Medical Radiation Sciences Collaborative Diploma/Degree

About the Program
The Mohawk College and McMaster University Medical Radiation Sciences (MRSc) Program is a collaborative diploma-degree program. Medical Radiation Sciences (MRSc) today represents one of the fastest growing primary health care fields. In recent years innovations in information technology, digital imaging and instrumentation have made MRSc one of the most advanced, specialized and dynamic areas of medicine today. Medical Radiation Sciences involves the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation for diagnostic studies and the treatment of patients. Ionizing radiation includes x-rays and gamma rays; non-ionizing radiation includes magnetic fields and ultrasound. The attainment of both an Ontario College Advanced Diploma and a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences is achieved through a fully integrated program offered jointly through Mohawk College and McMaster University. This program will allow students to specialize in one of the health science disciplines of Radiography, Ultrasonography or Radiation Therapy.

All students enter the program at level one which provides a common curriculum, in level two students move into one of the program specializations which prepares them as an entry level healthcare professional in one of the professional groups listed below:

Medical Radiation Technologist
Medical radiation technologists, or x-ray technologists, specializing in radiological technology play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of many injuries and illnesses through the use of x-rays and other forms of electromagnetic energy.

Medical radiation technologists produce images using a variety of equipment types in settings ranging from the emergency department to operating rooms to outpatient clinics. Technologists are responsible for providing optimal image quality while ensuring the radiation safety of patients and personnel.

Technologists must communicate well with their patients in order to explain technical procedures and provide patient care, as well as interacting with other health care professionals. A background in math and science provides a foundation for applying the various methods of image acquisition and manipulation of both analogue and digital modalities.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Sonography, or Ultrasonography, involves the use of high frequency sound waves to generate an image that is used for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions.

Sonographers look for subtle visual cues that distinguish healthy areas from unhealthy ones. They decide whether the images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and select which ones to submit to the physician for diagnosis. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required of sonographers because they must be able to explain technical procedures and results to the patients, some of whom may be nervous about the examination or the problems it may reveal. A background in math and science is used to perform calculations in analyses for diagnosis and is a foundation for applying the various methods of image acquisition and manipulation.

Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapy uses high energy radiation to treat cancer patients.

Radiation Therapists are involved in all aspects of radiation therapy including treatment planning, treatment administration and care of the cancer patient. This discipline requires great precision and attention to detail. Treatment plans are individualized, and every aspect of a treatment plan must be delivered with accuracy. Radiation therapists interact with patients daily throughout a course of treatment, which is typically four to seven weeks in length. Therapists provide advice on the care of radiation reactions as well as providing emotional support to the patient and their family. Radiation therapists work within a team of health care professionals including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, nurses, nutritionists and others. Therapists require strong skills in communication, math and physics.