BIC offers training to support independent and/or assisted research activities on our imaging systems.

All of the preclinical imaging systems of the BIC are located within the ARC suite in HDB. Appropriate facility training will also be required.


MRI User Training

BIC offers 2 levels of user-training for our human and pre-clinical MRI systems, based on the guidelines set forth by the American College    of Radiology (ACR). Level 1 (L1) ensures an individual can work safely around an MRI system and can observe / assist with an MRI study. L1 training is also required for all staff that provide emergency medical support to the Center’s operations in NHB or HDB. Level 2 (L2) grants an individual system-operator status so they can run the scanner independently.

Level 1 Certification:  This course covers basic MRI safety principles, familiarizes the user with the resources of the BIC in either HDB or NHB, and provides hands-on training with key safety features of the MRI scanner that may be required in an emergency.

Level 1 certification requires completion of the following modules:

  1.  The online UTLearn course OH309 (for our 3T Siemens Vida system in HDB), or OH310 (for our 3T Siemens Skyra system in NHB) which cover MRI Safety Basics. For the 7T Bruker preclinical system either course may be taken.
  2.  Submit the L1 training form (Biomedical Imaging Center - MRI L1 Training Form) to request in-person training / orientation – a limited number of dates / times are currently available.
  3.  Complete the MRI Safety Screening form for Personnel
  4.  Attend the in-person L1 Safety Training class for the appropriate system.

Level 1 users will be granted in-hours facility access to BIC but will not have access to the MRI scanner room(s); out of hours access can also be requested. Certified L1 users should then request access to participant MRI Safety Screening Forms via our Qualtrics database.

Level 2 Certification:  The L2 course includes a more detailed lecture on the principles of MRI, advanced MRI safety and includes training in the operation of the MRI scanner and ancillary equipment. Prior experience as a Level 1 user is assumed. Note that the Skyra and Vida systems run different software environments for MRI scanning, therefore training on the appropriate system is recommended.

Level 2 certification requires completion of the following modules:

  1.  Obtain Level 1 certification
  2.  Attend the Level 2 training lecture: email BIC support to request a copy of our virtual L2 lecture.
  3.  Pass the Level 2 written exam.
  4.  Complete 5 apprenticeship sessions under the supervision of a qualified Level 2 mentor.
  5.  Submit the L2 Certification form to BIC support asking to sit the L2 practical exam on the appropriate MRI scanner (Skyra or Vida.
  6.  Pass the Level 2 Practical Exam

Successfully passing the L2 practical exam will certify that the user is permitted to operate the scanner and run MRI studies. Access to the MRI scanner room will be granted, and morphometric (fingerprint) IDs will be uploaded to the entry system.

All human MRI studies performed at BIC require the presence of an L2 user assisted by a L1 (2-person rule).

PET/CT User Training

Training in how to operate our Siemens Inveon preclinical PET/CT system is available on-request. Please email BIC support to inquire about training options. Note that Radiation Safety training for Radioactive Materials (RAM) and/or X-ray devices is a pre-requisite before scanner training and is available through UT Austin Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

Human PET/CT studies must currently be performed with the assistance of a PET/CT Technologist. If you are interested in performing human CT or PET studies, please contact the Director.


Optical Imaging User Training

Training in how to operate our Xenogen IVIS optical imaging system is available on-request. Please email BIC support to inquire about training options.




Additional Tutorials