An MRI apparatus is provided. The MRI apparatus includes a main magnet (12) for generating a main magnetic field in an examination region, a plurality of gradient magnets (16) for generating magnetic field gradients in the main magnetic field, a radio frequency coil (22) for transmitting radio frequency signals into the examination region and exciting magnetic resonance in a subject disposed therein, and a radio frequency coil for receiving the magnetic resonance signals from the subject. The MRI apparatus also includes subject support (52) for supporting the subject, a position controller (60) for controlling the position of the subject support within the examination region, and a position encoder (53) for directly measuring the position of the subject support.