MRI Technologist

Statement of purpose:

Performs MRI examinations on patients of all ages and coordinates patient flow and the activities of the MRI Scanner.  Prepares patients, equipment, and supplies for MRI, and sends images to PACS. 

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

The following statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Knowledgeable in all MRI exams.  Performs standard and advanced studies approved by the Medical Director of Diagnostic Imaging. 

Knowledgeable of MRI safety including MRI compatible equipment.  Instructs hospital staff in MRI scanning workflow and safety as necessary.  Adheres to prescribed standards for MRI safety and monitors appropriate access of personnel and visitors to the MRI Suite.

Prepares, operates, performs exams, and maintains MRI equipment and injector equipment. Prepares patient rooms and maintains adequate supplies and medications.  Maintains cleanliness of the equipment and scan room. 

Is prepared to serve members of various patient groups from pediatric to geriatric by using special equipment or adjusting techniques to satisfactorily produce a diagnostic image.

Provides the patient and those in attendance with appropriate information relating to the procedure being performed.  Explains examination and procedure to patient, including MRI screening prior to positioning patient for MRI scan.

Encourages child to ask questions about whatever procedure is being done; use a toy or game to teach the child and to reduce fear; keeps parent(s) involved in whatever follow-up procedure might be necessary.

Shows respect for the adolescent patient’s opinions and avoids an authoritarian approach; explains the procedure in detail and encourages questions from patient.

Gives the geriatric patient every possible assurance regarding the procedure being performed; assists the patient in terms of any necessary self-care; encourages the patient to take advantage of any support system that may be in place.

Records images with proper labeling and identification.  Sends images to PACs for storage.  Sends images to Teleradiology as needed. 

Selects proper technical factors on an individual basis.  Maintains technique and procedure manuals, and exam protocol for Radiologist interpreters. 

Selects and operates equipment as directed and notifies department lead or Director of department of equipment problems.  Reports to Diagnostic Imaging Services Director of any errors in test results.

Lifts, moves, and transports patients via wheelchair or gurney as necessary.

Obtains clinical history and gathers pertinent clinical data, and any previous MRI scans.  Checks with designated Radiologist and uses proper and appropriate protocols and parameters as directed. 

Checks orders for accuracy and if necessary, communicates well with Radiologist and collaborates on optimal protocols and procedures for each exam. 

 Schedules cases to coordinate with other patient examinations.

Varied shifts. 

Effectively utilizes the HIS, RIS & PACs computer and related office equipment. 

Participates in Departmental Quality Assurance Program as directed including daily QA on equipment.  Participates in continuing education opportunities. 

Interpersonal and professional Behavior:

Minimizes absences and reports to work in a dependable manner.

Complies with appropriate hospital and diagnostic imaging service dress code.

Respects and adheres to hospital policies regarding patient confidentiality both in and out of the hospital setting.

Conducts self in a professional manner.  Demonstrates consideration for patients, co-workers, and all other persons involved in the health care delivery system.

Establishes and maintains orderliness in the work place and writes legibly.

Acknowledges co-workers as having the rights to cooperative effort and apply that knowledge to promote teamwork.

Works calmly in emergency or crisis situations and handles pressure of increasing workload.

Displays initiative and responsibility for professional growth to achieve high standards of self-improvement.

Capable of working without supervision within the guidelines set up by the Director of Diagnostic Imaging.

Have good oral and written communication skills.

Job Requirements:

• Successful completion of an AMA approved program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in MRI

• One year’s experience as an MRI Technologist preferred.

• Valid Vermont license.

• CPR certification