Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Occupation Detailed Description

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

The main tasks and work activities of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are to 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. In general, for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, active Listening, reading Comprehension, monitoring, speaking and other 15 skills are required.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Job Description
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related ExperiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists jobs. 3.70% of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 37.04% of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
0.00%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
3.70%
Post-Secondary Certificate
37.04%
Some College Courses
3.70%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
44.44%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
11.12%

Tasks and Work Activities of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

  • Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
  • Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
  • Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
  • Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
  • Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
  • Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
  • Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
  • Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
  • Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
  • Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
  • Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
  • Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
  • Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
  • Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
  • Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
  • 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.
  • Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
  • Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
  • Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersProviding personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Interacting With ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Documenting/Recording InformationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicPerforming for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUsing relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • 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.
  • Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.
  • Check quality of diagnostic images.
  • Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
  • Position patients for treatment or examination.
  • Create advanced digital images of patients using computer imaging systems.
  • Repair medical facility equipment.
  • Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
  • Train medical providers.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
  • Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
  • Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.

Skills and Abilities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

  • Active ListeningGiving 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.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
  • Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Service OrientationActively looking for ways to help people.
  • CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Systems AnalysisDetermining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • InstructingTeaching others how to do something.
  • PersuasionPersuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Problem SensitivityThe 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.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Written ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Speech ClarityThe ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Speech RecognitionThe ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Flexibility of ClosureThe ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • OriginalityThe ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Fluency of IdeasThe ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
  • Time SharingThe ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
  • Patient carbon dioxide detectorse.g. Capnographs
  • End tidal carbon dioxide monitors or suppliese.g. Carbon dioxide monitors
  • Personal computerse.g. Clinical imaging workstations
  • Emergency or resuscitation cartse.g. Crash carts
  • Medical radiation films or badgese.g. Dosimetry badges
  • Emergency medical services first aid kitse.g. Emergency contrast reaction kits
  • Patient temperature continuous or trend monitorse.g. Fluoroptic thermometry systems
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scannerse.g. Functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI scanners
  • Medical picture archiving computer systems PACSe.g. Image capturing and transmission systems
  • Intravenous infusion pumps for general usee.g. Intravenous IV infusion pumps
  • Intravenous tubing with catheter administration kitse.g. Intravenous IV line sets
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI quality assurance or calibration phantoms or devicese.g. Laser cameras
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI 3 dimensional system componentse.g. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI audio and visual intercommunication systems
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI quality assurance or calibration phantoms or devicese.g. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration devices
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI quality assurance or calibration phantoms or devicese.g. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI calibration phantoms
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI coilse.g. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI coils
  • Fire extinguisherse.g. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI compatible fire extinguishers
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI primary or remote or secondary consolese.g. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI consoles
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI monitorse.g. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI monitors
  • Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI positioning aidse.g. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI positioning sandbags
  • Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge 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 LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Medicine and DentistryKnowledge 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.
  • BiologyKnowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  • Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • PhysicsKnowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
  • Public Safety and SecurityKnowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • PsychologyKnowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.