MEDICAL RADIATION TECHNOLOGIST

Career Description

There are four disciplines of medical radiation technologists—Magnetic Resonance Technologist, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Radiological Technologist; Radiation Therapist.

Magnetic Resonance Technologists use radio waves and magnetic fields to generate images of tissues and organ systems to diagnose illnesses.

Nuclear medicine technologists perform imaging and therapeutic procedures using radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate the structure and function of most organ systems in the body.

Radiological technologists perform a variety of imaging procedures, including X-ray, fluoroscopy, CT scanning, interventional radiography, mammography and operating room studies.

Radiation therapists use x-ray beams to locate and treat cancer according to the plan prescribed by a radiologist and oncologist.

While all four disciplines are distinct all MRTs are highly skilled professionals that impact the diagnosis and treatment of patients. MRTs are responsible for the ongoing care and assessment of patients throughout their exam and work closely with radiologists or oncologist to ensure optimal patient outcomes. MRTs also work in management, PACS administration, education and other non-clinical and non-patient care roles.

Academic and Licensing Requirements

Completion of grade 12 with at least five (5) grade 12 university preparatory courses, including:

• English
• Math
• 2 Sciences

For radiological technology:

• Physics, and
• Chemistry or Biology

For nuclear medicine:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• No grade lower than 70% in the 5 courses
• overall minimum grade average of 75%

A Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) in Radiological Technology or Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a certificate program at Dalhousie University that can be taken as part of a BHSc. This program is also accessible as a post-diploma program for MRTs who have completed their education outside of Nova Scotia. This can also be accessed outside of the province as a direct entry diploma program.

Upon successful completion of the education requirements, one must write the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists national exam and be certified by the association. Upon successful completion of the exam, one must apply to the Nova Scotia Association of Medical Radiation Technologists for professional registration as a medical radiation technologist.

Where to study in Nova Scotia

• Dalhousie University for radiological technology,nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance imaging.
• Currently no radiation therapy program is offered in Nova Scotia but can be accessed elsewhere in Canada.

CAMRT has a full list of all accredited programs in Canada

MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER

Career Description

A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill. Sonographers also work in management, PACS administration, education and other non-clinical and non-patient care roles.

Academic and Licensing Requirements

• Completion of grade 12 with at least five (5) grade 12 academic courses

Including:

• English
• Math
• Physics
• Biology, and
• One other academic subject

• No grade lower than 70% in the 5 courses, and an overall minimum grade average of 75%.

Students have the option of a three year diploma or a four year Bachelor of Health Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Upon successful completion of the education requirements, one must write the Core Sonographer Examination and the Generalist Sonographer Examination offered through the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Currently, this profession is not regulated in Nova Scotia but require sonographers to be registered with Sonography Canada. Medical Sonographers in Nova Scotia should consider membership with the Nova Scotia Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Where to study in Nova Scotia

• Dalhousie University