Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Also called: Chief Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chief MRI Technologist), Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (CT/MRI Technologist), Imaging Technologist, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator (MRI Coordinator), Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator (MRI Quality Assurance Coordinator)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Varies

estimated salary

Magnetic resonance imaging technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of the area being scanned to ensure the 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.

  • Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
  • Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
  • Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
  • Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
  • Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
  • Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
  • Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
  • Take brief medical histories from patients.
  • Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
  • Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
  • Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
  • Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
  • Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
  • Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
  • Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
  • Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
  • Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.
  • Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
  • Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
  • Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
  • Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
  • Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
Work Context
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 93% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 75% responded "Extremely important".
  • Telephone — 75% responded "Every day".
  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 77% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 63% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 63% responded "Very high responsibility".
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Work Activities
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.
  • Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
  • Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
  • Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
  • Process x-rays or other medical images.
  • Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
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Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Medicine and Dentistry
  • Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Medical software
  • MEDITECH software Hot Technology
  • Teleradiology systems
  • Radiology information systems (RIS)
  • Medical image processing software
  • GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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