| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Allied Health |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Radiologist |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 1 to 5 years in MRI imaging |
MRI Technician job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: MRI Technician
Department: Allied Health
Reports to: Radiologist
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
An MRI Technician operates magnetic resonance imaging scanners to produce diagnostic images. They screen patients for magnet safety, position them, select and run the right sequences, and produce clear images for the radiologist. The role reports to the Radiologist or radiology in-charge. A good MRI technician keeps the magnet room strictly safe, screens out every metal risk, produces high quality images with correct sequences, and keeps the scanner running to a full appointment schedule.
Key responsibilities
- Screen every patient and accompanying person for metal and implants before entry.
- Explain the scan, position the patient, and use coils correctly for the body part.
- Select and run the correct imaging sequences for the requested study.
- Monitor the patient during the scan and respond to distress or claustrophobia.
- Administer contrast as ordered under the radiologist's direction and watch for reactions.
- Check image quality and repeat sequences when motion or artefact spoils them.
- Enforce the four zone magnet safety system and keep the room free of hazards.
- Maintain patient records, consent and imaging data with correct labelling.
- Do daily scanner quality checks and report faults to service and the radiologist.
- Follow infection control and manage consumables for the unit.
Requirements
- BSc or diploma in Medical Imaging or Radiography
- MRI specific training or certification
- BLS certification is an advantage
- 1 to 5 years in MRI imaging
KRAs and KPIs for a MRI Technician
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Magnet safety | Zero metal or projectile safety incident in the magnet room in the year |
| Image quality | Diagnostic quality images accepted by the radiologist on at least 97 percent of studies |
| Schedule | Scanner run to the appointment schedule with slot utilisation above the target |
| Contrast safety | Contrast given per protocol with reactions managed and recorded correctly |
| Repeat rate | Repeat sequences from technique errors held below the monthly target |
| Records | Screening, consent and imaging records complete for every patient |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: MRI scanner, Radiofrequency coils, Contrast injector, PACS workstation, Patient monitor.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior MRI Technician, MRI Supervisor, Imaging Technologist
Interview questions for a MRI Technician
- How do you screen a patient for MRI safety and what do you never allow in?
- How do you choose the right sequences for a brain versus a knee study?
- How do you manage a claustrophobic patient during a scan?
- What do you do if a patient has an unknown metal implant?
- How do you handle a contrast reaction during a scan?
- Tell me about a time you improved image quality on a difficult study.
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What does an MRI technician do?
An MRI technician operates magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They screen patients for magnet safety, position them and use coils, select and run the right sequences, and produce clear images for the radiologist. They manage contrast, enforce magnet room safety, monitor the patient, and keep the scanner running to a full appointment schedule.
Why is MRI safety screening so important?
MRI uses a powerful magnet that is always on, so any metal object can become a dangerous projectile and some implants can heat or move. The technician must screen every patient and visitor for metal and implants and enforce the zoned safety system. Careful screening prevents serious injury, which is why it is central to the role.
What qualifications do you need to be an MRI technician?
Most MRI technicians hold a BSc or diploma in medical imaging or radiography, plus MRI specific training. Employers look for skill in sequence selection and positioning, strict magnet safety screening, safe contrast handling, and image quality control. Many MRI technicians start in general radiography and specialise in MRI with experience.