MRI TECHNOLOGIST

Technical Standards

Prospective MRI Technologist students must possess sufficient strength, motor coordination and manual dexterity to:

• Stand, bend, kneel, crawl, twist, squat and walk for 30% of work time.
• Sit for 70% of work time.
• Work on a computer for 70% of work time.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Transport, move, and lift patients from a wheelchair or stretcher to the scanning table and physically assist patients into proper positions for examination. Patients may be sedated or incapable of moving themselves.
• Move, adjust and manipulate a variety of MRI equipment weighing up to 500 lbs. (on wheels) in and out of scanning room.
• Perform venipuncture for injections and to start IV catheters.

Prospective MRI Technologist students must:

• Possess sufficient strength, finger dexterity and flexion to perform finite motor skills.
• Possess sufficient eye/hand coordination skills related to performance of MRI examinations.
• Be able to use senses (vision, hearing, smell and touch) to recognize changes in a patient’s condition and needs.
• Be able to hear, understand and react quickly to verbal instructions and patient needs, including but not exclusive to hearing codes, alarms and patient calls.
• Be able to work in a semi-darkened room for prolonged periods of time.

Health Standards

Prospective MRI Technologist students must be able to consistently demonstrate emotional, mental and physical health in order to:

• Meet the demands of the position including handling stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.
• Provide physical and emotional support to the patient during examinations and be able to respond to situations requiring basic first aid, patient care, and emergency care of the patient in the absence of, or until the physician arrives.
• Follow directions effectively and work closely with members of the health care community.
• Carry out all assigned duties.
• Be able to communicate both verbally and non-verbally in an effective manner with staff, patients and physicians, in order to explain procedures, give instructions and obtain information.
• Perform MRI examinations and procedures according to established standards, emphasizing safety at all times.
• Be able to view recorded images for the purpose of identifying proper protocol, procedural sequencing, technical qualities and identification of pathophysiology.