Medical Radiation Technology

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

  • Off-site labs provide a unique experience learning in a hospital setting with state- of-the-art equipment
  • Extensive CT theory and practice including IV certification from the provincial association
  • Lab instructors who are actively involved in clinical practice providing the most current skills

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2024

Yes

Winter 2025

No

Fall 2025

Yes

Schedule

Fall 2024
Level 01
Winter 2025
Level 02
Spring 2025
Break
Fall 2025
Level 03
Winter 2026
Level 04
Spring 2026
Placement 01
Fall 2026
Placement 02

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma (3 Years)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Health Sciences

School

School of Health Studies

Campus

Ottawa

Work Integrated Learning

This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, accredited by the Accreditation Canada Accreditation Canada EQual™. 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....(read more)

Overview

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 Accreditation Canada EQual™. 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
  • private industry

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Can beself-directed in a team environment.
  • Possess applied technical aptitudes.
  • Have strong analytical skills.
  • Are detail-oriented.
  • Want to work in avariety of challenging work settings.
  • Are able to work effectively under stressful situations.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Careers & Pathways

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.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

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.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:

  • Prior to placement, Clinical Practicums require training in Health and Safety, WHMIS and OWHSA training. There are some additional costs associated with training that should be anticipated by students which are not covered by tuition fees.
  • Printed books required for the program are approximately $1,200.
  • The uniform costs required for clinical/lab activities (all three years) are approximately $300.
  • Please note that travel and parking expenses, to partnering clinical sites for observation and clinical experiences throughout the program, are the responsibility of the student.
  • In addition, students are required to finance clinical experience related expenses, such as travel and housing accommodations for all activities in the program.
  • In order to be eligible for employment in Ontario, students must register with the College of Medical and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO) with a preregistration fee of $105 (subject to change).
  • The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) national certification exam fee is $907 with an additional test centre fee of $150.41 plus tax. All fees are based on 2023 costs and are subject to change.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 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; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.

International Applicants: International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.

Please click this link for more information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/.

ACCEPTED APPLICANTS MUST:

Police Records Check Documentation:
Applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Record Check program requirements.

It is your responsibility to obtain the Police Records Check For Service With Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your program and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.

Lab and Clinical Placement Eligibility:
Lab Requirements: Proof of a clear (PRCSVS)- annual requirement. You may be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.

Clinical Placement Requirements:Successful completion of clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from the Medical Radiation Technology program. To be eligible to participate in clinical placement activities, you must complete ParaMed requirements and submit:

  • Proof of a clear (PRCSVS)- annual requirement. You may be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
  • Evidence of a current Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Training C.P.R. Basic Rescuer `C` Level certification and Standard First Aid certification.
  • Evidence of mask fit-tested for N-95 equivalent masks required for infection-control measures as required by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Guidelines.
  • A Health Assessment Form and provide an Immunization Certificate. Applicants must have complete immunization including Hepatitis B, and annual T.B. test (a Chest X-ray is required if the T.B. test is positive) and are required to have annual immunization for influenza by some clinical affiliates.
  • All ParaMed Clinical/Field Pre-Placement Health requirements one (1) month prior to starting clinical placements. Applicants must have complete immunization including Hepatitis B, and annual T.B. test (a Chest X-ray is required if the T.B. test is positive) and are required to have annual immunization for influenza by some clinical affiliates. Additional details regarding the requirements including immunizations, may be found in the form mentioned above under the Accepted Applicant tab-Placement Forms.
  • Evidence of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Ontario Health and Safety Awareness (OHSA) Training certification. These courses meet program requirements are free to registered students and can be accessed through the Algonquin College website: https://www.algonquincollege.com/safety-security-services/home/occupational-health-and-safety/health-safety-training-resources/.
  • Proof of current Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training. Some clinical affiliates require a yearly proof of NVCI training.

Application Information

MEDICAL RADIATION TECHNOLOGY
Program Code 1615X01FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Additional Information

Program Resources

The College of Medical and Imaging Technologists of Ontario has a number of requirements for registration that relate to the past and present conduct of the applicant, as well as mental and physical health conditions. To find out if you would be eligible to practise in Ontario, please access the website: https://www.cmrito.org/applicants/registration-requirements/.

Students are required to participate in clinical/lab simulations including invasive procedures such as venipuncture both as a patient and technologists roles.

Clinical Placement:
Some clinical placements are outside of Ottawa. Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.

If, at any time during the program, there is a break in the student`s progress of one term or more, the student is required to enroll and pass a mandatory Continuing Education course to update practicum skills. The student is responsible for the cost of the required Continuing Education course and must advise the Program Coordinator of their intensions to return to the program six weeks in advance of the start of the semester in which they would like to return. Returning status will be granted based on the availability of placement sites.

During clinical practicum placement, if there are significant professional/safety infractions, students will be removed from the clinical site and pending the results of an investigation may receive an F grade for the clinical placement course.

Timetable:
Timetable for the program includes days, evenings and weekends.

Contact

Shannon Gidge

Program Coordinator

gidges@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 2169

Room P112b

View Bio

Shannon Gidge

Program Coordinator

gidges@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 2169

Shannon Gidge holds an undergraduate degree from Carleton University, a Computed Tomography Imaging Certificate (CTIC), and is a proud Alumni of Algonquin College’s Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) program. He began his teaching career at AC in 2013 and is an enthusiastic educator who tries to incorporate fun into the classroom, engaging students in an optimal learning environment. He actively volunteers with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) as an exam writer for the national entry-to-practice certification exam. In addition to his volunteer work and full time Professor and Lab Coordinator position, Shannon continues to maintain his clinical proficiency by working as a part time CT Technologist in one of Canada’s leading tertiary care teaching hospitals. This continued experience, allows him to keep abreast on advancing technologies in the ever-changing medical imaging field and brings the most current, up to date, real life experiences to his students.

Sylvie Ferguson

Professor

Lisa Woodtke

Professor

woodtkl@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 2133

Room P112

View Bio

Lisa Woodtke

Professor

woodtkl@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 2133

Lisa Woodtke has worked at Algonquin College since the inception of the MRT program in 2010. Her love for education and the Medical Radiation profession merged into the ideal position as a full-time faculty member. She continues to practice in her specialty area of breast imaging as a Certified Breast Imager (CBI). As well as working full-time and continuing to practice she finds time to volunteer with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technology (CAMRT). Her current position as a Coordinator and Professor with the MRT program is very satisfying and the most gratifying element is to watch graduates walk across the stage, accept their diploma and then become coworkers.

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