Medical Radiation Technology

Medical Radiation Technology is a career in health care that lets you use state-of-the-art medical equipment and work with patients one-on-one.

Medical radiation technologists are highly trained specialists who perform medical imaging examinations. They produce images of body parts and systems using X-rays, computed tomography (CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Medical imaging helps narrow the causes of an injury or illness and ensures that a diagnosis is accurate.

As a medical radiation technologist, you will have the knowledge and skills to support medical teams by providing diagnostic images with patient care expertise.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Technology is a joint program with Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Students must first complete a two-year diploma in Medical Radiologic Technology at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Then, students can apply to the U of R to complete another two years to earn their Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Technology.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Technology is designed for those who want to advance their careers and develop their knowledge of the theory and research behind medical radiation technology.

What is Medical Radiation Technology?

Medical radiation technologists have hands-on training in the use of medical imaging equipment, and know how to position patients to get the best images and assess images. They also have knowledge and skills in:

• anatomy and physiology
• examination techniques
• X-ray equipment
• radiation safety and protection
• patient care and professionalism

In Canada’s health-care system, medical radiation technologists play key roles in diagnosis and treatment and offer advice to radiologists, radiation oncologists and other health-care providers. They explain procedures to patients, position patients, place equipment, apply safety procedures, and record patient data. They also have good communication skills.

Some courses in the medical radiation technology degree program include:

Introductory Radiation Science and Biophysics

Radioactivity exists naturally in the soil, water, and air in a variety of forms. Beneficial uses of manmade radiation include energy production, medical diagnoses and treatments, transportation safety, and precision industrial measurements. This course covers the principles of radiation science and explores safe uses of radiation for improving our lives.

Sociology of Health

This course introduces you to sociological perspectives on health and illness. The course will examine the history of health care, including the Canadian health-care system. Current debates over the future of Medicare will be examined, including the relative roles to be played by public and private systems.

Professional Ethics

This course examines the philosophical consideration of ethical problems which arise in the context of the conduct of various professions. Areas may include justice, business ethics, biomedical ethics, ethics of education, ethics of privacy and confidentiality (with applications to journalism, social work, psychology), and environmental ethics.

Economic Issues in the Canadian Health-Care System

This course surveys the Canadian health-care system from an economic perspective, examines the economic costs and socio-economic benefits of health care in this country, compares the health-care system here with those prevailing in other countries, and discusses common misconceptions about health care.