Medical Radiation Technologist
Canada’s medical radiation technologists (MRTs) are caring professionals, high-tech specialists, and essential members of the healthcare team. Medical radiation technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy treatments.
The Four Disciplines of Medical Radiation Technology:
• Description: Radiologic Technologists are trained to use X-ray and other imaging technologies to help diagnose and treat patients.
• Education Path: Programs like the one at The Michener Institute in partnership with the University of Toronto offer a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Sciences combined with an Advanced Diploma.
• Certification: Graduates are usually required to pass a certification exam recognized by provincial regulatory bodies.
• Description: Nuclear Medicine Technologists use radioactive materials to create diagnostic images that help identify health conditions.
• Education Path: Similar to Radiologic Technology, this program is offered as a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Sciences with an Advanced Diploma.
• Certification: Certification may be required from the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT).
• Description: MRI Technologists specialize in using magnetic resonance imaging technology to produce images of organs and tissues.
• Education Path: Training programs often include specialized courses in MRI technology within the Medical Radiation Sciences framework or as a post-diploma certification for those already in the field.
• Certification: A separate certification for MRI may be obtained after completing an accredited MRI program.
• Description: Radiation Therapists work with oncologists to plan and administer radiation treatments for cancer patients.
• Education Path: Offered as a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Sciences with an Advanced Diploma.
• Certification: Radiation Therapy requires specific certification, often through CAMRT, and may also have additional provincial requirements.
** All candidates, whether educated at an accredited Canadian education program (see listing below) or trained in the profession internationally, must write the national certification examination administered by CAMRT to practice.
Educational Programs for Medical Radiation Technology
Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick):
- College of the North Atlantic 3 years diploma
https://www.cna.nl.ca/program/medical-radiography
- Dalhousie University: Bachelor of Health Science, 4 years
https://www.dal.ca/academics/programs/undergraduate/hs.html
- University of Prince Edward Island: 4 years
https://www.upei.ca/programs/bachelor-applied-science-radiography
- University of New Brunswick: Bachelor of Health Sciences- 4 years
https://www.unb.ca/academics/programs/health-sciences/radiography.html
- College Communautaire du NB:
https://ccnb.ca/programmes/technologie-en-radiation-medicale/
Central Canada (Ontario, Quebec):
- Dawson College: 3 years – Montreal, Quebec
https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/diagnostic-imaging-technology/
- Collège Ahuntsic: Montreal, Quebec
https://www.collegeahuntsic.qc.ca/programmes-dec/techniques?interests=2
- Algonquin College: advanced diploma 3 years – Ontario
https://www.algonquincollege.com/health-studies/program/medical-radiation-technology/
- Mohawk-McMaster: diploma-degree program- 4 years – Ontario
https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/health/medical-radiation-sciences-729
- Michener Institute / University of Toronto:
https://michener.ca/academic-programs/programs/
- Fanshawe College: Advanced Diploma- 104 weeks – Ontario
https://www.fanshawec.ca/programs/mrt1-medical-radiation-technology/next#program-details
- Confederation College: Advanced Diploma- 2.5 years
https://www.confederationcollege.ca/program/medical-radiation-technology
- Collège Boréal: Ontario
https://collegeboreal.ca/programme/technologie-en-radiation-medicale/
- Cambrian College: Ontario
https://cambriancollege.ca/programs
- Red River College Polytechnic: Manitoba
https://www.rrc.ca/explore/health-sciences/
- Cancer Care MB/University of Winnipeg: Manitoba
https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/For-Health-Professionals/school-of-radiation-therapy
Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia):
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic: 96 weeks advanced diploma
https://saskpolytech.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/Medical-Radiologic-Technology.aspx
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology: 2 years, Diploma
https://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/diplomas/medical-radiologic-technology
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
https://www.nait.ca/program-search
- University of Alberta: Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy (BScRT) degree, 4 years
https://www.ualberta.ca/medicine/programs/radiation-therapy/index.html
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
33-month Bachelor of Science program
https://www.bcit.ca/programs/radiation-therapy-bachelor-of-science-full-time-8650bsc/
- College of New Caledonia: 2 years diploma ,Prince George, BC
https://cnc.bc.ca/programs-courses/programs/detail/medical-radiography-technology-diploma
- Camosun College: 2 years diploma, BC
https://camosun.ca/programs-courses/find-program/medical-radiography-diploma
*You can refer to The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) for more detailed information.