Apparatus and methods for magnetic resonance imaging are provided. The apparatus desirably comprises an MRI magnet subsystem and a control kiosk spatially separate from the MRI subsystem. The control kiosk may be advantageously located inside or outside the shielded room housing the MRI subsystem. The method comprises the steps of providing a control kiosk spatially separate from the MRI subsystem and positioning and viewing a patient within a patient-receiving space of the main subsystem. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising a relay having a power input and power output connected to a power supply of an actuator control unit is provided.