Happy Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT) Week! All this week (November 3-9, 2019), we’re celebrating these valued healthcare professionals. MRTs are an integral part of your family’s healthcare team:

• You’ve probably met an MRT! They can be found working in a variety of settings across the province, from small private clinics to large hospitals, in four different specialties: Radiological Technology, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Magnetic Resonance Technology. There are currently over 2,400 MRTs practicing in Alberta.
• MRTs are well trained! They have to complete an approved educational program and pass a national certifying exam before they’re allowed to register with our College and practice in Alberta.
• MRTs are held to high standards! Our College provides Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics that help guide MRTs’ decisions and actions at work.
• MRTs are always learning! They’re required to spend a minimum number hours engaging in learning activities every year in order to renew their registration, so you can be confident you’re receiving competent care from a professional who continually advances their knowledge and capabilities.
• It’s World Radiography Day, a.k.a. X-Ray Day, on November 8, but MRTs are skilled professionals who do much more than capture x-rays:
  • 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 issues and disease processes.
  • Nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive substances in order to both obtain images and data, which reveal how the patient’s body functions to help with health diagnoses and assess treatment response.
  • 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 well-being.
  • Radiological technologists produce images of body structures through common procedures such as general x-rays, mammography and computed tomography (CT) and assist in the operating room.

While MRT Week is only celebrated once a year, we recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our MRTs all year round. Thank you for your important contribution to our care!