MRI Tech

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator); MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator); MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer); MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist); MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician); MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist); Research MRI Technologist (Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)

Tasks

• Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
• Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
• Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
• Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
• Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
• Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
• Take brief medical histories from patients.
• Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
• Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
• Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
• Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
• Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
• Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
• Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
• Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• Physics
• English Language
• Computers and Electronics
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Public Safety and Security
• Education and Training
• Biology
• Psychology

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Near Vision
• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Control Precision
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Far Vision