MRI Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a MRI Assistant to join our team! This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in medical imaging while supporting our MRI Technologists with patient preparation, workflow, and providing a safe, positive experience for every patient.

Position Summary:

The MRI Assistant supports the safe, efficient, and patient-centered operation of the MRI department by assisting MRI Technologists with patient preparation, workflow coordination, room turnover, equipment and supply readiness, and non-technical aspects of MRI examinations. Working under the direction of a qualified MRI Technologist, the MRI Assistant helps prepare patients for imaging, supports MRI safety screening processes, assists with patient transport and positioning, and maintains an organized and efficient clinical environment. This position may provide an entry point into the medical imaging field for individuals interested in pursuing future education and certification as an MRI Technologist.

Responsibilities:

Patient Care and Preparation

• Greet patients and provide clear, professional information regarding the general MRI process and what they can expect during their visit.
• Confirm patient identity using established patient identification procedures.
• Assist patients with changing into appropriate attire and securing personal belongings.
• Ensure patients remove jewelry, removable medical devices, clothing, and other items that may contain metal before entering designated MRI-restricted areas.
• Assist with transporting patients to and from the MRI department, including patients using wheelchairs or stretchers.
• Assist patients with transfers to and from the MRI table in accordance with safe patient-handling practices.
• Assist the MRI Technologist with patient positioning and the placement of positioning aids or immobilization devices as directed.
• Provide hearing protection and other comfort measures, including blankets, pillows, and positioning support.
• Provide reassurance and supportive communication to patients experiencing anxiety, discomfort, pain, or claustrophobia.
• Observe patients for changes in condition and promptly communicate concerns to the MRI Technologist or other appropriate clinical personnel.

MRI Safety Support

• Facilitate completion of MRI safety screening documentation in accordance with department procedures.
• Collect and accurately document patient-reported information regarding implants, medical devices, previous surgeries, possible metallic foreign bodies, pregnancy status, and other potential MRI safety concerns.
• Immediately escalate any positive, unclear, or potentially contraindicated screening response to the MRI Technologist.
• Support compliance with established MRI safety zones and department access-control procedures.
• Help ensure patients, visitors, and staff remove prohibited metallic or ferromagnetic objects before entering restricted MRI areas.
• Monitor the environment for potential MRI safety concerns and immediately report identified risks to the MRI Technologist.
• Follow all facility MRI safety policies and procedures.

The MRI Assistant does not independently determine whether a patient, implant, device, or other object is safe for the MRI environment. Final MRI safety clearance remains the responsibility of appropriately qualified clinical personnel.

MRI Suite and Equipment Support

• Prepare MRI rooms for scheduled examinations according to the direction of the MRI Technologist.
• Maintain adequate supplies of linens, positioning aids, hearing protection, coils, contrast-related supplies, and other department consumables.
• Retrieve, transport, organize, and properly store MRI coils, positioning devices, and accessories as directed.
• Clean and disinfect MRI tables, coils, positioning equipment, and applicable room surfaces between patients in accordance with infection-prevention standards and manufacturer recommendations.
• Perform routine visual checks of equipment, supplies, and patient-care areas and report concerns, damaged equipment, or supply shortages.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and patient-ready MRI environment.

Department Workflow and Administrative Support

• Review the daily schedule and assist the MRI team in preparing for upcoming examinations.
• Verify patient demographic information, appointment information, and imaging orders according to established procedures.
• Enter or update permitted patient and appointment information in applicable scheduling, electronic medical record, or imaging systems.
• Assist with obtaining information or documentation needed for scheduled MRI examinations.
• Communicate effectively with MRI Technologists, front-office staff, clinical teams, and other departments to support timely patient flow.
• Assist with room turnover and workflow activities to minimize delays and support efficient utilization of MRI capacity.
• Maintain required department logs, including cleaning, safety, supply, and other operational documentation.
• Notify the MRI Technologist or department leadership of scheduling delays, patient concerns, safety issues, or other circumstances that may affect department operations.
• Perform other non-technical duties within the scope of the position as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education or Certification:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to obtain certification within the timeframe established by the organization
• Previous experience in a healthcare or patient-care support role, such as Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, CNA, Radiology Assistant, or similar position.
• Previous experience in an outpatient imaging center, physician practice, hospital, or other clinical environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Previous patient transport, positioning, or safe patient-handling experience.
• Interest in pursuing education or certification in radiologic technology or MRI, preferred.

Performance Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with patients, families, providers, and coworkers.
• Ability to work effectively with patients who may be anxious, claustrophobic, in pain, mobility impaired, or medically complex.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn electronic medical record, scheduling, and imaging-related systems.
• Ability to understand and consistently follow detailed safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment and manage multiple priorities
• Frequent standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and positioning of equipment.
• Ability to assist with patient transfers and positioning using appropriate equipment and assistance.
• Ability to push or maneuver wheelchairs, stretchers, and other wheeled patient-care equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently or with assistance in accordance with organizational safe patient-handling practices