Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

Urban Institute

National (OA)

National Occupational Frameworks

Documents

Individual state requirements may vary. Please contact your local apprenticeship office to ensure this version is suitable to your state’s requirements.

Work Process Schedule

Work Process Content

On the Job Training

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Skills

Conducts pre-procedure preparation, including patient screening, education, and safety assessment

Greets imaging patients appropriately and professionally
Evaluates patient’s ability to understand and comply with communication from health care personnel and arranges for a translator as needed
Confirms identification of patients (generally by name and birth date)
Reviews MRI screening questionnaire with patients, making sure there are no contraindications for MRI exam that would result in canceling the procedure (such as certain pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, implanted medication pumps, cochlear implants, any implants held by magnets, neurostimulation systems, catheters with ferromagnetic components, bullets or shrapnel, metal foreign bodies in or near the eye, pregnancy, or possible pregnancy)
Consults physician if contraindications that should have resulted in canceling the procedure are discovered
Reviews MRI screening questionnaire of patient concerns such as anxiety and claustrophobia, discusses in-person patient concerns as needed, and confirms medication was taken if indicated
Explains MRI procedures and their biological effects (at a level they can understand) to patients, patient representatives, and family members
Refers questions about diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis to a licensed practitioner
Reviews factors that can affect the MRI procedure but not necessarily cancel it (for example, confirms names and manufacturers of pacemakers and implanted devices and refers to consulting physician as needed)
Identifies factors that may affect image quality if close to the scanned area (e.g., spinal rods, plates, pins, screws or mesh from bone and joint repair, prostheses, body modifications, tattoos, dental fillings, and braces) and makes special preparations
Reviews patient medical history to ensure safe and effective scan
Identifies contraindications to procedures involving contrast agents, such as kidney disease, kidney failure, kidney transplant, or liver disease
Ensures patients remove hearing aids before the scan and confirms removal
Requests patients to remove medication and glucose monitoring patches
Ensures patients remove all metallic belongings, such as watches, jewelry, cellphones, socks, and other clothing with metal threads, and clothing with metal fasteners
Requests patients to dress in appropriate procedure gowns
Investigates and, as needed, requests patients remove makeup, nail polish, or other cosmetics that may contain metallic particles
Reviews patient weight for table limit
Fills and explains patient consent form, completely answering all patient questions (in some jurisdictions, consent for MRI procedures is not required, or other health care staff are responsible for this activity)
Scans patients with a ferromagnetic detector (not all sites use metal detectors)

Prepares personnel, MRI system, equipment, and rooms

Reviews physician’s orders, work orders, and schedules to determine procedures
Selects appropriate imaging techniques and coils to produce required images
Prepares MRI room for exam, including cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
Prepares ancillary equipment; labels the equipment with safe, conditional, or unsafe
Ensures availability of assistive devices such as wedges, stools, and lifts
Provides patient comfort items (e.g., warm blankets, pillows)
Screens ancillary equipment, computer work station, oxygen supplies, and other equipment to confirm all are non-ferromagnetic and MRI-approved
Prepares personal protective equipment as needed
Verifies patient readiness with inpatient nurse and requests patient transport as needed (for MRIs in hospitals; may not be a nurse)

Prepares patient for procedure in MRI room

Reviews patient chart and imaging order
Verifies two patient identifiers (such as name and date of birth)
Determines patient concerns regarding the scan
Obtains patient vital signs when indicated
For non-ambulatory patients, safely transfers the patient to the table with appropriate equipment (such as MRI safe wheelchairs) and with appropriate support from other staff according to facility policy
For ambulatory patients, lowers the table to allow the patient to lie down or take other steps to assist the patient onto the table as needed
Places protective pads for the patient (e.g., knees, head, neck)
Guides the patient through the location and use of alarm bell
Provides headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce noise
For anxious patients, takes steps to reduce anxiety, such as using a prone position when feasible, adjusting mirrors so patients can see out, and discussing plans if premature exit becomes necessary
Instructs patients on how to communicate with the technologist through the intercom system
Starts patient IV using sterile/aseptic technique, as allowed by facility policy
Administers contrast agents through infusion pumps/injector according to facility policy, and checks for symptoms of allergic reaction to contrast materials, such as shortness of breath
Directs patients to close their eyes when laser lights turn on
Attaches MRI-compatible physiological monitoring leads to patient’s finger, chest, waist, and other body parts, as needed
Provides MRI-compatible CinemaVision MRI goggles as needed, especially for pediatric MRIs

Conducts imaging procedures

Verifies body part for imaging
Enters patient data
Performs procedural time-out
Positions patient on table and assistive positioning devices to set up correct imaging planes
Verifies informed consent for MRIs performed in research studies
Provides patient comfort items (e.g., pillows)
Attaches MRI-compatible immobilization devices as needed
Selects and prepares appropriate imaging parameters and options to optimize MRI image quality
Engages and monitors operation of MRI system
Communicates with the patient via intercom to identify any discomfort during operation of MRI system
Performs MRI images, including functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization
Inspects images for quality
Repeats imaging procedure, if necessary
Transmits images to Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) (note: the accepted federal term is Medical Image Management Processing Systems, or MIMPS)
Verifies transmission of images to PACS/MIMPS
Applies principles of patient safety to all aspects of patient care
Uses proper ergonomics and appropriate patient transfer devices
Performs ongoing quality assurance activities
Selects appropriate pulse sequences with consideration to established protocols and best practices for data acquisition
Maintains and ensures restricted access to controlled areas
Employs professional judgment to adapt imaging procedures to improve diagnostic quality
Monitors the patient’s physical, emotional, and mental status throughout the procedure
Uses appropriate positioning and insulating materials; monitors factors related to patient overheating and exposure to contact burns
Practices standard precautions at all times

Avoids and responds to emergencies

Assesses and monitors the door of the MRI system at all times
Identifies life-threatening situations, including cardiac and respiratory distress, evacuates patient immediately from MRI area, and responds with appropriate first aid and/or life support
Assesses whether the patient is a fall risk and responds accordingly
Responds to patient alarm bell to determine the need for discontinuation of procedure
Maintains access to MRI quench button, and uses it in necessary circumstances
Maintains access to MRI power cut-off, and uses it in necessary circumstances
Follows protocols for patient evacuation as necessary
Follows mandatory reporting requirements (in case of and in response to adverse event)

Conducts post-procedure patient care and imaging protocols

Reviews images to determine if a critical report call is needed and conducts a critical report call as indicated
Confirms patient is able to get off MRI table safely, and assists with patient mobility as needed
Safely removes the intravenous (IV) line following the administration of contrast agent, following facility protocols
Checks patient for symptoms of allergic reaction to contrast materials, such as rash or shortness of breath
Ensures qualified staff assist the patient in safely leaving the magnet room to change clothes
Uses proper ergonomics and appropriate patient transfer devices
Ensures staff confirm that the patient has appropriate transportation home with a responsible adult, if the patient received medication for claustrophobia or anesthesia
Maintains patient privacy
Writes technologist communication notes explaining unusual characteristics of imaging results to radiologist/reading physician as needed
Verifies exam charge codes
Reports any device malfunction according to protocols of the health care setting
Distributes thank you cards and alerts patients to watch for follow-up surveys

Maintains equipment and supplies

Performs equipment cleaning and replacement between patients
Manages equipment storage
Conducts inventories of stock of clinical supplies, such as venipuncture supplies, contrast media, sterile trays, wipes, and crash carts
Participates in restocking exam room supplies
Tests MRI equipment (e.g., runs American College of Radiology Phantom) to ensure functioning and performance according to specifications
Troubleshoots technical issues related to the MRI system or peripheral equipment such as monitors or coils
Completes work order requests to maintenance staff or information technology staff as needed

Performs departmental responsibilities

Maintains department supplies
Instructs medical staff about MRI environment, equipment operation, and safety protocols in all zones
Coordinates patient medical record requests while upholding HIPAA standards
Coordinates patient care with other departments
Schedules appointments for research subjects and clinical patients in coordination with physicians and office staff
Completes employee health requirements such as flu shots and vaccinations
Coordinates environmental service needs (e.g., mop, linens, and trash removal)
Completes required facility training and participates in drills for emergency procedures such as disruptive behavior, active shooters, bomb threats, and extreme weather events
Completes the required mandatory MRI drills, including quench and fire drills
Completes the required facility training for patient privacy and sexual harassment
Completes time reporting requirements
Completes paid time off and sick leave processes
Prepares for and actively engages in annual performance reviews by reflecting on job performance, setting goals, and responding to feedback
Demonstrates understanding of professional conduct and respectful workplace expectations by completing required training and applying these principles in interactions with patients and coworkers
Assists in supervising MRI clinical students

Maintains professional development

Maintains professional certifications
Enrolls in and passes appropriate continuing education credits at appropriate durations and in relevant topics
Completes in-service training on imaging equipment and demonstrates competency by operating the equipment according to updated guidelines or manufacturer instructions.
Completes Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training and demonstrates proper life-saving techniques during drills or competency assessments
Reads and evaluates research relevant to the profession and adopts new best practices
Maintains membership in a professional association and participates in at least one activity annually, such as attending a meeting, webinar, or conference

Related Instruction Outline

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

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