About the Profession
Medical Radiation Science practitioners are highly dedicated, knowledgeable and competent healthcare professionals.
There are five disciplines that make up diagnostic and therapeutic medical technologists in the province of Ontario. 
These include: Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Magnetic Resonance Technologists
and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.  Each profession is unique, yet integral to ensuring high quality, safe and effective
healthcare delivery.

Professional Attributes
A strong sense of responsibility and a high degree of integrity are necessary in each of our professional disciplines.
Attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are of prime importance, combined with compassion,
patient care and empathy. Our patients deserve nothing less.

Working with Medical Radiant Energies
Though most careers come with workplace safety considerations, working with radiation may be a major consideration
for anyone contemplating a career in this field. Detailed and stringent guidelines have been established to ensure the
safe use of medical radiation in order to avoid unintentional radiation exposure. MRTs are well educated in the safe and
judicious use of medical radiant energies – keeping their own, as well as their patients’ exposure as low as reasonably achievable.

Getting Started
If you’d like to pursue a career in medical radiation sciences, training is available through accredited programs within
the province.  Each discipline requires certification to practice which is attained after writing and passing the
appropriate entry-to-practice exam. 

Employment Landscape
In Ontario, 7,160 Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) and 4,014 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMSs)
are employed in hospitals, private clinics, research laboratories, industry, education and administration roles.
Nationwide, there are approximately 11,000 MRTs. Wages and compensation are comparable with other allied
healthcare professionals such as nurses and laboratory technologists. To be employed, MRTs and DMSs must be
registered with the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO).

The Future
New techniques and more highly sophisticated types of equipment are continually being introduced.  As healthcare
professionals, our challenge is to meet the rapid changes in technology and ensure that best practice in clinical
advancements are being used to best meet the needs of our patients.