SIAST - Medical Radiologic Technology

Medical Radiologic Technology

Location(s): Saskatoon

The evolution of medical radiation technology has led to a dramatic improvement in our ability to diagnose and treat illness and injury. It has also created a whole new brand of health care practitioner – the medical radiologic technologist.

The Medical Radiologic Technology program is a nationally accredited two-year diploma program. You will learn to apply the principles of science and medicine to medical radiography, and to develop technical competency in the techniques and equipment used in diagnostic imaging departments.

Your studies will focus on:

anatomy and physiology

X-ray equipment

professionalism

pathology

patient care

radiobiology and protection

radiological and radiographic techniques

Extensive clinical experience will augment your theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on learning. You’ll participate in a total of 52 weeks of clinical experience, including 6 weeks in Year 1 and 46 weeks (three separate practicums) in Year 2. By the end of the program, you will be competent in radiographic procedures as applied to the cardiovascular, central nervous, skeletal, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

Clinical experiences take place in either Regina or Saskatoon and are assigned by the Medical Diagnostics Committee on Practicum Placements.

Note

This program is open for application from 8:00 a.m., October 1 to 4:30 p.m., February 15 (local times) each academic year. All supporting documentation is required by February 28(29). If either February 15 or February 28(29) falls on a weekend or a holiday, the applicable deadline is extended to the end of the next business day.

International applicants are not currently considered for admission to this high-demand program.

Did you know?

The Medical Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association. Graduates are eligible to write the national Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) exam which accreditation allows you to work anywhere in Canada. Graduates are also eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (SAMRT).

You can use your Medical Radiologic Technology diploma as a stepping stone to a university degree. Graduates earn a two-year credit toward degree programs at the University of Regina, Athabasca University and British Columbia Institute of Technology. Your diploma is also recognized as a pre-requisite for further training in medical sonography (ultrasound) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The SIAST Medical Radiologic Technology program has been recognized by the Canadian Forces (CF) and now qualifies for a CF Paid Education program . Students who graduate from the program receive advanced standing as a Medical Radiation Technologist in the Canadian Forces (subject to successful enrolment in the CF). This results in a higher rate of pay relative to CF members who have not graduated from a CF-recognized program.

For more information on the Canadian Forces, visit FORCES.CA.

How does it fit?

Medical radiologic technology is a balance of cutting-edge technology and hands-on patient care. On the one hand, you must be meticulous, detail-oriented, able to take responsibility and committed to high standards. On the other hand, you need good communication skills and empathy for patients, because you often will be working with people who are very ill.

Length: 88 weeks

Year 1 - 42 weeks; Year 2 - 46 weeks

Career Opportunities

Graduates certified by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists can work anywhere in Canada. You could be employed in an urban or rural hospital or radiology clinic. There are job opportunities in public and private medical clinics, as well as in veterinary clinics, scientific companies and educational institutes.

You might choose a career in general radiography or you might want to specialize in computerized tomography, mammography, cardiography or angiography.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the SIAST campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): August

Apply Now

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Math B30*, Physics 20, Chemistry 30 and Biology 30

English Language Requirement

Note

Physics 30 will not be substituted for Physics 20.

Accepted applicants may be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check prior to entering the practicum component of the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility.

Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver "C" AED or equivalent are required prior to entry into the clinical practicum. You must have active certification in order to be eligible to write the Canadian national certification examinations offered by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT).

High school students must submit a completed High-Demand Programs Preliminary Statement of High School Standing, or a final, official transcript by February 28(29).

All relevant post-secondary transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Registration Services prior to the application document deadline of February 28(29).

Applicants are also required to submit career investigations and awareness questionnaires by February 28(29).

*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)

Minimum of 70% in Foundations of Math 30 or in Pre-Calculus 30
(replacing Math B30 above)

All other admission requirements remain unchanged

Admission Method

High Demand

High-demand programs consistently have more applicants than spaces available at each SIAST location at which they are offered. High-demand programs have admission requirements plus additional selection criteria.

Selection Criteria

Phase I - Average will be calculated on high school subjects
required for admission (see Admission Requirements above) .

Phase II - Additional selection criteria will be applied to
those with the highest averages in Phase I:

Admission average = 30%

Career investigation = 30%

Interview = 40%

For more information about the admission requirements and selection criteria for this program, refer to Medical Diagnostic Programs Admission and Selection Criteria Frequently Asked Questions.

For required information on preparing your application, refer to the Selection Process Guide for Applicants.

Tuition and Fees

For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.

Labs, projects and clinical experiences are used to actively involve you in the learning process and allow you to apply learned theory as you develop your skills.

Clinical/Practicum

Home Study

Online

Shop/Lab

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Nicole Katzell
They say that there is a certain job suited to everyone. Well, I definitely found mine! I am an x-ray technologist employed in a large hospital in Saskatchewan. In my role as an x-ray technologist, I assist people in a variety of areas involving CT scans, mammography, operating room cases, gastric cases, and regular x-rays.

I enjoy helping patients and making their experiences more relaxed in what could otherwise be very stressful or uncomfortable situations. It's exciting to work alongside doctors, nurses, surgeons and many other committeed professionals. I also have the pleasure of working with the Medical Radiologic Technology students from SIAST, and I get to help shape them into becoming great technologists.

X-ray is an exciting place to be these days, and with new digital technology being implemented, we are well on our way to storing all exams on computers and not having to rely on film.

This job can take you anywhere in the world as there is always a need for x-ray techs!

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.

Year 1
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APHY 191 Anatomy and Physiology 1

You will explore the structure and function of organs and systems in the normal human body. Your studies will focus on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems.

3.0 Credit Units
42.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 162

APHY 282 Anatomy and Physiology 2

Building on the knowledge gained in APHY 191 (Anatomy and Physiology 1), you will continue your study of the structure and function of the normal human body. Your studies will focus on the cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

3.0 Credit Units
38.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

Prerequisites:
APHY 191 Minimum Grade of 60

CLIN 192 Clinical Radiography 1

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will observe and practice radiographic patient positioning, image critique and patient care skills.

14.0 Credit Units
216.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
SIMU 281 Minimum Grade of P

ETHC 181 Patient Care in Radiography 1

You will gain an understanding of the patient's physical and emotional needs and the radiographer's role in basic patient care while undergoing medical imaging procedures. You will learn administrative procedures to ensure patient safety, standard precautions and protective techniques. You will also learn how to assess the patient's physical needs, use body mechanics and patient transfer techniques, apply infection control, recognize and report irregularities of selected medical equipment, and identify emergency procedures.

2.0 Credit Units
24.0 Lecture hours
6.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
INFC 180 Minimum Grade of 60

ETHC 182 Patient Care in Radiography 2

The course focuses on providing care to patients undergoing medical imaging procedures. Your studies will encompass applying the principles of surgical asepsis, assisting in the administration of medications, assisting in monitoring intravenous therapy, assisting in the administration of contrast media, implementing emergency procedures and monitoring medical equipment.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
ETHC 181 Minimum Grade of 60

ETHC 185 Professional Practices 1

You will receive an introduction to health care and health care delivery systems. You will study the legal and ethical issues faced by health care professionals. You will discuss interpersonal and employability skills required in health care professions with an emphasis on teamwork, stress management and problem solving. You will develop critical thinking skills and conflict resolution techniques.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

Equivalent Course(s): HUMR 182

ETHC 280 Professional Practices 2

You will study health care organizational behaviour and the skills required for leadership/management roles. You will discuss cooperative work relationships, conflict resolution, budgeting, strategic planning, the collective bargaining process and workload measurements. You will create workplace documents and demonstrate job search techniques.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
ETHC 185 Minimum Grade of 60

IMRC 180 Image Recording 1

Your studies will focus on the fundamentals of radiographic processing. The course content includes a description of screen and film combinations, operating and maintaining processors, film fault analysis, darkrooms and facets of quality control relating to x-ray film processing.

2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time

IMRC 181 Image Recording 2

You will study the factors affecting radiographic qualities, photographic effect of X-ray factors, principles of subtraction technique and duplicating methods, sensitometry, film faults and artifact analysis.

2.0 Credit Units
34.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence

IMRC 280 Image Recording 3

You will learn the theory and application of digital imaging equipment.

2.0 Credit Units
25.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

Prerequisites:
IMRC 181 Minimum Grade of 60

INFC 180 Infection Control and Safety

You will study the transmission of microorganisms, blood-borne pathogens (i.e. hepatitis virus and HIV), standard precautions, isolation procedures, immunization for medical workers, sterilization and disinfection, biohazardous waste, safety and WHMIS.

2.0 Credit Units
23.0 Lecture hours
2.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

MTER 180 Medical Terminology

You will learn to use the prefixes, suffixes and combining forms from which medical terms are derived. You will also learn to use medical abbreviations.

1.0 Credit Units
10.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

Equivalent Course(s): MED 161

PATH 179 Radiographic Pathology 1

You will learn how to identify the pathological conditions of specific body systems as demonstrated on radiographs. At course completion, you will be able to use the required radiographic qualities to adequately illustrate the pathology in question.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
RGAN 180 Minimum Grade of 60

PATH 184 Radiographic Pathology 2

Building on the knowledge you gained in PATH 179 (Radiographic Pathology 1), you will continue to learn how to identify pathological conditions relative to radiographic appearance and which projection/view would best demonstrate them. You will discuss adjustments in exposure factors and general disease processes.

2.0 Credit Units
25.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
PATH 179 Minimum Grade of 60

PHYS 184 Physics

You will be introduced to physics concepts applicable to the principles of operating x-ray generating equipment, image formation, and radiation protection.

3.0 Credit Units
38.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence

RDBG 184 Radiobiology and Protection

You will be introduced to radiobiology and protection. You will acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed to practice basic radiation protection during radiological examinations. The course content includes the biological effects of ionizing radiation, basic radiation protection principles and concepts, radiation monitoring, radiation protection guidelines and safety regulations, and techniques of minimizing patient dose during diagnostic imaging.

2.0 Credit Units
24.0 Lecture hours
6.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

RDGR 179 Radiographic Technique 1

You will learn the theory and develop the skills of radiographic positioning and image critique for the appendicular skeleton.

5.0 Credit Units
68.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
MTER 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and RGAN 180 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

RDGR 180 Radiographic Technique 2

Building on the theory and skills learned in Radiographic Technique 1 (RDGR 179) you will learn the theory and develop the skills of radiographic positioning and image critique for the axial skeleton.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
RDGR 179 Minimum Grade of 60

RDGR 188 Radiographic Technique 3

Building on the theory learned in RDGR 180 (Radiographic Technique 2), you will learn how to describe specialized examinations of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, skeletal, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. You will discuss variations in techniques for pediatrics and geriatrics. You will also learn how to identify the radiographic appearance of organs and structures for various views and projections for these systems.

5.0 Credit Units
55.0 Lecture hours
15.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
RDGR 180 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

RDTM 182 Computed Procedures and Sectional Anatomy

You will learn how to identify the sectional anatomy of the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis on CT and MRI images in transverse, coronal and sagittal planes. You will discuss topographical anatomy to aid in sectional anatomy and basic computed tomographic procedures.

2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
RGAN 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and APHY 282 Minimum Grade of 60 and RSAP 181 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

RGAN 180 Radiographic Anatomy

Your studies will focus on identifying the skeletal, thoracic, abdominal and respiratory anatomy in radiographic images. Topographical anatomy will be discussed to aid in radiographic positioning.

3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
MTER 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and APHY 191 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and APHY 282 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

RSAP 180 Radiation Science and Apparatus 1

You will be introduced to the function and operation of basic x-ray equipment in producing radiation. You will also study quality control and how it is applied in a practical setting.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
PHYS 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

RSAP 181 Radiation Science and Apparatus 2

You will learn how the specialized equipment and accessories used in a medical imaging department function and operate. You will study fluoroscopy and tomography in detail. You will also investigate imaging modalities and discuss and practice appropriate quality control.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
RSAP 180 Minimum Grade of 60

SIMU 281 Clinical Preparation

You will participate in a 140 hour simulation designed to prepare you for your first clinical experience. The course will focus on skill development in the areas of patient care, diagnostic imaging procedures, equipment operation and quality control procedures. You will assume a variety of roles as you engage in authentic scenarios typically encountered in clinical radiographic practice. This experience will assist you to correlate your theory to real patient situations. Your ability to apply general employability skills will be stressed.

9.0 Credit Units
140.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

Prerequisites:
ETHC 182 Minimum Grade of 60 and ETHC 280 Minimum Grade of 60 and IMRC 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and IMRC 280 Minimum Grade of 60 and PATH 184 Minimum Grade of 60 and RDBG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 and RDGR 188 Minimum Grade of 60 and RDTM 182 Minimum Grade of 60

Year 2

CLIN 194 Clinical Radiography 3

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will maintain and build on the competencies you acquired during CLIN 290 (Clinical Radiography 2). You will expand on your radiographic patient positioning, image critique and patient care skills. You will be introduced to procedures in computed tomography and angiography.

36.0 Credit Units
540.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
CLIN 290 Minimum Grade of P

CLIN 195 Clinical Radiography 4

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will maintain and build on the competencies you acquired during CLIN 194 (Clinical Radiography 3). You will expand on your radiographic patient positioning, image critique and patient care skills. You will perform procedures in computed tomography.

36.0 Credit Units
540.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
CLIN 194 Minimum Grade of P

CLIN 290 Clinical Radiography 2

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will maintain and build on the competencies you acquired during CLIN 192 (Clinical Radiography 1). You will expand on your radiographic patient positioning, image critique and patient care skills.

38.0 Credit Units
576.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
CLIN 192 Minimum Grade of P

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