Diagnostic Imaging Technologist-MRI Specialist

As a Diagnostic Imaging Technologist-MRI, you will play a critical role in producing high-quality diagnostic images of the human anatomy and vasculature using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment. Under general supervision, you will operate MRI equipment to acquire images that can be utilized by physicians to diagnose diseases. You will also provide functional direction to assigned staff and uphold Kaiser Permanente's policies and procedures.

• Uphold 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.
• Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain patient cooperation.
• Identify the impact of cultural diversity and lifestyle choices on patient condition and make accommodations for such differences.
• Utilize proper body mechanics.
• Document clinical activities in a timely, comprehensive, and accurate manner.
• Observe all organizational, regional, medical service area, and Diagnostic Imaging Department policies and procedures.
• Maintain standards of professional behavior established to enhance quality of service.
• Utilize effective communication skills.
• Demonstrate behavior that meets established standards for professionalism in all interactions with patients and staff.
• Maintain equipment, supplies, and work area in accordance with department guidelines.
• Provide training and orientation to new MRI technologists and training of MRI technologists.
• Assist other technologists as needed.
• Perform MRI studies according to established imaging protocols, including but not limited to, placing specified coil close to the area of interest.
• Explain to patients the magnetic resonance imaging procedures, address patient concerns, and exhibit high degree of tact, courtesy, and poise when interacting with patients, staff, and visitors.
• Ensure 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.
• Perform all routine aspects of MRI procedures, including but not limited to, QC, start-up procedures, signal-to-noise test scans, program/sequence selection, contrast injection, and image processing.
• Operate various x-ray and imaging control consoles, portable units, tube assemblies, lock systems, collimators, filters, and tubes to perform diagnostic radiographic procedures and exams, including but not limited to, gastro-intestinal exams, plain radiography in areas such as operating room, urology, and emergency department.
• Operate auxiliary imaging equipment, including but not limited to, tomographic units, Buckies, image intensifiers, spot film devices, video monitors, CR equipment, digital imaging, C-arms, and portable units.
• Prepare and administer the appropriate oral, intestinal, and I.V. contrast media or as appropriate, assist the radiologist with I.V. contrast administration.
• Ensure that correct and required patient identification information and left or right marker appears on all images.
• Centre tube and film to area of interest.
• Utilize appropriate photo-timing, mill-amperes (MA), kilovoltage (KVP), seconds, distance, collimation, intensifying screens, film speed, and grids to produce diagnostic quality images that demonstrate the area(s) of interest and exhibit acceptable contrast, density, and detail.
• Explain the exam/procedure to the patient to solicit cooperation and obtain patient understanding.
• Assess the patient's history and overall condition and make necessary modifications in technique and/or positioning to compensate for pathology or other considerations.
• Select appropriate coil for requested exam and position coil (i.e., head coil or knee coil) to demonstrate area of interest and to obtain maximum transmit and receive signal, select monitoring devices and support equipment as required by patient condition.
• Obtain optimum MRI imaging throughout the entire region of interest by selecting and applying imaging parameters, such as but not limited to: field of view, number of slices, slice thickness, number of excitations (acquisitions), repetition time, echo time, phase direction, frequency direction, matrix, and gap between slices.
• Perform tuning procedures, utilize appropriate protocols for producing optimal images.
• Identify artifacts if present and rectify problems.
• Recognize the need for additional sequences, changes in protocols, and the need for paramagnetic contrast studies based on patient pathology, physical condition, or sub-optimal image quality.
• Apply MR interventional, magnetization transfer imaging (MTI), echo planar, spectroscopy, maximum intensity projection, cine, and perfusion/diffusion imaging.
• Enter into computer system specific data, such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified.
• Key commands to specify scan sequences in computer and adjust transmitters and receivers, view images of area being scanned on video display screens to ensure image quality.
• Archive images to PACS.
• Utilize a knowledge of proper patient/part positioning and department protocols to obtain routine and other indicated views required for standard projections.
• Observe all required radiation safety/protection regulations and standards to minimize dose and avoid/minimize repeat films.
• Use lead shielding and collimation as appropriate.
• Critique images for diagnostic qualities and other properties, such as artifacts, and appropriately consult with supervisor and/or radiologist to clarify any areas of uncertainty.
• Complete requisition with all required and pertinent information.
• Comply with all required continuing education standards.
• May perform other duties as required and assigned.

• Experience: Minimum three (3) years of experience within the last twelve (12) months in radiologic technology, including one (1) year of recent experience in magnetic resonance imaging.
• May substitute one (1) year MRI experience with successful completion of the department's formal MRI training program.
• Education: Graduation from a JRCERT-approved school of Radiologic Technology.
• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• License, Certification, Registration: American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Certificate OR American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
• Certified Radiologic Technologist - Venipuncture Certificate (California).
• Basic Life Support from American Heart Association.

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of and to utilize the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of radiologic technology.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of and utilize the principles, theories, practices, and techniques of basic and advanced magnetic resonance imaging, including clinical exams, physics, MRI safety, cross-sectional anatomy, and patient care.

• Minimum three (3) years of clinical experience as an MRI technologist in an acute care medical center, preferred.
• Computed Tomography experience, preferred.
• Advanced Certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging issued by the ARRT (MR), preferred.

Rotating Weekend, Call, Travel may be required.