About Medical Radiation Technologists

Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) are highly trained specialists who perform diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy treatments. MRTs are found in emergency departments, operating rooms, mobile breast screening vans, diagnostic imaging departments and clinics.

In the Canadian healthcare system, MRTs play key roles in diagnosis and treatment and offer advice to radiologists, radiation oncologists and other healthcare providers. Technologists also work in interventional radiology, assisting with procedures that use imaging to guide catheters, balloons, stents and other tools through the body to diagnose and treat disease without open surgery.

The profession includes diverse professionals representing various technology-related disciplines:

Nuclear Medicine Technologists have technical expertise in the use of radiopharmaceuticals and radiation physics, allowing them to perform diagnostic imaging procedures with sophisticated technology.   Nuclear Medicine Technologists may specialize in Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PET/CT) as well.

Medical Radiological Technologists produce images of the patient using ionizing radiation (x-rays). Appropriate and safe use of specialized technology and care for the needs of the patient are two important aspects of their role. General x-rays, fluoroscopy in the operating room, contrast enhanced images such as barium studies and pain management procedures are some of the x-ray examinations performed on patients. Specialist MRTs also perform Mammography, Computed Tomography (CT) and Interventional Radiology.

Medical Radiation Therapists are involved at every level of radiation therapy for cancer treatment, from planning to administering  the therapeutic doses, with a focus on patient care and monitoring of the patient’s well-being.

Magnetic Resonance Technologists use magnetic resonance imaging technology to produce extremely clear, detailed  images of a patient’s tissues and organs to detect and identify soft tissue (e.g., nerve, muscle) issues, abnormalities and  disease processes.

If you have ever had an x-ray, scan, MRI, nuclear medicine procedure or radiation therapy, you have been in contact with an MRT (For more information visit imageofcare.ca).