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Medical Radiation Technologist, Medical Radiologic Technologist, Radiographer, Registered Technologist of Radiography, X-Ray Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Radiological technologists produce images of body structures. These images are displayed on computer monitors, recorded video, or closed-circuit television systems.
In general, radiological technologists:
Radiological technologists work with other technologists. These may include nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, magnetic resonance technologists, combined laboratory and X-ray technologists, and respiratory therapists. They may also work with doctors (especially radiologists), nurses, and administrative support personnel.
Most radiological technologists work in hospitals or community clinics. Those who work in hospitals may work in a range of areas. For example, they may work in the emergency department (ED), operating room (OR), or in mobile radiography, fluoroscopy, or general radiography. Working hours may include shift work and on-call duties. Those employed in community clinics work regular office hours. They may have to work some evenings and weekends.
This is a physically demanding job. Radiological technologists are on their feet most of their shift. They handle and move equipment positioned at heights of about 2 metres. They lift accessory equipment weighing up to 10 kilograms. They also help position patients. If a patient is unable to move on their own, technologists may ask other health-care workers for help.
Radiological technologists must follow strict radiation safety rules for themselves and their patients. They must be prepared to respond to and manage emergencies.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Nuclear medicine technologists
2023 OaSIS: 32121.02
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Radiological technologists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 38 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 24, 2022 and Oct 06, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Provide appropriate care and monitoring of the patient during the examination | 26 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners | 24 |
| Tasks: Apply radiation protection measures | 24 |
| Attention to detail | 24 |
| Tasks: Explain procedures and side effects of radiation | 23 |
| Tasks: Record and process patient data | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 18 |
| Security and Safety: Criminal record check | 18 |
| Tasks: Record and process results of procedures | 16 |
The minimum education is a 2-year diploma in medical radiologic technology. A 1-year practicum under supervision of a registered radiological technologist is required to graduate.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Medical radiation technologists may apply ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, and other forms of energy to produce diagnostic images. They then evaluate the technical sufficiency of the images. They may also use those forms of energy for treatment purposes. They assess the medical condition and needs of patients before, during, and after procedures.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf] ], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
Only those members can use the protected titles and initials of the specialties included in the medical radiation technologist (MRT) register:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Medical Radiation Technologist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Radiological technologists work in:
With experience and additional training, radiological technologists may move into:
There are many areas of specialization. The include areas like angiography, interventional radiology, cardiac radiology, computed tomography, bone mineral densitometry, and mammography.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Medical radiation technologists
2016 NOC: 3215
95.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $34.75 | $43.30 | $36.83 | $35.45 |
| Overall | $40.49 | $52.34 | $44.61 | $42.54 |
| Top | $45.77 | $55.90 | $48.14 | $46.69 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $73,870 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $73,866 |
Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website: acmdtt.com
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) website: www.camrt.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
