MRI Programs in Anaheim, CA

Schools, Costs & How to Enroll (2026)

Anaheim sits at the heart of Orange County's healthcare market - home to UCI Health affiliates, CHOC, St. Joseph Hospital, and a dense network of outpatient imaging centers.

Anaheim is one of the strongest markets for MRI technologist employment in Southern California. As the largest city in Orange County, it sits within commuting distance of major hospital systems, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics - all of which hire MRI techs. The LA–Long Beach–Anaheim metro median MRI salary is $114,380/year (BLS May 2024), and demand is growing alongside the region's expanding healthcare infrastructure.

MRI Schools Serving Anaheim

CNI College

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

📞 (800) 455-4700

www.cnicollege.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 →

National Polytechnic College

📍 4105 South St, Lakewood, CA 90712

📞 (888) 243-2493

www.npcollege.edu

Clinical Sites & Employers in Anaheim

Anaheim's healthcare infrastructure means clinical rotation opportunities are close by. Major imaging employers in and around Anaheim include:

UCI Health (multiple OC locations)
CHOC Children's Hospital
St. Joseph Hospital Anaheim (Providence)
Kaiser Permanente Orange County
Hoag Hospital (Newport Beach, Irvine)
Providence St. Jude Medical Center
MemorialCare facilities
Outpatient imaging centers (RadNet and others)

MRI Tech Salary in Anaheim & Orange County

$114K
LA–OC–Anaheim Metro Median
(BLS May 2024)
$122K
California State Median
(BLS May 2024)
+6%
Job Growth 2023–33
(BLS Projection)
See full Orange County salary data →

How to Choose an MRI School in Anaheim

1.
Confirm clinical site proximity. Ask each school where your clinical rotations will be. Sites near Anaheim or North OC minimize commute burden during training.
2.
Verify certification pathway eligibility. Most Anaheim-area programs follow the ARMRIT route (no prior degree). Confirm you're eligible for the specific exam the program prepares you for.
3.
Ask for the full cost breakdown. Get tuition, fees, books, and exam costs in writing. Compare total cost of attendance, not just tuition.
4.
Request exam pass rates. Ask for the school's first-time ARMRIT or ARRT exam pass rate. This is the clearest measure of program quality.

Certification in California

After completing your MRI program, you'll need to pass the national exam (ARMRIT or ARRT) and obtain California state recognition from the CDPH Radiologic Health Branch before practicing. Programs in the Anaheim area primarily prepare students for the ARMRIT exam. Full California certification guide →

Financial Aid for Anaheim MRI Students

Financial aid availability depends on whether your school is Title IV-eligible. Ask specifically about FAFSA eligibility, payment plans, and any institutional grants. Financial aid guide →

FAQ - MRI Programs in Anaheim

Are there MRI programs in Anaheim?

Yes. Anaheim is home to MRI training programs including California Career Institute. The Anaheim area also provides easy access to other Orange County programs in Irvine, Santa Ana, and nearby cities.

How long do MRI programs in Anaheim take?

ARMRIT-based programs in the Anaheim area typically take 12–18 months. Verify current program length directly with each school, as schedules can change.

What do MRI techs earn in the Anaheim area?

The Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metro median MRI technologist salary is $114,380/year (BLS May 2024). Entry-level pay typically starts at $55,000–$70,000, with significant growth over the first few years.

Do I need a degree to enter MRI school in Anaheim?

For ARMRIT-based programs, no college degree is required - a high school diploma and some prerequisite coursework are typical minimums. Confirm specific prerequisites with each program.

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