On-Site MRI Safety Assistant

Position Summary

The On-Site Safety Assistant serves as the physical guardian of the MRI environment while imaging is performed by a remote MRI Technologist. This individual functions as a scanner-based MRSO designee during assigned shifts, with delegated authority from the program MRSO to enforce MRI safety policies in Zones III and IV. This role owns MRI safety in Zones III & IV, ensures strict compliance with ACR Level 2 safety standards, and acts as the direct hands, eyes, and safety authority inside the magnet room. This individual is not distracted, not multitasking, and not shared with other workflows. Their sole mission is MRI safety and patient readiness.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• MRI Safety Authority (Primary Responsibility): Serve as the on-site MRI Safety designee during all remote scanning operations and enforces ACR Level 2 MRI safety standards.
• Ensure MRI safety awareness and access control principles are upheld across Zones I–IV, including escorting of all individuals transitioning between zones.
• Prevent unauthorized or unsafe entry into the MRI scan room (Zone IV).
• Immediately halt scanning or room access if a safety risk is identified.
• Use MRI screening magnet as a supplemental screening tool on devices/items, in accordance with policy, and not as a substitute for approved labeling and documentation.
• Verify that all patient support and equipment entering Zone IV is MR Safe/MR Conditional and used according to conditions, including oxygen delivery devices, mobility devices (walker, cane, wheelchair).
• Perform routine environmental safety checks of the MRI suite, including verification of signage, barriers, and equipment labeling.
• Ensure Zone IV scan door is locked when the On-Site Safety Partner is not present.
• Consult MRSO, MRSE or MRMD when further advice is required.
• MRI Screening & Risk Mitigation: Screen and control access for all individuals entering MRI Zones III and IV, including staff, contractors, vendors, emergency responders, and trainees.
• Perform complete and compliant MRI initial safety screening signed by the patient and/or authorized representative and ensures documentation is available to the Remote MRI Technologist prior to scan initiation for final approval.
• Obtain and document relevant surgical/procedural history as required for MRI safety screening.
• Validate implant/device documentation and conditional requirements and ensure MRI safety documentation is complete, accurate and timely.
• Patients are fully changed, jewelry/piercings are removed, the appropriate waiver is completed when necessary and informed consent is obtained and documented for any approved exceptions (e.g., non-removable items) in accordance with policy.
• Confirm no ferromagnetic materials enter Zone IV as a final check before escorting the patient into the scan room.
• Escalate unclear or high-risk cases to the Remote MRI Technologist or Radiologist.
• Patient Positioning & Exam Readiness: Communicate clearly, confidently, and empathetically with patients and authorized representatives. Build patient trust by setting accurate expectations and providing consistent, reliable information. Position patients accurately according to exam protocol. Apply coils, hearing protection, and patient comfort devices. Implement RF burn prevention measures including padding to prevent skin-to-skin contact, avoiding conductive loops (hands/arms/legs), removing transdermal patches per policy, and confirming leads/cables are positioned to prevent contact and looping. Ensure patient understanding of: Emergency squeeze bulb Communication expectations Scan duration and noise Confirm patient readiness with the Remote MRI Technologist before scan start. Maintain communication with the patient throughout the exam and inform them of the length of each series per instructions from the remote MRI Technologist.
• Maintain real-time, uninterrupted communication with the remote technologist Act as the on-site extension of the remote technologist Provide: Visual confirmation of patient status Physical room checks Immediate response to patient concerns Execute commands from the remote technologist related to safety or positioning.
• Distraction-Free Safety Commitment: No mobile phones, personal devices, or non-essential tasks while in MRI Zones III & IV. Full situational awareness of: Patient condition Room environment Equipment placement Immediate response to alarms, patient signals, or unexpected events.
• Emergency Response: Fully comprehend how to respond to MRI related emergencies including: Spontaneous quench Operator initiated quench in life threatening situations Projectiles Burns Initiate emergency removal from Zone IV, including: Patient distress Medical events Fire or code situations Maintain calm, controlled leadership during emergencies.
• Quality, Safety & Compliance: Ensure compliance with HIPAA and organizational privacy standards. Ensure compliance with utilizing language translation services for patients with limited English proficiency and patients that communicate via sign language. Escalate events to Remote Technologist and leadership. Report MRI safety incidents and near-misses immediately to the remote MRI Technologist completes documentation before end of shift. Complete required incident reports, root cause analysis and reaction reports as the role is a critical primary witness / subject matter contributor. Actively participate in quality reviews, coaching sessions, and continuous improvement efforts. Participate in MRI safety committees, safety huddles, or quality reviews as requested by MRI leadership or the MRSO.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates understanding of MRI static, gradient, and RF fields
• Identifies MRI Zones I–IV and access requirements
• Understands projectile risk and ferromagnetic attraction
• Understands RF burn risks and mitigation strategies
• Understands acoustic noise risks and protection
• Understands magnet quench risks and response
• Demonstrates knowledge of implant classifications (MR Safe, Conditional, Unsafe)
• Ability to remain focused in high-risk, high-responsibility settings
• Displays initiative in problem solving and resolving customer satisfaction issues
• Customer-centric approach with empathy and professionalism
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Shows willingness to learn and improve

Behavioral Expectations (Non-Negotiable)

• Safety First, Always Zero tolerance for shortcuts
• Confident authority to stop workflows for safety
• Calm under pressure
• Absolute commitment to patient and environmental safety
• Shows consistent attendance and punctuality, recognizing the safety-critical nature of the role

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; prior experience in a clinical or patient-care setting required.
• ACR Level 2 MRI Safety Training
• Maintains ongoing competency through annual ACR Level 2 MRI Safety revalidation, emergency drills, and periodic competency assessments as defined by MRI leadership.

Additional Information

Advanced Radiology Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer, offering outstanding compensation and benefits plans designed to reward and retain exceptional employees.