As College registrants, it’s important to understand the distinct roles that associations, unions, and regulators play in your professional landscape. Each of these groups supports your career in different ways—through advocacy, workplace representation, or regulatory oversight. Let’s explore the differences.

Associations (such as CAMRT or CBRET)

Purpose: Support the profession and advocate for your interests.

• 📖Provide education and networking opportunities.
• 📚Offer practice resources and research.
• 🛡️May provide professional liability insurance.
• ➕And much more.

Unions (such as HSAA)

Purpose: Represent you at work and support your employment rights.

• 💰Negotiate wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.
• ✍️Process employee grievances.
• ⚖️Assist with labour issues.
• ➕And much more.

Your Regulator (That’s Us – the College)

Purpose: Protect and serve the public interest by making sure health professionals meet the standards to practice safely and ethically.

• 📜Ensure compliance with legislation, Standards of Practice, and the Code of Ethics
• 📝Manage registration and continuing competence.
• 🔍Investigate complaints and take appropriate action.
• ➕And much more.

Associations, unions, and your regulator each have a different role to play. Associations support the profession, unions support your workplace rights, and your regulator makes sure the public is protected. Understanding the difference helps you know where to turn—whether you need career support, help with a workplace issue, or information about your responsibilities as a regulated health professional.

About the College

The Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (the College) is a regulatory body established under the Health Professions Act (HPA) whose primary purpose is the protection of the public. The College regulates five distinct professional groups called specialties, which fall under two umbrella groups: medical radiation technologists (MRTs) and electroneurophysiology technologists (ENPs).