Diagnostic Imaging Technologist-MRI-Per Diem

Kaiser Permanente; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in the United States seeks an MRI Technologist to operate MRI equipment and produce diagnostic quality images for physician review in a dynamic hospital setting.

Under general supervision, you will follow imaging protocols, ensure patient safety, educate patients about procedures, and assist radiologists with scans while maintaining PACS documentation and adherence to department standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years in radiologic technology with at least one year in MRI.
• Graduate of a radiologic technology or MRI program; ARRT MRI certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate MRI equipment to produce diagnostic cross-sectional images.
• Follow imaging protocols and adjust hardware/parameters for quality.
• Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxiety and obtain cooperation.
• Ensure patient safety and manage metal safety precautions.
• Archive images to PACS and document clinical activities.
• Assist radiologists and supervise MRI staff as needed.
• Maintain equipment and department guidelines.
• Provide training for new MRI staff.

Skills

MRI imaging

Radiologic technology

Patient communication

Safety protocols

Image quality assessment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Radiologic/MRI tech program

Tools

PACS

MRI equipment

Job description

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 Permanentes 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.
• Identifies the impact of cultural diversity and lifestyle choices on patient condition and makes accommodations for such differences.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics.
• 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 standards of professional behavior established to enhance quality of service. Utilizes effective communication skills.
• Demonstrates behavior that meets established standards for professionalism in all interactions with patients and staff.
• Maintains equipment, supplies and work area in accordance with department guidelines.
• Provides training and orientation to new MRI technologists and training of MRI technologists.
• Assists other technologists as needed.
• Performs MRI studies according to established imaging protocols including but not limited to placing specified coil close to the area of interest.
• Explains to patients the magnetic resonance imaging procedures, address patient concerns, and, exhibits high degree of tact, courtesy and poise when interacting with patients, staff and visitors.
• Ensures patient and staff safety which includes explaining safety protocol, requesting removal of hazardous metal objects, and, alerting staff the danger of carrying metal around magnet.
• Performs 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.
• Prepares and administers the appropriate oral, intestinal and I.V. contrast media or as appropriate, 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.
• Centers tube and film to area of interest.
• Explains the exam/procedure to the patient in order to solicit cooperation and obtain patient understanding.
• Assesses the patients history and overall condition and makes the necessary modifications in technique and/or positioning to compensate for pathology or other considerations.
• Selects appropriate coil for requested exam and positions coil (i.e., head coil or knee coil) to demonstrate area of interest and to obtain maximum transmit and receive signal, selects monitoring devices and support equipment as required by patient condition.
• Obtains 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.
• Performs tuning procedures, utilizes appropriate protocols for producing optimal images; identifies artifacts if present and rectifies problems.
• Recognizes 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.
• Enters into computer system specific data such patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified; keys commands to specify scan sequences in computer and adjusts transmitters and receivers, views images of area being scanned on video display screens to ensure image quality.
• Archive images to PACS.
• Utilizes a knowledge of proper patient/part positioning and department protocols to obtain routine and other indicated views required for standard projections.
• Critiques images for diagnostic qualities and other properties such as artifacts and appropriately consults with supervisor and/or radiologist to clarify any areas of uncertainty.
• Completes requisition with all required and pertinent information.
• Complies with all required continuing education standards.
• May perform other duties as required and assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum two (2) 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 departments formal MRI training program

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• Graduate of a school of radiologic technology or MRI technology program.

License, Certification, Registration

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Magnetic Resonance Imaging OR American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Certificate
• Certified Radiologic Technologist - Venipuncture Certificate (California)
• Basic Life Support from American Heart Association

Additional Requirements:

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of clinical experience as an MRI technologist in an acute care medical center, preferred.
• Computed Tomography experience, preferred.

Notes:

• This is a variable position, start times may vary within the shift.
• WILL WORK EVERY OTHER WEEKEND