MRI Safety Training

For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) professionals, understanding proper safety protocol is an essential part of the job and critical for keeping patients and staff members safe. Below, learn more about MRI safety training and how to sign up for it.

The Importance of MRI Safety

MRI is an extraordinary tool that produces detailed images of the body, helping medical professionals diagnose and treat various health conditions. Unlike with X-rays, patients are not exposed to radiation while undergoing an MRI scan, but there are still certain risks that MRI technologists need to know about and prepare for.

For example, as an important part of the safety check process, techs need to make sure there are no magnetic objects in the room during scanning. If there are, these objects could fly through the air while the scanner is on, potentially damaging the machine or injuring the patient or medical staff.

What Is MRI Safety Training?

In educational settings, MRI safety training teaches MRI students how to keep themselves and their patients safe while operating an MRI machine. It’s also used in medical facilities to educate staff members about the potential risks of MRI and ensure that they understand proper safety procedures. If you’re hoping to begin a career as an MRI technologist, you’ll need to participate in some sort of MRI safety training. You’ll also need to complete training if you’re pursing a career as a Magnetic Resonances Safety Officer (MRSO) or Magnetic Resonances Safety Expert (MRSE).

How to Access MRI Safety Training

Schools and healthcare facilities often offer in-person training for their MRI users. But there are also more convenient ways to learn MRI safety, including online courses and MRI simulator software.

MRI Safety Courses

Online courses are a convenient, cost-effective way to learn about MRI safety and prepare for your certification exam. For instance, the Advanced Concepts in MRSO Safety with Mock Testing course from ImagingU focuses on key topics that relate to MRI safety, including: 

  • An explanation of the physics principles behind MRI
  • An overview of MRI equipment and hardware
  • How to handle common safety-related scenarios in clinical settings

The course also gives users access to unlimited mock testing attempts and all of the MR safety materials in ImagingU’s online safety resource library.

MRI Safety Conferences

ImagingU also offers MRI Safety & MRSO Conferences throughout the country. These comprehensive in-person, 2-day conferences are highly useful for those who will be assuming the role of MR Safety Officer or need CEU or ARRT credits.

MRI Simulator Software

In recent years, MRI simulator software – from companies like ScanLabMR – has become a must-have tool for universities, teaching hospitals, and radiology facilities. ScanLabMR’s MRI simulation software recreates the clinical scanning experience, helping users practice their skills and gain vital MRI scanning experience – from anywhere and at any time. 

Just like they would in a clinical situation, ScanLabMR users must complete a safety check before beginning a scanning session. This involves recording a patient’s medical history, including allergies and surgical history, and screening for any magnetic objects.

Improve Your Organization’s MRI Safety Training

MRI safety is one of the most important aspects of MRI education. If you’re an instructor or facility manager, adopting tools like ImagingU can help improve the quality of MRI training at your organization and produce more qualified technologists.

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