Evolving technology and the growing use of multiple forms of imaging are blurring the lines between the disciplines of medical radiation technology. MRI is quickly becoming a standard imaging modality in radiation therapy for planning and treatment. In 2013, when this technology was in its nascent stages in Alberta, the College approved an education program to issue enhanced practice authorization allowing radiation therapists to safely and competently use MRI in conjunction with radiotherapy on a linear accelerator or radiation therapy simulator to treat cancer.

There has been significant advancement in this technology as it has been used in patient care across the world. It is expected to be deployed at the Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) in 2020. In preparation for this deployment, the 2013 program was reviewed by a think tank consisting of the College team, the radiation therapy leadership at the CCI and the team delivering the MRI 2nd Discipline Program at NAIT. The didactic and clinical components of the program were updated through several months of careful planning and collaboration. The didactic component consists of relevant NAIT MRI 2nd Discipline courses and a final MRI theory assessment. The clinical component consists of 240 clinical hours that must be logged along with practical tasks that include scenarios and a case study.

The College approved the updated program in May 2020. Radiation therapists completing this approved program and the registration process will be granted an MR in Radiation Therapy enhanced practice authorization on their practice permit. Visit our Additional and Enhanced Authorization page for more details.