Where compassion meets innovation and technology and our employees are family.

General Purpose of Job:

Utilizing sophisticated computer aided imaging equipment, performs quality magnetic resonance imaging to create images for diagnosis.  The MRI technologist integrates scientific knowledge and technical skills with effective patient interaction to provide quality patient focused care and useful diagnostic information

The MRI Technologist will perform other duties as deemed necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; employees will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or hospital administration as required.

• Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of human cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and medical terminology
• Maintains a high degree of accuracy in positioning and image formation
• Maintains knowledge of magnetic field safety
• Prepares and administers contrast media (gadolinium) in accordance with DCH medication guidelines and physician order
• Serves as the primary liaison between patients/families and radiologists and other members of the support team
• Is sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patients/families through good communication, patient assessment, patient monitoring and patient care skills
• Uses professional and ethical judgment and critical thinking in performance of duties
• Participates in MR QA programs to continually assess professional performance
• Pursues continuing education activities to for optimal patient care, enhanced knowledge and technical competence
• Maintains a high degree of accuracy in positioning and exposure techniques
• Maintains knowledge of and practices proper magnetic and patient safety techniques
• Maintains sensitivity to the mental and physical needs of the patient through good communication, patient assessment, patient monitoring and patient care skills
• Reconfirms patient identification and verifies procedure requested or prescribed
• Uses good age specific skills in dealing with the psychosocial, developmental and physical needs of the patient
• Uses consistent and appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, patient, family and other healthcare providers
• Verifies patient LMP status when appropriate
• Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the examination
• Assesses factors that may contraindicate the requested procedure, such as medication, insufficient preparation, presence of ferrous and RF-sensitive material before patient enters the magnetic field
• Analysis information obtained during the assessment phase and develops an action plan for completing the procedure
• Uses his/her professional judgment to adapt imaging procedures to improve diagnostic quality
• Consults appropriate medical personnel to determine a modified action plan when necessary
• Determines the need for accessory equipment
• Reviews the medical record and the physician’s request to determine optimal scanning parameters for suspected pathology
• Verifies that the patient/family have consented to the procedure and fully understands any risks, benefits, alternatives and follow-up.  When appropriate, verifies that written consent has been obtained
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate time and at a level the patient/family can understand
• Administers first aid and provides life support in emergency situations
• Assesses the patient’s physical and mental status during the procedure
• Measures the procedure against established protocols and guidelines
• Identifies any exceptions to the expected outcome
• Documents any exceptions clearly and accurately
• Reviews images to determine if additional scans will enhance the diagnostic value of the procedure
• Notifies appropriate health provider when immediate clinical response is necessary, based on procedural findings and patient condition
• Reassess the patient’s mental and physical status prior to discharge from the practitioner’s care
• Transfers images to PACS system as appropriate
• Archives images to data storage devices according to established guidelines
• Reviews all diagnostic data for completeness and accuracy
• Ensures that all procedural requirements are in place to achieve a quality diagnostic exam
• Refers questions about diagnosis, prognosis or treatment to the patient’s physician
• Assist in counseling staff in regard to performance, conduct attendance and other related matters
• Assists in new staff orientation
• Maintains prescribed standards in MR imaging
• Assists in developing/maintaining MR procedure manual
• Assists in resolving inter and inter departmental problems relating to MRI section
• Performs weekly inventory of area supplies, orders needed items via computer
• Prepares purchase order requests for delivery and non-inventory items, forward to Admin. Director for authorization prior to sending to M.M. for purchase
• Assists in Maintaining the section in full compliance with all requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies
• Provides basic patient care and comfort including good infection control practices, including good hand washing technique, appropriate use of standard precautions
• Consistently provides the best image quality within the limitations of available resources and patient clinical status
• Recognize significant clinical information and historical facts from the patient and medical record, which may affect the examination
• Recognize the appearance of normal and abnormal anatomical structures
• Recognize examination findings that may require immediate clinical response and notifies the interpreting and/or other appropriate physician
• Identifies any artifact producing objects and removes whenever possible
• Identifies life threatening situations and responds appropriately
• Uses oral and written communication skills to interact with interpreting physician
• Assists in resolving inter and inter departmental problems relating to diagnostic MR
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Exercises appropriate age-specific communication skills when interacting with customers, patients, and families
• Exercises appropriate age specific safety practices
• Uses appropriate age specific procedural interventions
• Performs weekly inventory of area supplies, orders needed items via computer
• Assists in maintaining the section in full compliance with all requirements of Federal and State regulatory agencies
• Provides basic patient care and comfort including good infection control practices, including good hand washing technique, appropriate use of standard precautions
• Consistently provides the best image quality within the limitations of available resources and patient clinical status
• Recognize significant clinical information and historical facts from the patient and medical record, which may affect the examination
• Recognize the appearance of normal and abnormal anatomical structures
• Recognize examination findings that may require immediate clinical response and notifies the interpreting and/or other appropriate physician
• Identifies any artifact producing objects and removes whenever possible
• Identifies life threatening situations and responds appropriately
• Uses oral and written communication skills to interact with interpreting physician
• Assists in resolving inter and inter departmental problems relating to diagnostic MRI
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Ensures that self and MR staff members assist in the collection of pertinent information regarding equipment, the procedures and the work environment
• Ensures that self and MR staff assists in the collection of pertinent data regarding departmental Process Improvement activities
• Ensures that services are performed in a safe environment in accordance with established guidelines
• Ensures that equipment maintenance and operation comply with established guidelines
• Assesses equipment to determine acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Ensures that self and staff review protocol and procedure manuals as well as Safety, Risk Management, Radiation Safety and other pertinent manuals on at least an annual basis.
• Analysis information collected and recommends whether changes need to be made to equipment, procedures or work environment; discusses any recommended changes with appropriate supervisor. 
• Ensures all QA checks are completed and documented in a timely manner
• Assists in performing departmental safety inspections
• Reports equipment malfunction to service vendors, ensuring all required documentation is completed

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
• Two to four years related experience and/or training in magnetic resonance imaging or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Registry or registry eligible for advanced certification in MR imaging.
  • Must be registered within one (1) year after the hired date.