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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
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 on-line 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 the Canadian Medical Association. 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.
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
$64,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $8,385
Year 2: $7,140
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
This is a competitive program. If applicants meet the admission requirements they will be assessed based on additional criteria. Applicants will be offered admission to this program if they’re qualified through the competitive process and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 are accepted Oct. 7, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
SAIT's Medical Radiologic Technology program
Medical radiologic technologists are responsible for the safe and competent operation of a wide range of X-ray generating machines, film processing units and accessory equipment. Graduates are prepared to find work in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and public health agencies.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are accepted Oct. 7, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
Admission 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.
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.
Competitive Entry: Seven Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Review the selection information to understand the process and deadlines
- Applications and proof of the admission requirements (transcripts and/or anticipated final grades) must be submitted by Jan. 31 to be included in selection. Selection is done on a continuous basis.
- Applicants will have one attempt to complete the selection process for this program. If you're not offered admission, you can re-apply for the next intake and you will be required to complete the selection process again.
- Competitive academic averages are not a portion of the Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program selection process.
- Selection is done on a continuous basis and will continue until the program is full. Apply and complete all steps early for the best chance of getting a seat.
- Portions of the selection process may require access to a computer with a webcam and speakers or headphones
- There will be 40 seats offered for the fall intake.
In the selection process, applicants will be assessed on the following criteria and seats will be offered accordingly.
Phase 1: Program Selection Package
Applicants will be sent a program selection package via email if they meet the admission requirements. The selection package must be completed and returned within five days of the initial email date.
We recommend you add diagnostic.imaging@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages. It is not recommended to use a Microsoft email account such as @hotmail.com or @live.com as there have been some issues in the past in receiving SAIT communications using these types of accounts.
You are solely responsible to ensure the information in the selection package is legible, articulate and best reflects you as a candidate. Falsifying information will result in your application being removed immediately from the selection process and may result in the initiation of SAIT's Student Code of Conduct Procedure AC.3.4.1.
Selection packages are evaluated using standardized answer keys. Scores from the selection package are used to determine which individuals move to Phase 2 of the selection process and differentiate applicants whose scores may be tied. The program administrators try to mark selection packages within two weeks of their submission date.
- If scores from the selection package are above the benchmark established by the School of Health and Public Safety, the applicant will move to Phase 2 of the selection process.
- If scores from the selection package are below the benchmark, the applicant will be declined in selection.
- Those applicants who fail to complete and submit their packages by the deadline date will also be declined from further selection.
Phase 2: Aptitude Test
Applicants who successfully move to Phase 2 of the selection process will be emailed information on how to complete the two required aptitude tests.
- Profession Specific Aptitude Test will assess your ability to answer questions delivered both in written and verbal format and your capacity to understand and follow directions. The assessment includes reading comprehension, math, science, career awareness, and reasoning-type questions. We do not provide a breakdown of the question type beyond what has been provided here.
- CASPer is an online test which assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. The CASPer test is comprised of 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. The test can be accessed through their website- takeCASPer.com There is a fee to complete this assessment.
- An applicant's score must be above the benchmark established by the School of Health and Public Safety to be offered a seat in the program. Successful applicants will be offered seats until the program is full. Once the program is full, those exceeding the benchmark will be placed on a ranked qualified waitlist.
Step 4: Apply to Medical Radiologic Technology and submit your transcripts.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. If eligible, your status will indicate that you're "In Selection."
Step 6: Complete the selection package that is emailed to you.
Step 7: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add diagnostic.imaging@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Due to the significant number of applications for this program, the selection process can take some time. Every effort will be made to maintain the timelines outlined above. We appreciate your patience. You can also log on to mySAIT.ca to check your admission decision status.
Unfortunately, due to the extremely large volume of applicants, we cannot provide any assistance or follow-up as to why the candidate was not competitive or where the applicant is ranked on the waitlist.
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 2 | 1.5 |
| MRAD-374 | Professional Practice 2 | 1.5 |
| PRCT-358 | Clinical Practicum 3 | 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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Please be advised that full-time student status requires students to take 60% of a full course load per semester. Depending on the number of courses completed by correspondence, a student may be considered a part-time student, which may impact his/her financial loan status.
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 to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Athabasca University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (The Marine Institute)
- Thompson Rivers University
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,163 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $8,385 |
| 2 | $5,918 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $7,140 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
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 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 $50 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
Find out 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.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
✅ 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.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
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.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
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 (colored piping accents are acceptable)
- Closed-toe and heel footwear in plain white or black (no logos or stripes of color), 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, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 165: Safety at SAIT.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
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 required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Jennifer Brown, Academic Chair
Email: jennifer.brown@sait.ca