MRI Technologist II

About this Job:

Bring your skills to a team that cares for the whole person. 

As part of MedStar Health, the largest healthcare system in the Maryland–Washington, D.C., region, you will grow your career within a respected, mission-driven organization known for innovation, education, and patient-centered care.

As an MRI Technologist II at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, you will help deliver safe, high-quality imaging care in an environment built on teamwork, professionalism, and compassion. Whether you are starting your career or advancing it, you will be part of a community that invests in your wellbeing, supports your growth, and values the important role you play in patient care.

MedStar Health is a great place to work and grow your career. We provide a supportive and inclusive work environment, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, retirement plans, and many other benefits focused on your wellbeing. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Under general supervision, performs routine and specialized MRI imaging procedures.

• Demonstrates clinical competency in MRI across all locations and patient populations. Selects appropriate technical factors based on individual patient needs and demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care. Performs IV access and administers contrast according to facility policy. Supports invasive procedures performed under MRI guidance.

• Participates in departmental and organizational performance improvement initiatives and efforts to enhance workflows, patient experience, quality, and safety, improving both patient care and operational efficiency. Actively participates in student and employee training and educational activities.

• Maintains a safe and appropriate work environment in accordance with the institutional MR Safety Program. Screens every patient, adheres to conditional scanning protocols, and safely prepares patients to enter the MRI environment. Ensures proper patient positioning to reduce the risk of burns and imaging artifacts by using appropriate padding and coils. Protects the MR environment by restricting access to authorized personnel and preventing ferromagnetic devices from entering Zone 4.

• Maintains departmental supplies and inventory. Notifies the appropriate colleague when supplies need to be ordered from outside vendors. Documents and reports equipment and environmental issues in accordance with policy. Performs equipment quality control procedures and maintains appropriate documentation.

• Transports patients to the MRI scanner and prepares the examination room. Verifies physician orders, patient preparation, and the reason for the exam to ensure appropriate scanning protocols are followed. Communicates effectively with patients, obtains patient histories, answers questions, and explains procedures to promote patient understanding and comfort. Processes completed exams for interpretation.

• Performs quality assurance activities, including ACR-required QA phantom testing. Identifies and reports equipment malfunctions and ensures timely follow-up and corrective action by repair services. Resolves clinical and non-clinical issues and escalates concerns to appropriate leadership as needed.

• Provides patient education and support, including preparing patients for procedures and addressing their physical and psychological needs. Escalates concerns through appropriate channels when necessary.

• Prioritizes patient flow and coordinates care through consistent communication with patients, care team members, and families. Documents patient care activities in electronic health record systems and ensures final images are distributed to the PACS system in a timely manner for interpretation.

• Consistently acts and communicates professionally, embodying the organization's SPIRIT values and fostering a respectful and supportive environment for patients, families, and colleagues. Adheres to the ARRT/ARMRIT Standards of Ethics.

• Applies knowledge of MRI principles and practices, including anatomy and physiology, patient positioning, MRI physics, and patient care. Adheres to Joint Commission, state, federal, organizational, and departmental regulatory and compliance standards.

Qualifications 

Education 

• Associate's degree required; or

• Certificate in Radiologic Technology or MRI from a program accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) required.

Experience 

• Three (3) to four (4) years of MRI experience required.

• Must be able to independently perform all required MRI protocols.

Licenses and Certifications 

• ARMRIT Registered Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist certification required upon hire; or

• ARRT (MRI) certification required upon hire.

• Internal candidates with 10+ years of MRI scanning experience may be considered in lieu of certification requirements.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers required upon hire from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, transverse and cross-sectional anatomical and pathological presentations.

• Ability to perform, or learn, the technical operations associated with MRI equipment and procedures.

• Ability to work effectively in stressful and emergent situations.