A behind-the-screens look at the people in Canada’s most cutting-edge medical technology.

They work in our hospitals and clinics, and play an essential role in detecting and treating medical problems, for example: early stage breast and prostate cancers. They examine our heart and blood vessels through angiography, capture real-time internal organ movement through fluoroscopy, and produce detailed cross-sectional body images through computerized tomography (CT) scans. They’re your friendly neighbourhood Medical Radiation Technologists.

Medical Radiation Technologists (MRT) include a diverse array of professionals representing four distinct technology-related disciplines in the health care field. They include Radiological Technologists; Radiation Therapists; Nuclear Medicine Technologists; and Magnetic Resonance Technologists.

Radiological Technologists are the professionals behind the production of diagnostic x-rays, who also carry out some associated diagnostic procedures. Working in hospitals, clinics, technical colleges and universities, radiological technologists perform complex procedures that produce high-quality images. Specialties include general radiography – the production of x-rays of the chest, bones, joints, gastrointestinal studies and the spine; mammography for the detection of breast cancer in the earliest stages; angiography for the examination of the heart, blood vessels and blood flow; fluoroscopy – real-time images that show internal movement; and computerized tomography (CT scans) – detailed cross sectional images of the body.

As primary care providers, Radiation Therapists provide assessment, education and support to cancer patients and their families. They administer radiation therapy to patients in accordance with the prescription and instructions from a radiation oncologist. They use fluoroscopy, computerized tomography and complex computer technology to plan radiation treatments. Radiation therapists then deliver focused beams of radiation to destroy tumours, while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Through daily interactions with the patient during a course of radiation treatment lasting from one week to eight weeks, the radiation therapist monitors and assesses reactions to treatment as well as psychosocial and potential medical needs.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists carry out diagnostic imaging and some treatment procedures in hospitals or private medical clinics. Utilizing radionuclides, the technologists acquire images that help pinpoint the nature of a disease and how it is affecting the body. Nuclear medicine is mainly used to evaluate coronary disease; study how the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs are functioning; determine the location of tumours; monitor the progression of cancer and the results of cancer treatments; and diagnose hormonal disorders.

Magnetic Resonance Technologists (MR technologists) work with magnetism, radio waves and computers to acquire medical images. Since it was introduced as a diagnostic imaging tool in the 1980’s, magnetic resonance has become firmly rooted in medical practice, particularly for studying the cardiovascular system; detecting tumours, especially in the brain and spinal column; studying body chemistry and functions; and imaging soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons or arteries. Magnetic resonance scans are performed through the sliding of the patient into a body-length tunnel that makes up the core of the magnetic field.

The field of medical technology is constantly evolving as it becomes ever more sophisticated. To find out more about the world of MRTs, visit www.camrt.ca.

Above information obtained from the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists.