Heather Richards
Heathsville
Summary
Experienced MRI Technologist with 20 years of experience in conducting high-quality MRI scans and providing excellent patient care.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MRI Technologist
Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital
Richmond
06.2025 - Current
- Operated MRI equipment to perform diagnostic imaging procedures efficiently.
- Prioritized patient safety and comfort throughout MRI examinations, enhancing overall patient experience.
- Collaborated with radiologists to establish precise imaging requirements and protocols, improving diagnostic accuracy.
- Maintained accurate patient records and imaging documentation per regulatory standards.
- Educated patients on the MRI process and addressed inquiries effectively.
- Assisted in maintenance and calibration of MRI machines, ensuring optimal functionality and reliability in imaging procedures.
- Adhered to infection control protocols and safety standards within imaging department.
- Coordinated with healthcare professionals throughout various procedures including pacemaker MRIs, Anesthesia, ICU peds/adult.
- Attached physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger and chest during Pacemaker or ICU patient scans.
Travel MRI Technologist
Fusion Medical
Newport News and Hampton
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Operated MRI machines across various clinical settings and locations. Riverside Hampton and Newport News.
- Performed MRI scans of patients in accordance with established protocols and safety standards.
- Evaluated images for technical quality and accuracy before sending them off for interpretation by radiologist.
- Collaborated with radiologists to create tailored protocols, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for specific cases.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during MRI procedures and examinations.
- Streamlined workflow to optimize time management while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Worked closely with healthcare professionals to optimize patient care experiences.
- Monitored and managed inventory of essential supplies, ensuring seamless daily operations.
MRI Technologist
Orthovirginia
Henrico
04.2023 - 04.2024
- Operated MRI equipment to perform diagnostic imaging procedures for patients.
- Instructed patients on positioning techniques to achieve optimal imaging results and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort throughout MRI examinations, enhancing overall patient experience.
- Educated patients on MRI process, addressing concerns and providing clarity to improve understanding.
- Maintained accurate patient records and imaging documentation in compliance with regulations.
MRI Technologist
VCU Tappahhanock
Tappahhanock
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Conducted diagnostic imaging procedures using MRI equipment for patient assessments.
- Maintained patient safety and comfort throughout MRI examinations, fostering a supportive environment.
- Administered intravenous contrast dyes to enhance imaging quality per protocol.
- Followed infection control protocols and safety standards, ensuring compliance and patient protection.
- Operated MRI scanners per manufacturer guidelines and safety standards, delivering high-quality imaging.
MRI Technologist
Fauquier Hospital
07.2021 - 12.2022
- Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts when scanning Pacemakers or ICU patients.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Inject intravenously contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with the scope of practice.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Can operate 1.5T Siemens Avanto & Hitachi Oasis 1.2T.
- Positioned patients on cradle and attached immobilization devices to ensure proper placement for imaging.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
- Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
- Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
- Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with the specifications.
Lead MRI Technologist
Mary Washington/Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg LLC
06.2013 - 07.2021
- Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
- Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
- ACR accreditation, General and Breast.
- Staff schedules.
- Liaison between Radiologist and technologist on QA issues.
- Build protocols.
- Biweekly lead tech meetings.
- QC patient schedules.
- Report any QA issues to Engineer.
- Weekly QC on scanner.
- Inject intravenously contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Can 3.0T GE Discovery, 1.5GE signa HDX, 1.0T Phillips open, and 1.5T Phillips Achieva.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
MRI Technologist
Mary Washington/Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg LLC
02.2006 - 06.2013
- Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
- Conducted screening interviews to identify contraindications, ensuring patient safety during MRI procedures.
- Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
- Explained MRI procedures to patients and families, enhancing their understanding and comfort before imaging.
- Inject intravenously contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Positioned patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices to ensure proper placement for imaging.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Troubleshot technical issues with MRI scanners and peripheral equipment, maintaining optimal functionality and image quality.
- Collected concise medical histories from patients during initial assessments.
Radiologic Technologist
Healthsouth Radiology
02.2005 - 01.2006
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Removed and processed radiographic film, ensuring clarity of imaging results for accurate diagnosis.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Monitored patient conditions and reactions, promptly reporting abnormal signs to physician for timely intervention.
- Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
- Prepared and administered oral or injected contrast media to enhance diagnostic imaging quality.
- Monitor video display of area being scanned and adjust density or contrast to improve picture quality.
- Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
Radiologic Technologist
Washington Hospital Center
07.2003 - 01.2006
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Explained procedures and observed patients to ensure safety and comfort during scans, enhancing patient experience.
- Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
- Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Remove and process film.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Monitored patient conditions and reactions, promptly reporting abnormal signs to physicians to support timely interventions.
- Coordinated work with clerical personnel and technologists.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
- Demonstrate new equipment, procedures, or techniques to staff and provide technical assistance.
- Prepare and administer oral or injected contrast media to patients.
- Collaborated with medical team members, including physicians and nurses, to conduct angiography and special vascular procedures, improving diagnostic accuracy.
- Monitor video display of area being scanned and adjust density or contrast to improve picture quality.
- Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.
- Work in Critical care radiology.
- Portables xrays on all ICU's, NICU, PICU, burn unit and regular floors.
- Work in medstar trauma center.
- Third floor OR.
- Contributed to operations in the main operating room.
- Assisted in procedures within the fluoroscopy suite.
- Provided imaging services at the cancer center.
Education
MD -
PRINCE GEORGES COMMUNITY COLLEGE
12-2005
certicate -
WASHINGTON HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST
Washington, DC07-2003
Skills
- MRI operation
- Patient safety
- Image evaluation
- Patient care
- Problem-solving and leadership
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Team collaboration
- Positive mindset and motivation
Personal Information
Title: MRI Technologist
Certification
- CPR BLS, ARRT (MRI)(RT)
Timeline
MRI Technologist
Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital
06.2025 - Current
Travel MRI Technologist
Fusion Medical
05.2024 - 05.2025
MRI Technologist
Orthovirginia
04.2023 - 04.2024
MRI Technologist
VCU Tappahhanock
10.2022 - 04.2023
MRI Technologist
Fauquier Hospital
07.2021 - 12.2022
Lead MRI Technologist
Mary Washington/Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg LLC
06.2013 - 07.2021
MRI Technologist
Mary Washington/Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg LLC
02.2006 - 06.2013
Radiologic Technologist
Healthsouth Radiology
02.2005 - 01.2006
Radiologic Technologist
Washington Hospital Center
07.2003 - 01.2006
MD -
PRINCE GEORGES COMMUNITY COLLEGE
certicate -
WASHINGTON HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST