Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Medical radiation technologists operate radiographic and radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment and to produce images of body structures for the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease. They are employed in hospitals, cancer treatment centres, clinics and radiological laboratories.

Nature of Work

Medical radiation technologists operate radiographic and radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment and to produce images of body structures for the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease. They are employed in hospitals, cancer treatment centres, clinics and radiological laboratories.

Duties

There are a number of specialized fields in medical radiation technology, and the work of each technologist is determined by the type of equipment he/she operates.

Radiography technologists are responsible for operating X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, specialized C.T. scanners and mammography units. Each of these machines produces radiographs or images of body structures for the diagnosis by radiologists of disease or injury. Radiography technologists also record and process patient data and perform scheduled maintenance and minor emergency repairs on radiographic equipment. They may also train and supervise student radiographers or supervise other radiography technologists.

Nuclear medicine technologists are generally responsible for preparing radiopharmaceuticals, such as radionuclides and other materials, and for administering them to patients or biological samples. They also operate radiation detection equipment, such as gamma cameras, scanners, scintillation counters and ionization chambers, to acquire data for use by nuclear medicine physicians in the diagnosis of disease.

Nuclear medicine technologists perform diagnostic procedures using radioactive materials on blood, urine, faeces and other biological specimens. This involves recording and processing the results of procedures. They may also be responsible for checking equipment to ensure proper operation and for training and supervising students and other nuclear medicine technologists.

Radiation therapists operate linear accelerators, cobalt 60, X-ray and other equipment to administer radiation treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. Their work duties include checking radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation and assisting radiation oncologists and clinical physicists with preparation of radiation treatment plan. Radiation therapists are also responsible for assisting in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium and isotopes, and in the construction of devices, such as plaster casts and acrylic moulds, to assist with administration of radiation treatment. Their work may also involve training and supervising students or other radiotherapy technologists.

Example Titles

• radiography technologist
• radiation therapy technologist
• clinical instructor, radiation therapy
• radiotherapy technician
• nuclear medicine technologist
• X-Ray technician
• radiation therapist
• supervisor, nuclear medicine technologists
• mammography technician

Training Paths

Radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapy technologists must complete a minimum of two years of technical or hospital school programs and acquire clinical experience in their field. SIAST offers Medical Radiologic Technology, a diploma program consisting of in-class training and practical training in a sponsoring hospital. Graduates of this program are eligible to write a certifying examination delivered by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. SIAST also offers a combined Laboratory and X-ray Technician program. Students of this program are trained to perform some diagnostic, medical laboratory and x-ray procedures.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: good

After a period of growth in the late nineties, employment for this occupation dropped in the last few years. The 2001 Census recorded 625 medical radiation technologists working in Saskatchewan in 2000. By 2005, the number had dropped to 580; a 7% decrease in just 5 years. This is a young work force--over 60% of all medical radiation technologists working in Saskatchewan in 2006 were younger than 45. Consequently, not many job openings will arise from retirement. Nevertheless, this is now a fairly large occupation, and students can expect numerous new and replacement positions to open up in the next few years.

Medical radiation technologists are fairly well paid in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income in this field was $49,440per year. This was well above the full-time provincial average for all occupations that same year ($42,300 per year). Of course, many medical radiation technologists in the province earned considerably more (or less) than the average. Annual incomes in this field of work rose as high as $78,440 in 2005. Medical radiation technologists who work in Regina or Saskatoon generally earn more than their counterparts elsewhere in the province.

Nearly 60% of all medical radiation technologists in the province worked full time year round in 2005, an increase from 2000. Just under 85% of all technicians and technologists were female in 2006. Self-employment is uncommon in these fields, and work is neither seasonal nor very sensitive to overall economic conditions. Roughly 50% of all professionals in this group were employed in the city or area surrounding Regina or Saskatoon in 2006.

The introduction of sophisticated imaging technologies will continue to impact the way in which medical radiation technologists perform their work duties. Consequently, it is crucial that medical radiation technologists keep abreast of developments within their area of expertise. A career in this field will involve periods of retraining and professional development. Technologists who continually upgrade their skills have an advantage over others seeking employment in these fields.

Professional Associations

Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (SAMRT):

SAMRT controls entry into the occupation by virtue of the Province of Saskatchewan's "The Medical Radiation Technologists Act" (revised l996). Members who practice in the Province must be registered with the SAMRT, and must also abide by Saskatchewan Labour Laws set up through the Radiation Health and Safety Branch. To work in radiation technology in the Province, the Act requires that one be member in good standing of SAMRT. Membership in SAMRT is, therefore, compulsory for practising medical radiation technologists; and membership is open only to those who have passed the radiation technology examination set and administered by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists.

Contact Information:

#218-408 Broad Street Regina SK S4R 1X3

Phone 1-306-525-9MRT or 1-306-525-9678

Fax 1-306-525-9680

email: samrtofc@sasktel.net

Related Occupations

• Other medical technologists and technicians (in 321 Medical Technologists and Technicians (Except Dental Health)).