Frequently Asked Questions
Diploma in Medical Radiography Technology
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs):
What attributes contribute to success in Medical Radiography Technology?
How do I go about applying for the Medical Radiography Technology Program?
What is the application deadline?
If you have been out of high school more than 5 years, is it still worth applying?
If I have a disability, can I apply to the program?
How many seats are offered per year in the Medical Radiography Technology Program?
When does the Program start?
Will this program be offered every year?
How long is the Program and how many hours of class are scheduled per week?
What are the admission requirements to get into the program?
Can “work experience” replace the 40 hours of “volunteer” work?
How much are the Fees?
Can I get a student loan?
Where will the program be offered?
Will students be responsible for finding practicum sites?
Do I have to go out of Victoria for my clinical experiences?
Do I have to write a National examination before I can start to work?
When and where are the National exams written?
How many times can a person re-write the National examination?
How much does it cost to write the National exams? And do you have to pay again to rewrite the exam?
What is the passing grade for the National exam?
How much do Medical Radiography Technology Graduates earn to start?
What are the hours of work for an MRT?
Can I find a job as a Medical Radiography Technology Graduate?
Does the College organize employment?
Is there a provincial Association?
Are MRT positions unionized?
Is there a student residence on Campus?
What attributes contribute to success in Medical Radiography Technology?
Candidates for Medical Radiography Technology should have above average academic skills, good organizational practices, a sense of social responsibility and caring, a good attitude towards team work, the ability to think critically and problem solve and a real desire to serve the public. Leadership skills are an asset. They should be independent learners with the ability to integrate information and apply it.Computer literacy is essential since many courses will be taught “on-line.”
The health care system, as we currently know it, is in a transition phase as new technology is establishing new responsibilities of care and treatment. Entering the Medical Radiological field means that you are prepared for lifelong learning as your chosen career continues to change, grow and advance.
How do I go about applying for the Medical Radiography Technology Program?
Please visit our Apply page. Application deadline is January 31, 2012 for the September 2012 intake.
What is the application deadline?
For the September 2012 intake, all applications must be received by January 31, 2012 and all documentation must be received by March 31, 2012.
If you have been out of high school more than 5 years, is it still worth applying?
It is recommended that the high school sciences and math be completed within the last 5 years. If you have not completed these within the last 5 years, it does not mean that you will not be considered, however, we do recommend that you upgrade and/or retake these high school courses or an alternate course at Camosun.
If I have a disability, can I apply to the program?
The program is intense and requires more than full time studies. The program will not be offered on a part time basis. If you have a disability, it is recommended that you speak with our Disability Resource Department to determine if your disability can be accommodated within this intense program. Mental stability and a high level of physical fitness are required.
How many seats are offered per year in the Medical Radiography Technology Program?
We will be offering 16 seats every year.
When does the Program start?
The program will start September, 2012.
Will this program be offered every year?
Yes, we will be taking in 16 students each year.
How long is the Program and how many hours of class are scheduled per week?
The program is 2 calendar years long (full 24 months with no summer breaks). Classes in two of the semesters are scheduled for 35 hours per week. Homework commitments vary per student but amount to about 3 to 4 hours per day including weekends. Practicum locations and hours will vary.
What are the admission requirements to get into the program?
Please visit our Requirements page for full details.
Can “work experience” replace the 40 hours of “volunteer” work?
No, but any related work experience identified on your resume will be acknowledged when deciding if your application will move to Stage 2.
How much are the Fees?
Fees are not yet established; however, the estimated tuition costs for the Medical Radiography Technology program is around $10,000 per year. Student fees, books, supplies, uniforms, CPR, First Aid training, TB test, and Criminal Record Check will be additional costs. Students will also be responsible for costs associated with travel and living expenses for all practicum experiences. Once the fee structure has been approved we will updated the Fees and Financial Aid page.
Can I get a student loan?
Financial aid has information on additional funding sources such as bursaries and grants. You can contact Financial Aid at 250- 370–3596 or financialaid@camosun.bc.ca.
Where will the program be offered?
Classes will take place at our Lansdowne Campus (map); however, practicums will take place in a variety of locations including up-island (up to and including Port Hardy) and possibly on the lower mainland.
Will students be responsible for finding practicum sites?
No, practicum site locations must meet certain qualifications and sites will be established through a provincial coordinator. You will be assigned a practicum site for each of the practicums. Students will be responsible for travel and living expenses.
Do I have to go out of Victoria for my clinical experiences?
Yes, there are 3 blocks of clinical and you will likely have to be out of Victoria for two of these.
Attending the various sized facilities gives you a chance to check out a variety of workplace options. This will help you in the future to adapt to all kinds of settings, and ultimately will make you more employable.
Do I have to write a National examination before I can start to work?
Most employers will require that you be certified (registered) with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists; to become certified (registered) you must pass the National examination.
When and where are the National exams written?
These exams are usually written about 3-4 weeks after you graduate (mid September) and at most clinical sites. Camosun may become a writing site in the future. The exam is about 4 hours long and results are provided approximately 3 weeks after you write.
How many times can a person re-write the National examination?
A person is allowed four (4) re-writes within two (2) years but if you are employed, your employer may expect you to pass these exams within a certain period of time.
How much does it cost to write the National exams? And do you have to pay again to rewrite the exam?
The exams are approximately $850.00 and are subject to change. If a person is unsuccessful, they need to pay the full amount if they wish to re-write.
What is the passing grade for the National exam?
The exam is a pass-fail exam done on computer.
How much do Medical Radiography Technology Graduates earn to start?
According to “PayScale” research, the pay is approximately $23.71- $36.80/hr ($49,000-$81,000/yr)
http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Medical_Radiation_Technologist/Hourly_Rate
What are the hours of work for an MRT?
Most areas have 7.5 hour shifts but night shifts in Victoria are 10 hours and some sites you may work 12 hour shifts. You will be expected to work days, evenings and night shifts.
Can I find a job as a Medical Radiography Technology Graduate?
There is a high demand for graduates and opportunities exist for graduates to continue training into imaging specialties such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Graduates also migrate into management, equipment sales, research and educational roles with additional education and/or related experiences.
Most graduates work in one or more casual positions before becoming full time and most work full time hours. It is highly recommended that you complete a National Certification exam upon completion of the program which will give you an advantage over others. You will be informed about this while in the program. It may take 1-2 years to get into a regular position but you will get money in lieu of benefits during this time. There will be a fair number of retirements in the future so there may be more opportunities in the future.
Does the College organize employment?
Notices of employment opportunities for graduates are posted on the student notice board. Students may also consult Camosun College's Co-operative Education & Student Employment or employ@camosun.bc.ca
Is there a provincial Association?
Yes, the provincial association is BCAMRT.
Are MRT positions unionized?
Public facilities, such as hospitals, are unionized with the Hospital Services Association. Some employment agencies (some clinics) may not be unionized. You can find this union contract here.
Is there a student residence on Campus?
No, however the following links may assist you with finding accommodation: www.myidealhome.com/ccss/.
