Celebrate the power of technology with the human touch Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists

November 8 – 14th is Medical Radiation Technologists’ Week

Have you ever wondered who was operating your CT scan, x-ray equipment, nuclear medicine scanner, MRI unit or radiation therapy equipment?

The answer is medical radiation technologists or therapists, key members of the health care team with highly specialized clinical skills. There are over 11,000 registered medical radiation technologists (MRTs) in Canada. MRT Week is the occasion to celebrate the contributions of these dedicated professionals to the health of Canadians.

Medical radiation technologists are highly trained health professionals with specialized skills, knowledge and competences who carry out diagnostic imaging and a number of treatment procedures in hospitals and private medical clinics. The profession is composed of four disciplines: the radiological technologist, the radiation therapist, the nuclear medicine technologist and the magnetic resonance technologist. These dedicated health care professionals also function as patient advocates, educators, health care researchers, technical and therapy specialists, and interdisciplinary consultants.

Radiological technologists produce images, such as chest x-rays, back x-rays, CT scans, and mammograms. These images (or x-rays) of a body part or system help the physician make a diagnosis.
Radiological technologists use their excellent patient care skills and expert knowledge of anatomy and pathology to monitor and correctly position the patient. They utilize their technical expertise to operate the equipment properly, and ensure radiation protection methods are followed, in order to protect the patient and their family, as well as staff.

Nuclear medicine technologists use equipment that acquires images such as thyroid, cardiac, bone and kidney scans. These images enable physicians to diagnose and monitor a patient's response to various treatments.
Nuclear medicine technologists use their excellent patient care skills to monitor patients during procedures. Their technical expertise in the use of radiopharmaceuticals and radiation physics combined with their expert knowledge of anatomy and physiology allow them to produce images and perform diagnostic imaging procedures. Technologists also ensure proper radiation handling and protection techniques are followed, keeping patients, their families and staff safe.

Radiation therapists are responsible for accurately planning and administering the radiation treatment for cancer patients, using radiation treatment units. They have expert knowledge in care of the patient and anatomy, as well as radiation physics and radiation protection for the safe operation of the equipment. The radiation therapist counsels patients on possible side effects from treatment and provides advice on how to minimize and manage them. Because the course of radiation treatment often takes several weeks, a special supportive relationship usually develops between the therapist and the patient and family members.

Magnetic resonance technologists, or MRI technologists, produce diagnostic images using equipment that generates radio waves and a strong magnetic field. They apply their extensive knowledge of anatomy, pathology and physiology as well as their patient care skills in order to obtain the necessary images and monitor patients during scans.

MRI technologists employ their technical expertise and understanding of magnetic resonance physics to produce images, and to ensure that the required protocols are followed within the area of the magnet in order to protect the patients, their families and hospital staff.
For more information about the medical radiation technology profession and its role on the health care team, along with details about the challenging career opportunities the profession offers, visit the website of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, at www.camrt.ca.