Overview
Advance your career in the health and medical industry. Through a combination of theory and clinical practice, gain knowledge and experience in the areas of general X-ray imaging, fluoroscopy and computed tomography. Learn how to use different forms of radiological equipment to perform exams that aid in the diagnosis of disease and injury.
Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) is the art and science of correctly positioning the patient and X-ray equipment to produce and record images for visualizing the extent of disease or injury.
The Medical Radiologic Technology program is a two-year, full-time program where students are trained as medical radiologic technologists, responsible for the safe and competent operation of a wide range of X-ray generating machines, the production of digital images and use of accessory medical equipment.
In the first year, students will complete courses in anatomy and pathology, apparatus and image management, computed tomography, radiation protection, general and specialized radiographic techniques, professional practice and patient care.
The second-year involves online courses focusing on specialized imaging, clinical integration, quality assurance and control and professional practice. Students will also concurrently complete three clinical practica where they rotate through general and specialized medical radiologic technology departments, applying what they have learned in these clinical settings.
Is this the right fit for me?
In order to be successful in this program, applicants must have computer literacy. An acceptable computer skill level would include the ability to use word processing and communication software. Educational interaction in this program depends on these computer skills. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the adequacy of these skills prior to program admission. In addition, students are expected to spend approximately 20 hours per week outside of the class studying.
Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide, utilize critical thinking in practice, are eager, persevere and enjoy working in a team environment.
Students who experience success in this program have the following characteristics:
- exceptional communication skills in English
- the ability to handle unpleasant or stressful situations
- the capability of lifting heavy patients
- ability to move heavy equipment (pulling/pushing/lifting)
- ability to climb several flights of stairs quickly
- ability to stand for long periods of time and work in difficult physical positions
- good physical health including upper body shoulder strength and wrist and hand dexterity and stamina
- strong vision and hearing
Individuals with previous chronic or repetitive strain injuries have experienced re-injury or aggravation of these conditions in this program and/or as a technologist.
During the clinical portion of the program, students are expected to participate in normal medical radiologic technology shift work including evenings, weekends and statutory holidays.
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
Accreditation
Graduates from this program are eligible to challenge the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam which is a requirement for registration and employment for medical radiologic technologists in Canada.
The Medical Radiologic Technology program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada. The program also works closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Committee to ensure that our curriculum continues to meet or exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Medical Radiologic Technology diploma.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices and public health agencies. Potential positions include:
- radiological technologist
- medical radiation technologist
Experienced medical radiologic technologists often specialize in areas such as angiography, mammography, management and teaching.
Related careers include:
- diagnostic medical sonographer
- dental assistant
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $10,423
- Year 2: $9,066
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and achieve at least 50% on the scoring rubric for the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process. Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first offered basis, until the program is full.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for Fall 2022 are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021, to Jan. 31, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | June 23, 2023 |
Medical Radiologic Technology
Through a combination of theory and clinical practice, gain knowledge and experience in the areas of general X-ray imaging, fluoroscopy and computed tomography.
Admission requirements
Application dates*
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted Oct 6, 2021 to Jan. 31, 2022.
Please note: Access to the MRT Profession Specific Entrance Assessment will close end of day Feb. 11, 2022.
*This program does not accept international students.
Program requirements
At least 75% in the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 30-1, Math 30-2, or Pure Math 30,
- English Language Arts 30-1,
- Physics 30,
- One of either Biology 30, or Chemistry 30, or Science 30.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Successful applicants must meet or exceed 50% on the scoring rubric for the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process.
Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
Direct entry: five-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Review the information related to the necessary components of the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process
Step 3: Complete the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process non-academic admission requirement. Ensure that you meet all of the academic admission requirements listed above.
Step 4: Apply to the Medical Radiological Technology program and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades prior to the application close date.
- Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first offered basis, until the program is full.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. Find out how to monitor your application status.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add clinical.supportservices@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students will be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement at a later date. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practicum such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Care Provider Level (C) CPR
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- N95 respiratory mask fitting
- Health and wellness status
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-202 | Anatomy & Pathology I | 3.0 |
| APPH-226 | Apparatus and Image Management | 3.0 |
| MEDT-211 | Medical Terminology I | 1.5 |
| MRAD-204 | Radiographic Technique I | 3.0 |
| MRAD-223 | Patient Care I | 1.5 |
| RADP-215 | Radiation Protection | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-252 | Anatomy & Pathology II | 3.0 |
| MRAD-240 | Specialized Imaging I | 1.5 |
| MRAD-251 | Computed Tomography Theory I | 3.0 |
| MRAD-254 | Fluoroscopic Imaging | 1.5 |
| MRAD-256 | Radiographic Technique II | 3.0 |
| MRAD-202 | Patient Care II | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 Total | 13.5 | |
Semester 3 - Spring
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| INFC-215* | Infection Prevention and Control | 1.5 |
| MRAD-209 | Professional Practice I | 1.5 |
| MRAD-281 | Computed Tomography Theory II | 1.5 |
| MRAD-285 | Radiographic Applied Skills | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 Total | 6.0 | |
| First Year Total | 34.5 | |
Second Year
Semester 4 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MRAD-302 | Specialized Imaging II | 3.0 |
| PRCT-353 | Clinical Practicum I | 6.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 9.0 | |
Semester 5 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MRAD-358 | Clinical Integration I | 1.5 |
| PRCT-356 | Clinical Practicum II | 6.0 |
| QUAL-370 | Quality Assurance & Control | 3.0 |
| Semester 5 Total | 10.5 | |
Semester 6 - Spring/Summer (spans two semesters)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MRAD-360 | Clinical Integration II | 1.5 |
| MRAD-374 | Professional Practice II | 1.5 |
| PRCT-358 | Clinical Practicum II | 6.0 |
| Semester 6 Total | 9.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 28.5 | |
| Program Total | 63.0 | |
|
* Available by correspondence and/or online learning. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Please contact the Academic Chair prior to enrolling in any online or correspondence courses.
|
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Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,879 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $9,212 |
| 2 | $6,509 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $7,842 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,500 in the first year and $700 in the second year. There is a $75 CompTracker user fee per semester.
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam fees are approximately $840 with an additional $125 exam registration fee.
Annual dues to the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists are approximately $100.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e. relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR. Annual update required. All CPR courses must be from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
There is a fee associated with obtaining a police information check including a Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $251
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $8,659.50 | $1,214 | $698.50 | $10,423 |
| 2 | 3 | $7,153.50 | $1,214 | $698.50 | $9,066 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $245
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $250
- Student technology fee: $250
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $436.50
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,500 in the first year and $700 in the second year.
There is a $75 CompTracker user fee per semester.
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam fees are approximately $840 with an additional $125 exam registration fee.
Annual dues to the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists are approximately $100.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e. relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR. Annual update required. All CPR courses must be from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
There is a fee associated with obtaining a police information check including a Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Get started on pre-orientation requirements
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place Sept. 2 on campus. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about our SAIT-wide orientation activities.
We are expecting to meet you at new student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes which start on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
You will be evaluated on your level of competency performance during practicum using a tracking system called CompTracker. You will require a wi-fi-enabled Apple tablet with the ability to run the most up-to-date operating system to support the CompTracker system. Keyboards are advisable but not mandatory. Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker.
There is a required user license fee billed on a per-semester basis. Each program will have a different student fee depending on how the system is used within the program. More information will be shared at orientation.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
For your first day of labs your required uniform should include:
- Plain black scrub-style pants and top (coloured piping accents are acceptable)
- Closed-toe and heel footwear in plain white or black (no logos or stripes of colour), runners or duty shoes.
- Short black/white lab coat (optional)
Other requirements
- CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR course.
- N95 respiratory mask fit-testing
- Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Immunization record
- Health and Wellness
- Status Safety Code 35: Procedures for the Installation
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
