Medical Radiation Technologists and Therapists (MRTs) are highly skilled, self-regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), health care professionals dedicated to the highest standard of care and treatment of the patient, ensuring their comfort and safety while maintaining a high standard of competence. As an integral member of the health care team technologists and therapists administer medical energies by practicing one of four (4) currently recognized Disciplines.

The Radiological Technologist aids in the diagnosis of disease and injury by producing permanent images which are read by a physician who specializes in radiology and is called a Radiologist. These images are captured on X-Ray film and other imaging devices such as video monitors, video tape and electronic digital imaging devices. The Technologist may also be required to do procedures with mobile X-Ray equipment in the operating room, emergency departments, at the patient's bedside or in the special care units, as well as operate Computerized Tomography (CT), Mammography and other highly specialized diagnostic imaging equipment.

The Radiation Therapist is a key member of the cancer treatment team and is directly responsible for the administration of a prescribed dose of radiation. The Radiation Therapist must have the knowledge to interpret the radiation treatment prescription, determine its appropriateness, counsel the patient regarding side effects and monitor the patient's physical and psychological well being during the entire course of treatment.

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals to the patient by means of injection, inhalation or ingestion. The organs and tissues process the radiopharmaceuticals and the technologist records their function using specialized cameras. Some studies involve computer recordings and image enhancement. Nuclear Medicine Technologists may also be involved in determining the concentration of various hormones or drugs in the patient's body fluid by using radioactive chemicals, as well as molecular imaging techniques.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist produces images with excellent soft tissue discrimination using magnetic fields and radio-frequency pulses to aid in diagnosis of disease. The ability to image the patient in a variety of planes, in addition to the safety and noninvasiveness of MRI, makes it a valuable tool for physicians. MRI is the fastest growing imaging modality that is replacing many invasive procedures in today's health care environment.

A strong sense of responsibility and a high degree of integrity are necessary in all of our official Disciplines. Attention to detail, critical thinking and problem solving skills are of prime importance combined with an acute awareness that sick and injured people require patience and comforting.

Radiation hazards constitute a major consideration for anyone contemplating a career in this field. Detailed and careful guidelines have been established to ensure safe application of various radiations, and to avoid unintentional and harmful radiation exposure. MRTs are well educated in the safe and judicious use of all medical radiant energies they apply to a patient.

Access to Medical Radiation Technology is available through accredited training programs. Although specific entrance requirements for each Discipline may vary, all programs have combined didactic and clinical elements. Graduates of all programs write the Certification Examination of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (C.A.M.R.T.).

In Ontario, approximately 5,800 Medical Radiation Technologists are employed in hospitals, private clinics, research laboratories, industry, education and administration. Nationwide, there are approximately 11,000 technologists. Earnings are comparable with allied health care professions such as nursing and laboratory technology. Certification by the C.A.M.R.T. is recognized by all provinces in Canada. To be employed, MRTs must be registered with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (C.M.R.T.O.).

C.A.M.R.T. certification and C.M.R.T.O. registration is the beginning rather than the end of the technologist's educational experience. New and exciting techniques and more highly sophisticated types of equipment are continually being introduced. Our challenge is to meet the rapid changes in technology and patient treatment protocols through on-going development of Medical Radiation Technology.

Technologists formed their own organization to maintain a profession devoted to the science of Medical Radiation Technology and to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas. The Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (O.A.M.R.T.) was established in 1935. This organization was a founding member of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (C.A.M.R.T.). instituted in 1942. The C.A.M.R.T. is affiliated with the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological technicians (I.S.R.R.T.) formed in 1959 which acts as a link and network for Medical Radiation Technologists throughout the world.