MRI Technologist

The MRI Technologist interprets physician’s instructions; explains MRI procedures to patients; selects imaging parameters and software options to help adjust MRI machine; views images obtained during an imaging session; and keeps records of results.  S/he maneuvers examination equipment; prepares patient for medical procedure; assists patients onto examination tables from supine positions, wheel chairs or carts; and positions patients for imaging.

Required Education:

• Graduate from an AMA-approved school or the combination of education, knowledge, skills, mental development, and relevant experience that enables performance of all aspects of the position.
• ARRT-MRI (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certificate (will be required as of July 1, 2015) Registry must be obtained within the first year of employment)

Desirable Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Radiology or related field.

IEMA (Illinois Department of Management Agency) License

Required Experience:

A minimum of one (1) year of experience as a MRI Technologist.

Desirable Experience:

A minimum of three (3) years of MRI experience in a health care setting.

Duties & Responsibilities:

General

1.  Ensure that all ferromagnetic materials are located outside of scan room.

2.  Perform ACR guidelines regarding Zones of Safety in an MRI suite.

3.  Perform correct emergency shutdown procedures when necessary.

4.  Perform proper fire and safety evacuations, when necessary.

5.  Provide verification on all ancillary equipment to ensure it is operational (monitoring devices, injectors, surveillance equipment, etc.).

6.  Ensure that procedure room is clean within Infection Control standards.

7. Prior to scanning, inspect room for potential environment of care hazards (call bells, O2 tank, outlets, lighting) and report discrepancies to supervisor in a timely manner.

8. Ensure patient transfer/transport equipment is checked to ensure compliance with safe operational standards.

9. Operate required equipment necessary to produce scans using established guidelines and MRI protocols.

10.  Ensure startup and shutdown procedures are performed in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.

11. Ensure that every patient requisition received has the requested exams prescribed by the ordering physician.

12.  Ensure that the department protocol book is reviewed and the procedure is validated with regards to the patient’s requisition.

13. Verify patient information.  If necessary correct any misinformation and transfer information to PACs system.

14.   Validate requisition to ensure correct charge codes are assigned.

15.   Ensure completion of MRI screening form is verified and the information provided is validated.

16.  Start IV access according to standard procedure and inject contrast media under the direction of a physician.

17.   Ensure appropriate IV site is selected according to exam protocol.

18.  Ensure proper catheter or needle is selected and venipuncture is introduced following established standard precaution guidelines.

19.   Ensure correct IV contrast is selected and correct amount for administration is prepared in accordance with radiologist prescribed protocol and manufacturer’s guidelines.

20. Ensure appropriate injection parameters are selected and injection is monitored according to established guidelines.

21.  Ensure injection amount, IV location, and flow rate is recorded on correct document and appropriate QA documentation (QR reports) are generated when infiltration or reaction occurs.

22.  Prepare and position patient for procedure by using established MRI protocols to achieve the highest quality image.

23. Ensure correct exam protocol on scanner console is selected and parameters are modified in accordance with radiologist prescribed protocol.

24. Assist patient on to scanner table being considerate to patients with disabilities, height or size limitations, wheel chairs, carts, and/or any other limitations.

25.  Ability to properly care for patients with psychological issues (claustrophobia, fearful patients, sedated patients, etc.).

26.   Ensure localization aides are utilized in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.

27.   Ensure correct positioning with localizer scans.

28.   Distribute to the radiologist the completed exam documentation and date for proper reading.

29.   Ensure zones 3 and 4 are secure when authorized personnel are not present.

30.   Assist in maintaining supplies.

31.  Ensure procedure room is inspected to ensure appropriate supplies are available based on caseload and established par levels.

32.   Ensure expired items are removed and appropriate personnel is informed.

33.   Recommend new or different supplies, as needed, to ensure efficient workflow or cost savings.

34.   Participate in on-going service and process improvement efforts.

35.   Attend all mandatory in-service and training session.

36.   Complete all assigned SWANK modules and tests.

37.   Maintain CE requirements per ARRT guidelines.

38.   Demonstrate initiative to proactively diagnose and resolve problems.

 Patients

1.  Ensure patient identifiers are used in accordance with established policy and procedure.

2.  Introduce self to patient using name and position title.

3. Explain procedure to patient in laymen’s terms using educational/information aids (books, pamphlets, videos, interpreter, etc.) when necessary.  Allow time for patient feedback and questions, ensuring all questions are addressed prior to exam start. 

4.  Regard safety of patient as a priority in performing procedures.

5.  Utilize proper basic and advanced positioning techniques as needed.

6.  Treat patients in a professional manner.

7.  Maintain imaging equipment (make sure equipment is in proper working condition).

8.  Keep work area and equipment clean and neat.

9.  Clean and disinfect exam room and other equipment before and after patient usage.

10.  Collaborate with other departments, as necessary to improve patient outcome.

Quality Control

1.   Provide QA for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

2.   Assist Radiation Physicist with QA testing on scanner.

3.   Attend monthly department and QA meetings.

4.   Educate hospital staff regarding new quality initiatives.

5.   Assist in development of standards for MRI Safety to the public to assure safety and awareness.

6.   Maintain awareness of current issues in MRI safety for staff and patients.

7.   Assure that protocols meet existing standards regarding SAR and MRI safety standards.

8.   Perform quality assurance checks on equipment and procedures areas.

9.   Perform phantom QA scans and accurately record in log book.

10.   Verify PACS is operational.

A Roman Catholic facility founded by the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph and sponsored by Catholic Health International, St. Bernard Hospital aspires to live in the healing mission of Christ within the South Side community of Chicago. This mission calls us to care for the sick and promote the health of the residents in the community while witnessing the Christian values of respect, dignity, caring and compassion for all persons. In all matters, St. Bernard Hospital will show a special sensitivity to the culture of the people we serve and the unique needs of the poor and powerless.