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Medical Radiation Technologist, Medical Radiologic Technologist, 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:
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 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 (such as nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, magnetic resonance technologists, combined laboratory and x-ray technologists, and respiratory therapists), doctors (particularly 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 (such as emergency, operating room, mobile radiography, fluoroscopy, general radiography). Most work shifts and are sometimes on call. 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 ask other health care workers for help.
Radiological technologists must follow strict radiation safety rules for themselves and their patients. They have to be prepared to respond to and manage emergencies.
Radiological technologists need to have:
They should enjoy:
The minimum education is a 2-year diploma in medical radiologic technology. A 1-year practicum with practising radiological technologists 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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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 apply ionizing radiation and other forms of energy to produce diagnostic images, evaluate the technical sufficiency of such images, use ionizing radiation and other forms of energy for treatment purposes, and take part in patient care through interdisciplinary, peer and public education, patient counselling, radiation protection, management and related research.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation, only registered members of the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) may call themselves a magnetic resonance technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, radiological technologist or radiation therapist. Registered members provide health services listed in Schedule 12 of the Health Professions Act.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Medical Radiation Technologist.
Source: 2019-2023 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 (such as angiography, interventional radiology, cardiac radiology, computed tomography, bone mineral densitometry, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and ultrasonography). For information about the required education of the last three examples, see the Magnetic Resonance Technologist, Nuclear Medicine Technologist and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer occupational profiles.
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.
In the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group, 95.5% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 57 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $76,077 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $75,822 |
Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website: www.acmdtt.com
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) website: www.camrt.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 19, 2018. 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.
