Medical Radiologic Technology

Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) is the art and science of correctly positioning the patient and X-ray equipment to produce and record images for visualizing the extent of disease or injury. The Medical Radiologic Technology program is a two-year, full-time program where students are trained as medical radiologic technologist, responsible for the safe and competent operation of a wide range of X-ray generating machines, the production of digital images and use of accessory medical equipment.

In the first year of the Medical Radiologic Technology program, students will attend SAIT and complete courses in anatomy and pathology, apparatus and image management, computed tomography, radiation protection, general and specialized radiographic techniques, professional practice and patient care.

The second year of the MRT program involves on-line courses focusing on specialized imaging, clinical integration, quality assurance and control and professional practice. Students will also concurrently complete three clinical practica where they rotate through general and specialized medical radiologic technology departments, applying what they have learned in these clinical settings.

Note: Two courses – INFC 215 Infection Prevention and Control and MEDT 211 Medical Terminology - are also available to be taken by distance education or continuing education. Regardless of which method of delivery a course is taken, it must be completed within the time frame shown in the Program Outline. Please be advised that full-time student status requires the student to take 60 percent of a full course load per semester. Depending on the number of courses completed by distance education or continuing education, students may be considered a part-time student, which may impact their financial loan status.

Graduates find work as medical radiologic technologists in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices and public health agencies. Future specialization opportunities are also available for experienced medical radiologic technologists with technical excellence in areas such as angiography, mammography, management and teaching.
Medical radiologic technologists work in environments where they may spend a considerable amount of time standing or sitting and performing tasks that may be repetitive. They must observe safety precautions and ergonomics to reduce the risk of exposures and injury.

Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs. Students are expected to spend approximately 20 hours per week outside of class studying.

In order to be successful in this program, applicants must have computer literacy. An acceptable computer skill level would include the ability to use word processing and communication software. Educational interaction in this program depends on these computer skills. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure adequacy of these skills prior to program admission.

Health care practitioners are detail oriented in the care they provide, use critical thinking in practice, demonstrate compassion, are eager, persevere and enjoy working in a team environment.

Students who experience success in this program have the following characteristics:

• Exceptional communication skills in English
• The ability to handle unpleasant or stressful situations
• Are capable of lifting heavy patients
• The ability to move heavy equipment (pulling/pushing/lifting)
• The ability to climb several flights of stairs quickly
• The ability to stand for long periods of time and work in difficult physical positions
• Good physical health including upper body shoulder strength and wrist and hand dexterity and stamina; and
• Strong vision and hearing.

Individuals with previous chronic or repetitive strain injuries have experienced re-injury or aggravation of these conditions in this program and/or as a technologist.

During the clinical portion of the program, students are expected to participate in normal medical radiologic technology shift work including evenings, weekends and statutory holidays.

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Medical Radiologic Technology diploma.
Graduates from this program are eligible to challenge the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam which is a requirement for registration and employment for medical radiologic technologists in Canada.

The Medical Radiologic Technology program delivered by SAIT is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association. The program also works closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Committee to ensure that our curriculum continues to meet or exceed provincial and national accreditation standards

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

At least 75% in the following courses or equivalents:

• Math 30-1, Math 30-2, or Pure Math 30, AND,
• English Language Arts 30-1, AND,
• Physics 30, AND,
• One of either Biology 30, or Chemistry 30, or Science 30.
• All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.