Best MRI Schools in California (2026)

Objective, side-by-side comparison of top MRI programs in California - ranked on accreditation, cost, credential pathway, clinical access, and transparency.

Editorial note: This comparison uses our 8-criteria methodology applied equally to all programs. We may be compensated by some featured schools. See disclosure.

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California has a robust market for MRI training programs, ranging from short-form certificate programs (12–18 months via ARMRIT) to longer pathways through community colleges and vocational schools. This guide compares the most established programs on the criteria that actually matter for your career: does the program lead to a recognized credential, can you afford it, will clinical sites be accessible to you, and does the school communicate honestly about outcomes?

MRI Schools in California

Casa Loma College

📍 15301 Ventura Blvd, Suite D-100, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

📞 (800) 270-5052

www.casalomacollege.edu

California Career Institute

AAS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (AASMRI)

📍 Anaheim Campus: 1240 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806

📍 Hawthorne Campus: South Bay / Los Angeles area

📞 (714) 539-5959

🌙 Evening classes available

🎓 AAS Degree program

www.calinstitute.edu View MRI Program →

CBD College

AAS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

📍 3699 Wilshire Blvd, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010

📞 (213) 427-2200

🎓 AAS Degree program

www.cbd.edu View MRI Program →

CNI College

📍 1610 E. Saint Andrew Place, Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92705

📞 (800) 455-4700

www.cnicollege.edu

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

📍 1641 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112 (Van Nuys campus also available)

📞 (877) 487-6425

www.gurnick.edu

National Polytechnic College

📍 4105 South St, Lakewood, CA 90712

📞 (888) 243-2493

www.npcollege.edu

Smith Chason College

📍 3580 Wilshire Blvd, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010

📞 (310) 289-5123

www.smithchason.edu

How to Choose Your MRI School

1
Confirm the credential pathway. Do you need ARMRIT (no degree required) or are you adding MRI to an existing ARRT credential? This determines which programs you're eligible for.
2
Verify accreditation status. Ask every program which accrediting body recognizes them, and confirm directly on the accreditor's website. Accreditation affects certification eligibility.
3
Ask for exam pass rates. Any program that won't tell you their first-time ARRT or ARMRIT exam pass rate is hiding something. This is the clearest indicator of program quality.
4
Check clinical site locations. Where will you do your clinical rotations? Sites near your home reduce cost and stress. Ask for a list of affiliated clinical partners and their addresses.
5
Get total cost in writing. Tuition is only part of the cost. Ask for the full disclosure: tuition, fees, books/materials, uniform, exam fees, and any other required costs. Compare total cost of attendance, not just tuition.
6
Understand the schedule before committing. Can you work while in school? When are clinical shifts? Are schedules fixed or flexible? Confirm these details before signing anything.
7
Read the enrollment agreement carefully. Understand the refund policy, what happens if you need to take a leave of absence, and what the obligations are if you withdraw. California has consumer protection rules for vocational schools - know your rights.

FAQ

What is the best MRI school in California?

There is no single "best" school - the right program depends on your location, schedule, budget, and which certification pathway you're pursuing. Use our comparison table and school finder to match programs to your specific situation rather than relying on a generic ranking.

How long do MRI programs take in California?

ARMRIT-based certificate programs take 12–18 months. ARRT post-primary programs require a prior primary credential (typically 2 years) plus additional MRI specialty training - so 3–4 years total from scratch.

Can I work while in an MRI program?

It depends on the program's schedule. Ask each school specifically about clinical shift times and whether past students have successfully worked part-time. Some programs accommodate working students better than others.

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We may earn compensation from featured schools. Disclosure.

CA MRI Salary

$122K
CA Median (BLS 2024)
Full salary data →

Compare by Location

→ Anaheim MRI Schools → Los Angeles MRI Schools → Cost Comparison → Program Length Compared