Medical Radiation Technology at Algonquin College

Providing insight into the human body: using diagnostic procedures, build your career as a member of a healthcare team.

This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, accredited by the Accreditation Canada EQalTM. The program prepares you with the knowledge and technical skills required to produce diagnostic images and carry out diagnostic procedures in the role of a Medical Radiation Technologist. These skills are outlined by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists Radiological Technology competency profile. Working independently, and in collaboration with healthcare team members, Medical Radiation Technologists analyze a variety of complex diagnostic images to assist physicians in the diagnosis and management of multiple system disorders.

Through theory, simulations, practice and extensive clinical experiences, you acquire the ability to produce quality images of internal structures of the human body. You also apply health, safety and quality assurance principles while performing venipunctures, interacting with patients, and using ionizing radiation in labs and clinical settings

Weekly lab sessions with hands-on guidance from faculty prepare you for three practicums totaling more than 1,500 hours in clinical settings either within Ottawa or requiring relocation to another clinical setting across Ontario. These acquired skills help you to function as a member of a healthcare team.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the national certification exam. You must pass the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) national certification exam to be eligible to register with the College of Medical and Imaging Technologists of Ontario, which is a requirement to work in Ontario.

You may find employment in:

• community and teaching hospitals
• medical clinics
• education and research settings
• rivate industry

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills while interacting with patients, their families and other members of the healthcare team.
• Can be self-directed in a team environment.
• Possess applied technical aptitudes.
• Have strong analytical skills.
• Are detail-oriented.
• Want to work in a variety of challenging work settings.
• Are able to work effectively under stressful situations.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in community and teaching hospitals, medical clinics, education and research settings and in private industry. Upon successful completion of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) national certification exam, graduates must register with the College of Medical and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO) to be eligible for employment in Ontario.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Produce and assess a variety of high-quality diagnostic images employing current technologies for image acquisition and processing.
2. Interpret requests and adapt procedures relative to patient and diagnostic image requirements in routine and complex clinical cases.
3. Comply with relevant legislation, regulations and ethical standards for the best practice in diagnostic imaging.
4. Employ accepted radiation, health and safety practices with self, patients, their families, and healthcare team members in a variety of clinical settings.
5. Provide quality care to diverse patients in assessment, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic intervention, while incorporating patient advocacy and education to patients, their family, healthcare team members and the public.
6. Monitor patients` status at all times and respond to emergency situations where indicated.
7. Operate, calibrate, set up, troubleshoot and evaluate a variety of complex equipment safely.
8. Analyze a broad range of diagnostic imaging procedures to assist physicians in the diagnosis and management of multiple system disorders.
9. Interact with patients, their families, the healthcare team members and the public using effective communication and interpersonal skills.
10. Exhibit behaviour consistent with the professional role of a medical radiation technologist, including teamwork, provision of health education and establishment of strategies for lifelong learning.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) 65% or higher.
• Mathematics Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
• Physics Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher. AND
• Biology Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher. OR
• Chemistry Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
• All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle. For further information on the HPAT and how to book your assessment, please visit Algonquin`s Test Centre.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band OR
• TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.