Introduction
A Senior MRI Technologist is a health professional, one who operates and works with the Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner. These people do not work alone. They usually work with Physicians or Radiologists and other radiology staff. This technology is employed in getting the needed information for making certain diagnosis. This is sure for certain head injuries and other conditions where making a diagnosis proves difficult.
To find out more about these professionals, keep reading till the end.
Who is a Senior MRI Technologist?
A Senior MRI Technologist is a Health professional, specially trained in the use of the MRI scanner. These are basically to work on the radiologists instruction. These are used for diagnosis purposes. Importantly, they do not work alone but as a team consisting of physicians, radiologists, radiation therapists and other diagnostic health workers.
They often oversee the duties of junior MRI staffs n the department. They train, supervise, correct them and help out when work load is large.
Additionally, they work in Health care centres, private clinics and Hospitals. Appropriate licensing, and certification by the American Radiology Association is also required for practice.
Also, working as a Senior MRI Technologist requires certain competencies. Some of them include leadership skills, good observation dkills, anatomy skills, among others.
Furthermore, they are usually Associate degree holders.
Let’s dive right into their responsibilities.
Responsibilities of a Senior MRI Technologist
The major duties and responsibilities of Senior MRI Technologists include:
- Supervise, teach and junior MRI and radiation staff.
- Ensure that MRI scanners and other needed devices are well maintained and properly functioning.
- Overview patient records to ensure that there are no contraindications to the scan.
- Work based on the Radiologist’s instruction during scanning.
- Ensure that patients are well positioned during the exercise.
- Assist patients remain stable and relaxed in the course of the scan.
- Work together with other radiology staff as a team.
- Ensure that safety protocols and guidelines are properly followed.
- Ensure proper documentation and storage of files, results and records.
- Interpreting scan results to radiologists.
Qualifications for practice as a Senior MRI Technologist
Senior MRI Technologists must qualify for their positions, to be able to In the United States. These qualifications are as follows:
- Firstly, a Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Radiology technology or a related field.
- Secondly, a certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties in Radiology.
- Thirdly, a CPR certification.
- Also, certification by the American Board of Medical Physics.
Other necessary skills for practice as a Senior MRI Technologist include:
- Leadership skills.
- Knowledge of Anatomy.
- Documentation skills.
- Analytic skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Computer skills.
- Ability to be productive under pressure.
- Ability to pay attention to details.
- Empathy.
- Precision and Accuracy.
- Expertise in Medical Imaging.
Salary
A Senior MRI Technologist’s salary depends on the exact place of work. Some places offer higher pay than other places. It mostly depends on the category of the health organization. However, as senior health personnels, they are generally well-paid in the United States. They averagely make up to about $113,047, a year.
Career Path
With an increase in display of competence, educational qualification and years of experience, a Senior MRI Technologist can be promoted to higher positions. These includes Radiology Technilogist and eventually the Chief CT Technologist. Higher positions also come with higher salaries.
Job Opportunities
In the United States, a Senior MRI Technologist can work in several places. These include:
- Firstly, Hospitals.
- Secondly, Medical Laboratories.
- Thirdly, Medical Diagnostic Centers.
- Also. Private Clinics.
Work Environment
Senior MRI Technologists usually have offices within the work environment where they do major documentations.
Sometimes, the work description can require traveling on short trips to provide technical services. Also, they usually dress with the complete personal protective equipment for safety purposes.
In the Hospital settings, they may work about 25 to 40 hours a week, on a shift/call basis.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, Senior MRI Technologists are health professionals whose duties involve using MRI Scanners to assist with diagnosis. This is especially useful in diagnosis of certain canvas and in head injuries.
Also, they require the right certifications and license to be able to gain employment in the United States.
In conclusion, this career is one that exposes staff to health risks, the more reason why they should work with safety protocols always.
