University Education
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences
McMaster University (2016)
​
Advanced Diploma in Medical Radiation Sciences (Specialization in Radiography)
Mohawk College (2016)
​
"Medical Radiation Sciences (MRSc) encompasses the health professions that employ various forms of radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic care of patients, and is one of the fastest growing primary health care fields. The attainment of both an Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences degree is achieved through a fully integrated program offered jointly through Mohawk College and McMaster University. The MRSc program promotes skills in its graduates to prepare them for lifelong, self-directed learning, critical thinking, and to become an integral part of the health care team. After completing their first year, students are streamed into one of two professional specializations: radiography or ultrasonography." (McMaster University, 2019)
Professional Bodies
CMRTO: College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario
CMRTO sets standards of practice for Ontario and ensures all professionals uphold continuing education and professional practice standards through yearly submissions and reviews. I am accountable for my actions throug CMRTO. "The CMRTO is the regulatory body for medical radiation technologists (MRTs) in Ontario. Like 25 other health professions in Ontario, medical radiation technology is self-regulated. Self-regulation means that the profession governs itself through a college. Only individuals registered with the College are legally authorized to practice the profession in Ontario." (Ontario Assoiciation of Medical Radiation Sciences, 2019)​ CMRTO is the only mandatory professional body I must be apart of.
​
CAMRT: Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
CAMRT sets the bar for professionals in this practice by a standardized registration exam. No person in Canada can practice without being registered with CAMRT first. From there, provincial regulatory bodies take over for the most part (CMRTO for me). "The CAMRT is the national professional association for MRTs. The CAMRT partners with ten provincial associations who share a common membership. The CAMRT is an authoritative voice on the critical issues that affect its members across the country. As the national certifying body, CAMRT develops and administers national certification exams for the four disciplines among its membership. In addition, the CAMRT provides education and benefits to all provinces across the country." (Ontario Assoiciation of Medical Radiation Sciences, 2019)
​
OAMRS: Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences
Another provincial regulatory body - OAMRS has been much more relevent to the sonography specialization until this year when CMRTO also became a regulatory body for sonography. "The OAMRS is the recognized voice of the profession in Ontario, ensuring that MRTs and Sonographers continue to grow in importance within the Ontario Health care system. In addition, the OAMRS provides education, benefits and face-to-face workshops and events at a local level throughout the province." (Ontario Assoiciation of Medical Radiation Sciences, 2019)
​
​
OPSEU: Ontario Public Service Employee Union
I am part of a unionized department so I also have protection though OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union). I also obtain liabiity insurance through OPSEU, however it is also available through other regulatory bodies like OAMRS.
The image below gives a general idea of the different professional bodies - this is specific to the sonography profession but the idea is the same.
Obtained from:https://secure.oamrs.org/Apps/Pages/who-we-are
Post Graduate Certifications
CT Imaging Certificate
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (2016)
"The intent of the certificate in CT is to provide a mechanism for radiological technologists and nuclear medicine technologists to demonstrate knowledge and competence in the field of CT imaging, to promote standards of excellence within this clinical area, and to identify those who have met a nationally recognized standard." (Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, 2019) It is a two part (didatic and clinical) program that takes up to five years to complete. Once completed, the candidate holds a CT Imaging Certificate and can now use the "CTIC" credentiale.
​
Imaging Informatics Graduate Certificate
The Michener Institute (Expected Completion November 2019)
Imaging informatics has become a very important part of diagnostic imaging since PACS (Picture Archiving Communication Systems) came into place. PACS allows health care providers to digitally view, manage, share and store images and related medical reports on a secure computer system from any approved location. The Imaging Informatics Graduate Certificate through the Michener Institute is the first program in Canada that encompasses a clinical component to their curriculum. The program incorporates four online courses and a four week full-time practicum. Once completed, students can find roles such as "Imaging Informatics Analysts" and go on to complete their American Board of Imaging Informatics Certification examinations. (Canada has not came up with an equivalent yet).
My Role in Ontario
My role in Ontario as a Registered Medical Radiation Technologist is governed by the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (HARP), which I believe needs to be updated. This act puts rules and regulation on the installation and use of all X-Ray machines (including CT) to ensure correct use.
Ontario healthcare is complex. There are numerous changes occuring in 2019 that are just starting to be publicized, so many of these acts could change in the upcoming months.
Ontario also has a Medical Radiation Technology Act, which more so outlines the limitations of the practice. This act was made in accordance with CMRTO. Together, they have standards of practice and rules and regulations on the practice of Medical Radiation Technology.
Similar to the MRT Act, there is also the Medical Radiation and Imaging Technology Act. Also outlining limitations of the practice alongside CMRTO as a governing college.