MRI Technologist I

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 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

• Executes basic clinical competence in MRI, in all locations, across all patient types. Selects accurate technical factors on an individual patient basis and demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient. 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 improve workflows, patient experience, quality, and safety to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Actively participates in student and employee training and educational activities.

• Ensures a safe and appropriate work area per institutional MR Safety Program. Screens every patient and meets conditional scanning protocols and safely prepares the patient to enter the MRI environment. Ensure proper positioning to decrease risk of burn and artifacts, adding padding where appropriate and utilizing the appropriate coils. Protects the MR environment, to ensure the appropriate personnel have access, and ferromagnetic devices from entering Zone 4.

• Maintains supplies and inventory in the area. Informs appropriate colleagues when supplies need to be ordered from outside vendors. Documents and reports related to equipment/environmental problems in accordance with policy. Follows equipment quality control procedures with appropriate documentation.

• Transports patients to the MR scanner and prepares the room. Verifies order, patient prep, and reason for exam to initiate appropriate scanning protocols. Communicate effectively with patients, obtain patient history, answer questions, and explain procedures to ensure patient understanding and comfort. Processes exam for interpretation.

• Performs quality assurance activities, i.e. QA phantoms as required by ACR. Identifies and reports of equipment malfunctions and assures proper follow-up correction by repair services. Resolves clinical/non-clinical issues and escalates problems to the appropriate leadership.

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

• Prioritizes patient flow and coordinates care with consistent and frequent communication with patients, care team and families. Documents patient care activity in various electronic health record systems. Distributes final images timely to the PACS system for interpretation.

• Always 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/ARMIT Standards of Ethics.

• Applies knowledge of MR principles and practices, including anatomy and physiology, radiation safety and physics, patient positioning and patient care skills. Adheres to Joint Commission, State, Federal, organizational and departmental regulatory compliance standards.

• 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 in MRI or other Imaging Modalities

• Completed an MRI certificate or cross-training program

• 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 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.