Annual MRI Safety Training Launches September 8​

August 20, 2026 | 1 min. read

While MRI is a widely used diagnostic modality, it poses potential risks to patients, staff and visitors. To mitigate these risks, MRI safety training is required for all staff that may enter the MRI environment.
 
What you need to know

• Hospitals and imaging centers must maintain comprehensive MRI safety programs.
• Annual learning module assignments are managed at the system level by the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare MRI Safety Committee.
• NM Academy automatically assigns trainings based on role and risk level, as determined by the MRI safety training algorithm.
• The module will launch September 8 and must be completed by October 7. ​

​

MRI Hazard Awareness Training
Completion time: About 15 minutes 

This training focuses on:

• Potential risks of MRI procedures that could lead to serious injury or death
• The responsibilities of both MRI and non-MRI personnel to mitigate those risks

It is intended for house staff who occasionally work in restricted MRI areas but do not need independent access. This includes but is not limited to:

• Housekeeping and Maintenance staff
• Inspectors
• Patient Transport

Level 1 MRI Safety Training
Completion time: 45 minutes
CME credit available

Level 1 focuses on:

• Fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to ensure safety in MRI environments
• Projectile-related risks and consequences
• Emergency procedures in the MRI environment
• Importance of safety screening
• MR safety labeling
• Cryogen and quench safety

 
Level 1 is intended for those with MRI access privileges to controlled areas including Zone III and IV, such as:

• Anesthesiology 
• Respiratory 
• Nursing 
• Child life specialists 
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists
• Non-Radiology physicians 

 
Level 2 MRI Safety Training
Completion time: 45 minutes
CME credit available

Level 2 focuses on:

• Advanced risks associated with MRI procedures that could lead to serious injury or death
• Risk mitigation methods
• RF thermal injury prevention
• Proper use of ferromagnetic detection systems
• Implant screening and safety
• Contrast agent safety
• Complicating factors related to scanning of patients with specialized needs, such as:
  
  • People who are pregnant
    
  • Children
    
  • People who are claustrophobic
    
  • People with large body habitus
    
  • People who are in legal custody or on parole

 
Level 2 is intended for:

• Radiology and Radiation Oncology staff with MRI access privileges who need advanced MRI safety knowledge
• MR technologists
• Other house staff who actively work in MRI environments such as MRI physicists

 
For more information, visit the MRI Safety page on NM Interactive.
 
For more information about annual trainings, license renewals and other helpful resources, visit the Licensure and Regulatory Requirements page on Physician Forum.