Will “Imaging Technologist” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.

• 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.

• Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.

• Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.

• Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.

• Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.

• Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.

• Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.

• Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.

• Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.

• Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.

• Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.

• Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.

• Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.

• Take brief medical histories from patients.

• Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.

• Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.

• 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.

• Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.

• Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.

• Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.

• Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.

• Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.