Is there a relationship between how MRI is learned and knowledge?

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiologic Technology
• Higher Education

Background:

• The education of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) practitioners is typically experiential, often following radiographer qualification.
• There is a need to evaluate alternative educational pathways, such as specialized undergraduate degrees, for MRI practice.
• This study investigates the efficacy of a specialized undergraduate MRI degree versus experiential learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the knowledge acquisition of MRI practitioners educated through a specialized undergraduate degree versus those trained experientially.
• To determine if prior qualification as a radiographer is essential for competent MRI practice.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 48 participants (25 graduate practitioners, 23 experiential practitioners) from four US clinical sites.
• Objective, structured clinical examination (OSCE) used to assess knowledge across key MRI topics.

Main Results:

• Graduate practitioners scored significantly higher on the OSCE than experiential practitioners (p=0.018).
• Mean scores were 63.18% for graduates and 53.58% for experiential practitioners.
• A large effect size (Cohen's d=0.697) indicated the specialized degree positively impacts MRI knowledge.

Conclusions:

• A specialized undergraduate degree in MRI appears to be a beneficial educational approach.
• Prior qualification as a radiographer may not be necessary for competent MRI practice.