MRI Technologist

Kaiser Permanente; Moreno Valley (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Moreno Valley, CA, seeks an MRI Technologist to produce diagnostic MR images and assist radiologists. You will operate MR hardware, select coils, ensure patient safety, and document procedures per departmental protocols.

Responsibilities include patient education, protocol optimization, QC procedures, and possible training of junior technologists. This temporary role requires strong communication and teamwork in a fast-paced imaging department.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of MRI experience within the last 12 months.
• Or minimum two years as a technologist in diagnostic imaging with Kaiser cross-training program completed.
• Graduation from an accredited school of Radiologic Technology or Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
• ARRT MRI or MR Technologist certification.
• Basic Life Support (AHA) certification.

Responsibilities

• Produces diagnostic MRI images per established imaging protocols.
• Explains procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain cooperation.
• Maintains safety for patients and staff during MR procedures.
• Documents clinical activities in the patient record and PACS.
• Provides training to new MRI technologists and assists others.
• Operates MRI equipment and adjusts protocols for image quality.

Skills

MRI operation

Patient care

Communication skills

Safety protocols

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Accredited Radiologic Technology or MRI 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 Permanente 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 as a MRI technologist, including one (1) year of recent experience in magnetic resonance imaging.

or

• Minimum two (2) years of experience within the last twelve (12) months as a technologist in the diagnostic imaging department, and successful completion of an internal Kaiser Permanente cross training program.

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• Graduation from an accredited school of Radiologic Technology or Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

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

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of clinical experience as an MRI technologist in an acute care medical center, preferred.
• Computed Tomography experience, preferred.

Notes

• Will be required to work one major and one minor holiday
• Week1: Sun, Wed, Thu Week 2: Wed, Fri, Sat
• This is a temporary position for approximately three (3) months.