PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog
Medical Radiologic Technology
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Our Medical Radiologic Technology program blends art and science, preparing you to become a proficient radiologic technologist.
It integrates classroom knowledge with practical clinical skills and incorporates real-world experience through rotations in three different radiology departments.
In this program, you will:
- learn techniques for correctly positioning patients and X-ray equipment to capture clear diagnostic images
- train on the use and maintenance of various types of X-ray-generating machines
- gain skills in producing digital images to assist physicians in medical diagnoses
- study human anatomy and diseases to understand the physiological basis of the images
- learn management and care of imaging equipment and image production
- receive specific training in CT imaging and the interpretation of CT scans
- gain knowledge of radiation protection for the safety of patients and healthcare workers
- master both general and specialized radiographic procedures
- develop professional conduct and effective patient care practices
- gain insight into specialized imaging processes such as interventional procedures, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound
- learn the protocols for quality control in radiologic technology.
As a graduate, you’ll be ready for numerous entry-level positions in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals and community clinics.
With experience, you can specialize in general X-ray, interventional radiography, computed tomography, and mammography. There are also potential career paths in management roles or as educators in the radiologic technology field.
If you have a strong interest in medicine, healthcare technology and patient care, this program provides the technical knowledge and clinical skills needed to embark on a rewarding career in medical imaging.
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Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those in medical radiologic technology tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.
You need:
- a sense of responsibility and integrity
- to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- to be comfortable performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
- an eye for detail and accuracy
- patience and adaptability
- sensitivity to the needs of ill and injured people
- good speaking and writing skills
- the ability to put people at ease
- an interest in science and technology
- a willingness to keep your skills and knowledge up to date
- organizational skills
- problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- the ability to work well in a team
- the ability to manage your stress well
- the ability to reach a minimum height of 180 cm (to move overhead equipment).
As a medical radiologic technologist, you may work in environments where a considerable amount of time is spent on your feet, or you’re performing repetitive tasks. You must observe safety precautions and pay attention to ergonomics to reduce your risk of exposure and injury.
Individuals with previous chronic or repetitive strain injuries have experienced re-injury or aggravation of these conditions in this program and profession. You must also be able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for medical radiologic technologists to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You will complete required clinical practicums in this program.
You will be assigned practicum placements while in the program. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited, and you may be required to travel or relocate outside the city. While we strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be accommodated. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
This program is accredited through Accreditation Canada, and works closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Provincial Advisory Committee to ensure our curriculum continues to meet or exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Graduates are eligible to challenge the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam, which is a requirement for registration and employment for registered medical radiologic technologists in Canada. Successful completion of the exam will enable graduates to work anywhere throughout Canada.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Medical Radiologic Technology diploma.
Not open to international applicants
This program is not available to international applicants at this time.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Medical radiation technologists (32121)
- Medical sonographers (32122)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Application process
Before applying to this program, you must complete the necessary entrance tests.
Refer to Health and Public Safety entrance testing to find the required tests and deadlines and instructions on how to book your exams.
Program outline
The Medical Radiologic Technology diploma requires 70.5 credits (23 courses) to complete.
The program spans two and a half years.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $3,200 for the entire program.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
A laptop (non-Android) or Apple tablet is required. A mobile phone is not a suitable alternative.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Required uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
For your first day of labs, your required uniform will include:
- plain black scrub-style pants and top (coloured piping accents are acceptable)
- closed-toe and heel footwear in plain white or black (no logos or stripes of colour), runners, or duty shoes
- short black/white lab coat (optional.)
Additional fees
- A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines you need to be administered will result in additional charges.
- A fee of approximately $50 to $100 is associated with an electronic student permit checking submission, which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider (Level C) CPR annual updates are required. All CPR courses must be from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
- A fee is associated with the CompTracker application used in this program.
- You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
- Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam fees are approximately $840, with an additional exam registration fee.
- Annual dues to the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists are approximately $100.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Provide patient care to ensure comfort, safety, and dignity.
- Collaborate effectively within the inter-professional environment to achieve a high standard of patient service.
- Engage in the healthcare system with a comprehensive understanding of, and accountability towards, your impact.
- Produce, evaluate, process, and critique diagnostic digital images in MRT clinical settings.
- Perform, evaluate, process, and critique non-imaging procedures in a MRT clinical setting.
- Evaluate and guide the technical and professional development of students using educational institute guidelines.
- Use verbal, non-verbal, and written skills to communicate appropriately with patients, members of the healthcare team, and the public.
- Model professionalism by adhering to the professional code of ethics, legal and workplace standards, and by embracing a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Ensure the physical and psychological safety of patients, co-workers, and self while maintaining radiation safety standards.
- Competently operate and evaluate equipment performance to ensure accuracy of clinical procedures.
- Apply critical thinking and creativity to adapt to challenging situations in the workplace.
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