An MRI apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a main magnet for generating a main magnetic field in an examination region, a plurality of gradient coils for generating gradient fields within the main field, an RF transmit coil for transmitting RF signals into the examination region and exciting magnetic resonance in a subject disposed therein in accordance with a plurality of imaging parameters, the transmitted RF signals having a SAR associated therewith, and a SAR processor for maintaining the transmitted RF signals below a prescribed SAR level.