Medical Radiation Technologist

Overview

As a member of the military, Medical Radiation Technologists provide diagnostic imaging services for health care professionals, which are used to diagnose and treat medical and surgical conditions.

The primary responsibilities of the Medical Radiation Technologist are to:

• Provide patient care
• Produce diagnostic examinations
• Assist radiologists, medical specialists and medical officers
• Maintain equipment, accessories and supplies
• Maintain a Quality Assurance Program

Work environment

Medical Radiation Technologists work in modern and fully equipped clinics across Canada. They can also be deployed on missions around the world or on ships at sea.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career.

However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

If you already have a college diploma or baccalaureate degree from an accredited Medical Radiological Technology program , certification with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) or l’Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec (OTIMROEPMQ) , a current unrestricted Medical Radiological Technologist license by a recognized provincial/territorial regulatory authority and a letter of good standing, the CAF may place you directly into a military medical clinic following basic training. Basic training is required before being assigned to a military medical clinic.

Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Entry Training Plan (NCMSTEP)

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Medical Radiation Technologists are posted to a medical unit in Canada. As soon as possible, they will be offered opportunities to complete training focused on field operations.

Applicants who enrol under the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) will have the opportunity to complete a portion, or all of their Basic Occupational Qualification Training at an approved Canadian college, university, other postsecondary establishment.

Medical Radiation Technologists may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography;
• Computed Tomography.

As they progress in their career, Medical Radiation Technologists who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training.

Part time options

For the most part, Medical Radiation Technologist serve in the Regular Force. There are limited opportunities for serving in the Reserve Force as a Medical Radiation Technologist.

As a Medical Radiation Technologist in the Reserve Force, you must have a college diploma or baccalaureate degree in an accredited Medical Radiological Technology program and Certification by a professional association having reciprocal arrangements with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), current unrestricted registration, license, or certification (active status) by a recognized provincial/territorial regulatory authority to practice as a Medical Radiological Technologist . You must have the ability to maintain clinical currency within your civilian workplace and may be called upon for specific backfill or operational tasks depending on the needs of the service.

In the event of a personnel shortage at one of the military clinics or if there is an operational requirement, a Reserve Medical Radiation Technologist may be called upon to work at a clinic or on an operational deployment.

Reserve Force members will be held on a Primary Reserve list where they will complete regular CAF readiness preparation such as fitness, administration and individual military skills annually (approximately 12 days per year). They may be offered additional part- or full-time work if there is a shortage of Regular Forces personnel or if operational demands require additional support. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

Related Careers

• Biomedical Electronics Technologist
• Medical Laboratory Technologist
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