MRI Technical Standards
Purpose
Applicants and students should possess the following skills and abilities in order to perform the required tasks and duties of the profession. Owens Community College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Program has a responsibility to educate competent MRI technologists to be caring, compassionate and professional.
All individuals admitted to the Owens Community College Associate Degree MRI Program will be asked to verify that they can meet these standards with or without accommodations. Successful completion of the AAS MRI Program at Owens Community College signifies that the holder has the knowledge and skills to be a candidate to take the national credentialing exam.
Technical Standards Required
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety Standards
Students cannot have:
- Contraindicated biomedical devices, implants and materials (ex. Pacemaker)
- Ferromagnetic contraindicated biomedical devices, implants and materials (ex. Aneurysm clip)
- Accidental ferromagnetic implanted objects and/or materials (ex. Shrapnel in eyes)
- Contraindicated devices assisting in routine tasks (ex. Hearing aids)
- Phobias that would not allow them to perform routine tasks and care in the healthcare environment
Physical Ability
- Stand, bend, kneel, twist, squat and walk for 30% of work time
- Sit for 70% of work time
- Work on computer for 70% of work time
- Lift and carry fifty (50) pounds of weight unassisted
- Push and pull heavy objects
- Assist in moving patients from stretcher, wheelchair or bed to and from MRI table
- Manipulate MRI coils/table and accessory equipment
- Possess sufficient strength, finger dexterity and flexion for finite motor skills
- Possess sufficient eye/hand coordination skills related to performance of MRI examinations
Visual Ability
- Read various sizes of print
- Visually observe patients and equipment operation
- Visually observe patients in dim light
- Vision must be adequate to properly align laser lights and crosshairs on patient in dim light
- Read computer monitor/screen for extended period of time
- Evaluate MRI images in shades of gray/color
Auditory Ability
- Hear and respond to the needs of patients and health care professionals
- Hear audible alarms and signals
- Monitor equipment and background sounds
Communication Ability
- Provide effective written and oral communication with patients, health care professionals and community
- Ability to communicate information and instructions in clear and concise manner to patients and medical personnel
Cognitive Ability
- Read and apply appropriate instructions located in medical records, computer monitors and notes
- Understand and apply clinical instructions given by supervising professionals
- Monitor and evaluate patient vital signs, including temperatures and reading standard thermometers, taking blood pressure and monitory respiration and pulse rate
Critical Thinking Ability
- Provide patient and public education related to MRI procedures and safety
- Understand cross-sectional anatomy and associated pathology when performing MRI procedures
- Correctly select proper technical factors at control consoles and make necessary adjustments as needed for performance of exams
- Evaluate MRI images for technical quality including visual perception of window width and level, evidence of artifact and evaluation of minute structural details for evidence of blur
- Possess sufficient problem-solving skills to include measuring, calculating, reasoning analyzing and evaluating with the ability to perform the necessary skills in a timely fashion
Mental Acuity and Emotional Stability Health Ability
- Demonstrate appropriate responsiveness in critical and stressful situations that may change rapidly, without warning and/or in unpredictable ways.
Behavior and Social Attributes
- Work effectively, respectfully and professional as a part of the healthcare team, and to interact with patients, their families and health care personnel in a courteous, professional and respectful manner.
- Contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes
- Possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, responsibility and tolerance
Ethical and Legal Standards
- Understand the basis and content of both general and medical ethics
Reasonable Accommodation(s)
Owens Community College is committed to providing equal access to employment, educational programs and activities for students with disabilities.
The College recognizes that students with disabilities may need accommodations to have equally effective opportunities to participate in or benefit from College educational programs, services and activities and will make reasonable modifications to the environment, policy and practice and/or provide auxiliary aids and services when the Disability Resource Center determines such modifications are needed for equal access.
Students who believe they are eligible for an accommodation must email the Disability Resource Center or call (567) 661-7007.