MRI Technologist

Overview

MRI Technologist

PRN/OCC, Variable Hours and Shifts

Fort Sanders Regional Overview:

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical expertise with advanced medical technology to deliver exceptional care. As a Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center, we provide leading-edge treatment for stroke recovery. Our facility also offers specialized services in bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive spine procedures, and advanced orthopedic care.

Fort Sanders Regional is part of Covenant Health, East Tennessee’s largest nonprofit health system and a Becker’s “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare.” Covenant Health includes nine hospitals and nearly 150 service locations, offering employees a comprehensive benefits package with tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, certification bonuses, and leadership development programs.

Position Summary:

Perform complex tasks associated with the operation of high field strength magnets and related equipment to produce high quality MRI images.  The MRI technologist is responsible for maintaining a safe MRI environment at all times.

Responsibilities

• Performs procedures or examinations under the order of a licensed medical practitioner for diagnostic interpretation or therapeutic intervention.
• Perform complex tasks associated with the operation of high field strength magnets and related equipment to produce high quality MRI images. Selects and operates the magnetic resonance system, surface coils, physiologic gating devices and associated equipment to achieve desired results.  Selects appropriate pulse sequences with consideration given to established protocols and other factors influencing data acquisition parameters. Evaluate MRI scans for technical quality, post processing, complete MRI exam in electronic medical record and send to PACS.   Must maintain the four (4) MRI safety zones per ACR guidelines.  Must obtain high quality MRI scans in a timely manner.  Assist radiologist in developing new protocols and MRI imaging techniques.
• Identifies and screens patient and others according to MRI guidelines for safety. Obtains patient history, completes and verifies accurate consents, informed consent and/or permits as needed. Provide patient instructions/education to obtain desired results, gain cooperation and minimize anxiety, including the monitoring of patients by audio/visual means during exams. Position patients for MRI scans using immobilization and protective equipment to comply with regulations while applying principles of magnetic resonance safety to minimize risk to patient, self and others. Position patient and equipment to best demonstrate the anatomic area of interest, respecting the patient’s ability, safety and comfort.  Provide for psychological and physical needs of patients for MRI procedures.  Practices aseptic technique and applies universal precautions at all times.  Applies appropriate infection prevention techniques and processes. 
• Identifies, prepares and/or administers medications as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner. Performs venipuncture or IM injection for contrast media or other ordered/per test design medication as necessary for MRI procedure being performed within scope of practice.  Load and operate pressure/power injector for contrast media injection.  May administer oral and/or rectal contrast as needed.   May perform lab draws as applicable.
• Assist radiologist with MRI procedures (biopsies, etc.). Assures time outs are performed.
• Coordinate scheduling and patient flow. Proficient in clerical skills. Assists in inventory control.
• Educate, train, orient and assist new staff members. Provide education for student technologists.  
• Stays current in Basic Life Support (BLS) and performs BLS as needed.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:         

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:         

Must have successfully completed an educational program that is accredited by a mechanism acceptable to the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) or ARMRIT (American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists).

Licensure Requirement:      

Must have and maintain one of the following:

Path 1:  American Registry of Radiologic Technologists ARRT (R) and within 1 year ARRT (MR)

Path 2:  Nuclear Medicine Technology certification board certified (NMTCB) or equivalency ARRT (N) and within one year ARRT (MR) required. 

Path 3:  Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and within one year ARRT (MR) required. 

Path 4: American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) certification required