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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working with X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners; and in performing basic verification and quality control checks on radiographic and film processing equipment
Interest in speaking with radiologists to determine procedures to be performed; in providing appropriate care for patients during radiographic examinations; in recording and processing patient data; and in applying radiation protection measures
Interest in compiling patient data to assist in the diagnosis of diseases and injuries
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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 25 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 24, 2022 and Nov 15, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 20 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 19 |
| Attention to detail | 18 |
| Tasks: Operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners | 17 |
| Tasks: Provide appropriate care and monitoring of the patient during the examination | 14 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 13 |
| Tasks: Record and process patient data | 13 |
| Tasks: Record and process results of procedures | 12 |
| Tasks: Apply radiation protection measures | 12 |
| Tasks: Explain procedures and side effects of radiation | 12 |
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 short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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: 2023-2025 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 2016 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 | $33.98 | $42.35 | $35.91 | $33.98 |
| Overall | $39.02 | $51.61 | $44.02 | $42.84 |
| Top | $44.75 | $55.41 | $47.54 | $47.30 |
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 | $75,822 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $76,077 |
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.
