Medical Radiation Technologist

Non-Commissioned Member | Full Time, Part Time

As a member of the military, Medical Radiation Technologists provide diagnostic imaging services for health care professionals, which are used to diagnose and treat medical and surgical conditions.

The primary responsibilities of the Medical Radiation Technologist are to:

• Provide patient care
• Assist radiologists, medical specialists and medical officers
• Maintain equipment, accessories and supplies
• Maintain a Quality Assurance Program

Work environment

Medical Radiation Technologists work in modern and fully equipped clinics across Canada. They can also be deployed on missions around the world or on ships at sea.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part-time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

CORPORAL MICHELLE FERDERBAR: I’m Corporal Michelle Ferderbar from Windsor, Ontario, a Medical Radiation Technologist posted to CFB Petawawa.

Being a Medical Radiation Technologist, or M Rad Tech, in the Canadian Armed Forces is an incredibly challenging combination of technology, travel, and deployment.

As part of the Canadian Armed Forces Health Services team, Medical Radiation Technologists work in modern diagnostic imaging facilities; in X-ray suites aboard Royal Canadian Navy ships; and in field hospitals on deployments and humanitarian missions around the world.

Wherever they go, M Rad Techs serve Canada’s soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel with state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment.

They must also participate in maintenance of clinical readiness skills programs.

In the Forces – and especially in field trauma settings – M Rad Techs are interacting one-on-one with clinicians and specialists, and are a critical part of the Health Services team.

Once they complete their military and occupational training, M Rad Techs get posted to a Canadian Armed Forces Health Services clinic.

During their military careers, M Rad Techs will have the opportunity to take courses in advanced specialties, including computerized tomography and, if selected, diagnostic medical ultrasound.

If a part-time job is all you’re looking for, there are also opportunities to serve as a Medical Radiation Technologist with the Health Services Reserves.

If you already have a college diploma or baccalaureate degree from an accredited Medical Radiological Technology program, certification with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) or l’Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec (OTIMROEPMQ), a current unrestricted Medical Radiological Technologist license by a recognized provincial/territorial regulatory authority and a letter of good standing, the CAF may place you directly into a military medical clinic following basic training. Basic training is required before being assigned to a military medical clinic.