process.

Greg Brown 
December 1998

 
Information for Potential Candidates

The AIR MRI Study Guide is the official document describing the accreditation process.   You should begin by reading it thoroughly.   It contains the outline of the accreditation requirements, a syllabus, sample exam questions, and suggested resources. 
It can be viewed on line or downloaded as a printable pages.		 AIR MRI STUDY GUIDE ON-LINE AIR MRI STUDY GUIDE PRINTABLE PAGES

MRI Accreditation Fees and Associated Costs (1 December 1998)

The costs involved are not trivial, but they are not published with the study guide.  The figures shown here are subject to change, but appear correct at the time of publication.
 

As a non-member, Level 1 accreditation will cost at least $165 and Level 2 accreditation would total $365. Becoming a member in 1999 will cost $368.
As a member the costs are $50 and $ 150 respectively. Maintaining your membership for 1999 will cost $268.
 
Non Members Members
Level 1 Exam Fee $65 $25
Issue of Level 1 certification $100 $25 Level 1 Accreditation is valid for 3 years, at which point you will be required to re-establish your level of scanning activity and pay a  re-certification fee. 
Level 2 certification $200 $100 Level 2 Accreditation is valid for 3 years at which point you will be required to re-establish your professional activity and pay a re-certification fee.
AIR Accreditation 
(if required)		 $200 rebate Radiographers who trained outside Australia require a "Statement of Accreditation".  Contact the AIR General Secretary for full details
AIR Membership 1999 $ 268 $268
Joining Fee  
(for new members)		 $100
  

Next Level 1 Exam

To be advised. Expected September 1999
Application Forms available from the AIR General Secretary

Papers & Links on MRI Accreditation


 MRI Accreditation Internationally

United States of America

 Canada

Notes from an e-mail by Barry Wilson
In order to work in Ontario as an RT you must pass CAMRT exams(similar to ARRT I think), you must also belong to the CMRTO (College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario). The CMRTO is our self regulating body.
There is an MR specialty certificate exam that can be taken in order to obtain your RTMR, currently this is not a requirement of working in MR but there is a push for us to be regulated under the CMRTO which I assume would
require certification.
In order to take the MR exam you must have taken an approved MR course ( about 15 months part time with about 3 months of clinical) or have at least one year of full time equivalent  experience over the last 2 years. I believe in order to enroll in the course you must be an RT (nuclear medecine counts).
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If  you have comments on the Australian MRI accreditation process or wish to see your opinions added to this page, please contact the author by e-mail by clicking on the picture. 
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