Diagnostic Imaging Technologist - MRI

Job Summary

Under general supervision and utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment, produces diagnostic quality cross-sectional images of the human anatomy and vasculature for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. Performs MR imaging protocols and operates hardware and technical parameters in order to maximize MR image quality and acquire images that can be utilized by physicians in order to diagnose diseases.

Essential Responsibilities

• Upholds Kaiser Permanente's Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws.
• Responsive to the needs of others by exhibiting professional behavior toward health plan members and co-workers.
• Explains procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain patient cooperation.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation process in delivery of services to patients of the age group served, and accommodates cultural diversity and lifestyle differences.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics and documents clinical activities in a timely, comprehensive, and accurate manner.
• Observes all organizational, regional, medical service area and Diagnostic Imaging Department policies and procedures.
• Maintains equipment, supplies and work area in accordance with department guidelines, and provides training and orientation to new MRI technologists.
• Performs MRI studies according to established imaging protocols, including placing the specified coil close to the area of interest.
• Explains magnetic resonance imaging procedures to patients, addresses patient concerns, and exhibits a high degree of tact, courtesy and poise when interacting with patients, staff and visitors.
• Ensures patient and staff safety, including explaining safety protocol, requesting removal of hazardous metal objects, and alerting staff to the danger of carrying metal around the magnet.
• Performs all routine aspects of MRI procedures, including QC, start-up procedures, signal-to-noise test scans, program/sequence selection, contrast injection, and image processing.
• Prepares and administers the appropriate oral, intestinal and I.V. contrast media, or assists the radiologist with I.V. contrast administration.
• Ensures that correct and required patient identification information and left or right marker appears on all images.
• Assesses the patient's history and overall condition and makes necessary modifications in technique and/or positioning to compensate for pathology or other considerations.
• Selects appropriate coil for the requested exam and positions it to demonstrate the area of interest and obtain maximum transmit and receive signal.
• Obtains optimum MRI imaging throughout the entire region of interest by selecting and applying imaging parameters such as field of view, number of slices, slice thickness, number of excitations, repetition time, echo time, phase direction, frequency direction, matrix and gap between slices.
• Performs tuning procedures, utilizes appropriate protocols for producing optimal images, and identifies and rectifies artifacts.
• Recognizes the need for additional sequences, changes in protocols and paramagnetic contrast studies based on patient pathology and physical condi…