Safety and Training

Documentation

Training

At the Behavioral Sciences Imaging Center, we provide neuroimaging research opportunities and training to students, post-docs, residents and research fellows, junior faculty, and to advanced researchers from other areas.

Current training opportunities include fMRI, DTI, spectroscopy, neural network modeling, imaging genetics, pharmacological imaging, electrophysiology, TMS, eye movement and other clinical neurophysiology techniques. Our focus is on severe mental illnesses and addiction research.

We recommend that you first look at the profiles of our imaging investigators to see if any of these faculty members share your research interests. You can also look at our investigators’ recent publications to get a better feel for whether or not you would be interested in the type of research that they typically conduct.

Feel free to contact imaging investigators directly to ask about whether or not they are currently accepting students or trainees as research assistants or interns, or looking for collaborators. If you are unsure of whom to contact, or if you need more directions on selecting a potential mentor, you are welcome to contact any of the administrative staff.

BSIC MRI Safety and Operation Training Program

The Behavioral Science Imaging Center (BSIC) provides a comprehensive MRI safety and operations training program structured into three progressive levels: MRI Level 1, MRI Level 2, and MRI Level 2 Advanced (Independent Scanner Operator). Each level is designed to ensure safety and competency in MRI environments, with specific access privileges and training requirements. Below is a detailed overview of each level.

MRI Level 1: Basic MRI Safety Training

Who Should Attend

Individuals accessing the BSIC facility.
Research participant recruiters conducting MRI safety pre-screening.

Access Granted

Zone 2 (BSIC facility areas outside controlled MRI zones).

Training Content

Overview of MRI safety issues.
MRI safety screening process.
Explanation of MRI zones (1–4) and associated risks.
Facility tour for new trainees.

Course Details

Duration: 1 hour.
Assessment: MRI Safety Training Quiz (80% minimum passing score).
Certification: Certificate issued upon successful completion.
Frequency: Annually or as needed.
Renewal: Required annually.
Instructor: Ms. Bindu Pillai, BSIC Manager.
Registration: Training schedules and registration information are posted on BSIC website.

MRI Level 2: Intermediate MRI Safety and Operations Training

Who Should Attend

Individuals entering Zone 3 and Zone 4.

Prerequisite

Completion of MRI Level 1 training.

Access Granted

Zones 3 and Zone 4 (MRI control room and scan room).

Training Content

Orientation to MRI control room and scan room.
Research participant preparation procedures.
Operation of table controls and emergency squeeze ball.
RF coils and scanner accessory handling.
Running fMRI stimulus tasks and operating computers/devices in the control room.
On-site screening and handling of implants/devices.
Emergency procedures and subject evacuation protocols.

Course Details

Duration: 2-hour in-person session.
Assessment: MRI Safety Level 2 Quiz (80% minimum passing score).
Certification: Certificate issued upon successful completion.
Role: Responsible for research participant safety and comfort, ancillary research equipment, and research data collection integrity. Can assist operators but cannot operate the scanner independently.
Frequency: As needed.
Renewal: Annual or via assessment.
Instructors: Dr. Peter Kochunov and Dr. Feng Gao.

MRI Level 2 Advanced: Independent Scanner Operator Training

Who Should Attend

UTH Houston users seeking independent MRI scanner operation.

Prerequisites

Completion of MRI Level 1 and Level 2 training, OR
Equivalent certification from a recognized institution (e.g., another university or medical imaging center).

Training Content

Basic MRI principles and their relation to safety.
Subject registration procedures.
MRI protocol selection and modification.
Understanding basic protocol parameters and troubleshooting artifacts.
Reviewing image quality and managing data transfer.
Independent operation of the scanner and technical equipment.

Additional Requirement

CPR Certification: Valid certification from a recognized organization (e.g., American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or local hospital/community center).

Course Details

For Trainees with Equivalent Certification

Shadowing/Instruction: Minimum of 2 hours with Dr. Feng Gao using the study’s MRI protocol.
Supervised Scanning: Minimum of 5 hours under Dr. Gao’s observation.
Discretion: Additional hours may be required based on Dr. Gao’s assessment of competency and confidence.

For Trainees Without Equivalent Certification

Shadowing/Instruction: Minimum of 10 hours with Dr. Feng Gao using the study’s MRI protocol.
Supervised Scanning: Minimum of 20 hours under Dr. Gao’s observation.
Discretion: Additional hours may be required based on Dr. Gao’s assessment of competency and confidence

For All Trainees

Certification: Certificate issued upon meeting all requirements.
iLab Privilege: Upon successful completion of the training, trainees will be granting trained user status in iLab for independent scan scheduling.
Resources: PDF guide with screenshots for scanner operation provided.
Role: Participants can operate the scanner independently on protocols trained and certified for.
Frequency: As needed.
Renewal: A refresh course is required if no scans are performed for 6+ months.
Instructors: Dr. Peter Kochunov and Dr. Feng Gao.

Additional Information

Safety First: All training levels emphasize MRI safety for personnel and subjects.
Scheduling: Check the BSIC website for training dates and registration details.
Contact: For inquiries, contact Ms. Bindu Pillai (BSIC Manager) or Dr. Feng Gao.
Updates: BSIC may revise requirements based on safety standards or institutional policies.

This program ensures that all personnel interacting with the BSIC MRI facility are well-equipped to maintain a safe and efficient scanning environment.

We also recommend that everyone review the PowerPoint presentation and YouTube video links available on our website.