FAQ

What does an MRT do?

A MRT is a technologist in Medical Imaging. They are sometimes called x-ray technologists or radiographers. We take images or x-rays of patients. We mostly work in teaching and community hospitals and clinics. We work different shifts and the job is physically demanding, but very rewarding.

Could you work in all areas of medical radiation (MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy)?

This program qualifies you to work in diagnostic imaging but not in Sonography, Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Therapy. These 3 disciplines are separate programs; Algonquin College currently offers Sonography and you can find available colleges that offer Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine programs on the professional association website. As for MRI, this program is a stepping stone. You need to be qualified as a MRT before taking a 1 year graduate certificate (not currently offered at Algonquin). You can find MRI programs on the professional association website.

Do you need a degree to become a MRT?

No. After you graduate from any program in Canada, you have to pass the national certification exam. This exam will allow you to work anywhere in the country (with the exception of Quebec for language requirements). If you wish to obtain a degree after your MRT program, there are many options for online degree completion that are available through our professional association.

Is there any pre-testing to be done for the program?

Once you have met the above program requirements, you will be invited to take a pre-entrance health program assessment called the AC-HPAT. The applicants are then ranked and offered admission based on their scores from this assessment.
See more at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/testcentre/

Could you get into the program with the Pre-Health Science Pathways to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees certificate?

If you have completed the Pre- Health Science Pathways to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program and you have met the program requirements then you are eligible to apply. You will also need to write, and pass, the pre-entrance health program assessment.

Could you apply as a mature student?

All mature applicants must meet entrance requirements. There are some academic upgrading courses available at Algonquin College. You can contact the Registrars’ Office to find more information. All mature applicants must also write the pre-entrance health program assessment called the AC-HPAT.

Could you work in all areas of Diagnostic Imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Sonography and Radiation Therapy)?

This program qualifies you to work in diagnostic imaging but not in Sonography, Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Therapy. These 3 disciplines are separate programs. Algonquin College currently offers Diagnostic Medical Sonography. You can find available colleges/universities that offer Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine programs on the professional association website. As for MRI you need to be qualified as a MRT before taking a graduate certificate (not currently offered at Algonquin College). You can find information about MRI programs on the professional association website.

Why is there a clinical placement in the program?

The unpaid clinical placement is required for you to learn how to adapt your skills that you have practiced on each other in labs for all types of patients in a real clinical setting. There is a 46 week clinical experience available at specific affiliated sites.

Does it matter where you do your clinical placement?

You can only choose from the hospitals that are affiliated with the program. You cannot select your own. Each of the clinical sites is able to offer a good learning experience to meet the competency profile set by the professional association so that you can go work anywhere you want. (List of clinical sites will be given at the start of the program.)

Do you need a degree to work as an MRT?

No. After you graduate from any program in Canada, you have to pass the national certification exam. This exam
will allow you to work anywhere in the country (with the exception of Quebec for language requirements). If you
wish to obtain a degree after your MRT program, there are many options for online degree completion that
are available through our professional association website.

Do you get paid for clinical training?

No. You do not get paid for any of the clinical placements in the program.