To be eligible for certification, candidates must complete an accredited medical radiation technology program.
The CAMRT offers national certification in the following medical radiation technology disciplines:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiation Therapy
- Radiological Technology.
For more information, such as the Certification Handbook and eligibility requirements to apply for examinations, see the CAMRT's Certification information.
Internationally educated Medical Radiation Technologists apply directly to CAMRT to access the certification examination.
Guidelines for Refresher Programs
National Guidelines for Refresher Program Providers
An objective of the CAMRT Strategic Plan has been to provide guidelines to provincial associations regarding refresher programs for technologists/therapists who have been out of practice for a number of years and wish to upgrade so as to be able to re-enter the workplace.
Over the years all provincial associations have established some type of refresher programs. The format and program requirements vary and not all provinces have established refresher programs for all disciplines.
Therefore, following an environmental scan of existing provincial refresher programs and other healthcare professions the following guidelines for a refresher program with accompanying rationale were approved at the November 2006 Board of Director’s meeting.
These are intended as guidelines only and can be altered at the discretion of the provider.
CAMRT Guidelines for Refresher Programs
A refresher program is required if the technologist has not practiced in past five years in the discipline the candidate wishes to re-enter practice.
Some jurisdictions may wish to require that the candidate has practiced a minimum number of hours within the five years.
Format
- Prior Learning Assessment done on individual candidate to assess requirements for re-entry to current work environment
- Didactic Component
- Format of this theory portion is at the discretion of the provider
- There should be a final assessment
- Placement of the didactic component within the refresher program is at discretion of the program ( ie at beginning of program or, concurrent with clinical)
- Clinical Component
- Clinical competencies should be identified and evaluated
- The candidate should be supervised
- Professional practice should be assessed
- Timeframe should ensure continuity and consistency of clinical experience
- Total program completion not to exceed one year
Rationale
The practice of Medical Radiation Technology is rapidly changing due to technology and changes in delivery of imaging and therapeutic services.
To be competent to provide safe and best practice in the current environment to patients as well as the delivery of services to other healthcare professionals, healthcare institutions and communities, technologists must have the knowledge, skills, judgement to ensure effective and efficient practice of their profession
Employer’s expectations are that the technologist re-entering the workplace can perform at a level at least similar to a new graduate.
Many changes have occurred over the past few years that have created a different work environment. A technologist re-entering the workplace will be exposed to technology and practices that they have not previously experienced.
Prior learning assessments should be done on an individual basis as each candidate’s needs may vary based on their prior work history.
A didactic component is necessary to ensure the technologist has an understanding of the theory related to changes in practice as well as a review of fundamental practices.
A clinical component is essential to access competency in performing procedures and professional practice thus ensuring safe and best practice in the delivery of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic services.
The total program length must provide consistency and continuity of learning to ensure a good integration of theory and clinical experience that will support acquiring the competency required to re-enter the workplace.
