The American College of Radiology has established a voluntary certification program for MRI facilities. Clinical medical physicists have an important role to play in assessing the performance of MRI units under this program as well as assisting facilities to implement more advanced applications which will expand their MRI services. This course combines a comprehensive series of lectures on the technology of MRI with three hands-on laboratories to provide practical demonstrations of key concepts and procedures. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has graciously offered the use of MRI units for the laboratories. This is a unique opportunity to learn both theory and practical assessment and testing of MRI units, including 3T systems, from an experienced and knowledgeable faculty. Participation will provide the continuing education credit required for supporting certified MRI facilities. It is also useful for preparing to take the subspecialty examination in MRI offered by the ABMP.

At the completion of this course, participants should have learned:

• Factors affecting MR image quality, routine and advanced pulse sequences, fast scanning techniques and sources of artifacts.
• The assessment of MR machine performance utilizing the ACR MRI phantom (including 3T systems).
• The performance of advanced applications; diffusion/perfusion, MR Angiography and Spectroscopy procedures.
• Acceptance testing and quality assurance procedures for MRI units, including unique issues with 3T.