MRI TECHNOLOGIST

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists

1 Follows more difficult and complex protocols as prescribed by the MRI Radiologists. It is

expected these assignments are unique and may require expert specialization in complex areas

of MRI to include imaging of the head, neck, spine, abdomen, chest as well as upper and lower

extremities.

2 Operates the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI), a highly complex

computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves

to acquire images and follows more difficult and complex assignments.

3 Has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices; to comply with

published and communicated safety procedures; to immediately report any observed safety

infractions or unsafe working conditions.

4 Receives patients by checking name, social security number or date of birth and

explaining the procedures to be performed per the request. Verifies that female patients are not

pregnant. Selects and sets technical factors using established criteria. Sets up and adjusts

accessory equipment as required. Makes exposures necessary for the required procedures.

Takes films / images to daylight processor for processing. Edits film / images for quality of images,

positioning and appropriate ID. Enters required data into the Decentralized Hospital Computer

System (DHCP).

5 Maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, views, images taken,

and settings used. Performs routine examinations of chest, joints, extremities, cholangiography,

barium enemas, upper GIs IVPs and other complex examinations, under the technical or

professional direction of a Radiologist when required during tour assigned. Checks equipment

for working conditions prior to contacting the physician or patient for exam. Notifies the

physician and / or technical supervisor of any equipment problems. Sets up x-ray room, assuring

that sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters and other requirement equipment are present

and laid out. Assures infection control standards are followed. Greets patients arriving in the

department and assists in verifying appointments, and / or answering the phone and providing

general information as needed or requested. Calls scheduled inpatients for examinations when

appropriate equipment is available.

6 Provides portable x-rays thru-out the medical centers, notifying nearby staff / visitors of

the need to protect them from possible scattering radiation. Records the nature of, and

circumstances surrounding unusual events occurring in the Diagnostic Imaging Service during

the assigned tour and notifies the Radiologist on-call or the supervisory technologist. Assures

the cleanliness of the exam room and re-stocks supply cabinet at the end of the tour. Assures

the safety of patient while in his / her care and adheres to appropriate safe patient handling and

movement. Maintains courteous customer service skills towards patients, visitor and staff.

Notifies supervisory technologist of absence of coverage and if leaving the Department or work

area. Remains on duty until relief of next tour arrives. Reports for duty on time or calls to report

absence / tardiness no later than one hour before the beginning of the tour scheduled.

7 Technologists shall follow appropriate Radiology / Diagnostic Imaging Service (DIS)

policies for after hour requests across each modality : CT, MRI, Ultra-Sound, and Diagnostic.

Any concerns or questions after-hours when there is no radiologist on duty shall be referred. If

a local teaching university is available (University of Washington or Oregon Health Science

University), then any concerns or questions after-hours when there is no radiologist on duty

shall be referred to the teaching universities Resident or On- Call Radiologist or Chief

Technologist; this is a location specific determination. The contract technologist shall leave a

written documentation for the Chief Technologist detailing the situation. When scheduled,

serves as a member of an on-call team providing after hour services in response to

emergencies. Responsibilities are based on the VA / Radiology Mission across all modalities as

related to the care and services that is provided for the Veterans. Responsibilities across all

modalities are based on the same criteria as any Technologists whether CT, MRI, US, or

Diagnostic. This is taken from the Specific Functional Statement and Job Performance

Standards as outlined by the Chief Technologist, Radiology which can be provided by the Chief

Technologist to the temporary technicians.