Staff / Sr. MRI Technologist

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

14d•$75 - $93•Onsite

About The Position

The MR Radiologic Technologist provides technical knowledge and coordinates the delivery of MRI services under the direction of a qualified physician. The role operates high-field-strength magnets and associated support systems, prioritizing MRI safety, and is responsible for patient coordination and the acquisition, processing, and archiving of patient data. The technologist maintains and operates equipment according to manufacturer specifications, troubleshoots and reports problems, and trains new and existing staff on technologies. The position works independently under general supervision and requires initiative, responsibility, calm performance under pressure, and cooperative interaction with radiologists, clinicians, and peers. The technologist performs and maintains competency in routine MRI examinations, including neuro, musculoskeletal, abdominal, pediatric, and non-cardiac chest imaging. Responsibilities include preparing rooms, equipment, and contrast media; screening and positioning patients; explaining examinations; administering contrast and injecting patients under department protocols; using MRI-compatible monitoring and other MRI-safe equipment; completing quality-control procedures; and maintaining current, efficient MRI protocols. The position includes direct care of inpatients and outpatients across neonatal, pediatric, adult, geriatric, and bariatric age and patient groups. Work may take place at UCSF hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and satellite facilities as required. The role also participates in accreditation, peer review, research studies, staff orientation and training, recruitment and interviews, employee evaluation input, committees, annual presentations, and quality and safety improvement efforts. It requires adherence to UCSF, hospital, and department policies, patient confidentiality, MRI and radiation safety standards, and professional standards of care. The Staff/Sr. classification includes a senior-level pathway with additional experience and specialty-scan competency expectations.

Requirements

Graduate of a formal radiology technology training program at an AMA-approved school.
ARRT-approved MRI certification.
BLS certification.
Phlebotomy/venipuncture certification.
More than one year of MRI experience is described in the position overview.
Ability to perform neuro, musculoskeletal, abdominal, pediatric, and non-cardiac chest MRI studies.
Experience with patients across age and patient groups, including neonatal, pediatric, adult, geriatric, and bariatric patients.
Flexibility to rotate shifts and provide weekend and holiday coverage.
Flexibility to rotate to other sites when necessary.
Ability to work independently under general supervision, exercise initiative and responsibility, remain calm in stressful situations, and work cooperatively with others.
Ability to perform all job functions deemed necessary by the Department of Radiology.

Nice To Haves

CRT licensure.
MRSO additional credential.
At least one year of experience with a high-field magnetic resonance system in an acute-care setting.
For the Sr. classification: at least three years of experience with a high-field magnetic resonance system in acute-care settings.
For the Sr. classification: demonstrate and maintain competency in three specialty scan areas within six months of hire, selected from cardiac imaging, fetal imaging, whole-body pediatric scans, special procedures such as neuro intraoperative HIFU/DBS, pediatric/adult anesthesia, breast imaging, or device vetting such as pacemakers.

Responsibilities

Produce quality MRI examinations using appropriate technique, views, positioning, labeling, and patient identification.
Prepare rooms, equipment, and contrast media for imaging examinations and assist radiologists as needed.
Screen patients and support staff for MRI contraindications and follow MRI safety policies and procedures.
Perform routine MRI examinations, including neuro, musculoskeletal, abdominal, pediatric, and non-cardiac chest studies.
Interview and communicate with patients, explain scanning procedures, position patients, and help preserve their comfort, dignity, and autonomy.
Anticipate patients’ needs and take appropriate action within scope of practice, keeping patients informed.
Troubleshoot equipment failures, document and report problems, perform quality assurance procedures, and complete daily quality-control scans.
Schedule, begin, and complete examinations using the current radiology information system and related computer systems.
Work safely with anesthesia and ancillary teams in the MRI environment and participate in timeout procedures.
Use MRI-compatible patient monitors and other MRI-safe equipment, including infusion pumps, respirators, and audiovisual equipment.
Administer contrast and inject patients according to department protocols, including use of a power injector; place an IV when nursing staff is unavailable.
Participate in ACR/JCAHO accreditation, peer review, approved research studies, departmental or hospital committees, and annual staff presentations.
Orient and train staff, students, residents, and faculty; mentor junior staff and participate in cross-training.
Maintain current, streamlined MRI protocols and provide input on employee evaluations with the MR Supervisor.
Check crash carts, oxygen, suction, and patient-monitoring equipment at the beginning of assigned shifts.
Communicate delays to the front desk, assist other areas when workload permits, and rotate supplies and linen inventories.
Review images with radiologists before dismissing patients when applicable.
Comply with patient identification, confidentiality, infection control, environmental health and safety, attendance, and professional conduct requirements.
Maintain competency in radiology information, electronic ordering, MRI, PACS, and RIS systems, including downtime procedures.
Attend professional development activities, meetings, seminars, hospital training, and in-services; maintain current knowledge of radiology technology and procedures.
Assist with patient satisfaction and patient or MRI safety improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties within job scope, training, and licensure, including assisting other departments with patient or specimen transport.