Program Description
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 trains students as medical radiologic technologists, 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.
Students will complete courses in anatomy and pathology, apparatus and image management, computed tomography, radiation protection, general and specialized radiographic techniques, professional practice and patient care. They will also focus on specialized imaging, clinical integration, quality assurance and control, and professional practice. Additionally, students will complete three clinical practica where they rotate through general and specialized medical radiologic technology departments, applying what they have learned in these clinical settings.
Abbreviated Program Description
Learn how to use different forms of radiological equipment to perform exams that aid in the diagnosis of disease and injury. This program focuses on patient care, radiographic positioning, radiographic anatomy, radiobiology and protection, apparatus and image management, and pathology. A combination of theory and clinical practice allows you to build knowledge and gain experience in the areas of general X-ray imaging, fluoroscopy and computed tomography. Accredited by Accreditation Canada. Graduates are eligible to challenge the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. Recognized by the Canadian Forces as aligning with military occupational training requirements. For more information, visit forces.ca.
Fast Facts
- This program should be completed full-time
- Program Length:
- This program is delivered in a blended format
- Full-Time Intakes:
- Based on the availability of the practicum sites, students may have to travel or re-locate to anywhere in Alberta (and in some circumstances outside of Alberta) in order to complete their practica
- During the clinical portion of the program, students are expected to participate in normal MRT shiftwork that can include evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays
- Students require access to a personal computer with Internet in order to complete the required courses
Certain courses may be offered through Open Studies during the daytime, evenings, and/or weekends, as well as in a classroom, blended, or online format. All courses must be completed within the program completion timeframe. Please be advised that for the purpose of student loans, full-time student status requires that learners are enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full course load per semester. Your Career
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.
Student Success
Students who experience success in this program and profession:
- Have higher secondary and/or post-secondary grades
- Are committed to the significant additional self-study required
- Have basic computer literacy, including the ability to use word processing and communication software
- Are detail oriented and use critical thinking in practice
- Demonstrate compassion for patients and colleagues
- Are eager, persevere, and enjoy working in a team environment
- Have exceptional communication skills in English
- Are able to handle unpleasant or stressful situations
- Are in good health and physically fit, including the ability to
- Lift heavy patients
- Push, pull, and lift heavy equipment
- Climb several flights of stairs quickly
- Stand for long periods of time and work in difficult positions, while performing repetitive tasks
- Employ strong hand and finger dexterity
- Have strong vision and hearing
- Are mindful of observing safety precautions and proper ergonomics in order to reduce the risk of exposures and injury
- Please note that 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.
Credentials
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.
Accreditation
The Medical Radiologic Technology program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada. 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.
Progression
The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.
Admission Requirements
At least 75% in the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 30-1, Math 30-2, AND,
- English Language Arts 30-1, AND,
- Physics 30, AND,
- One of either Biology 30, or Chemistry 30, or Science 30.
Successful applicants must meet or exceed a score of 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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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