Radiation Programs at Ontario Colleges

Radiation Courses

Ontario college radiation programs have different focus areas, but usually fall into one of these categories:

• Medical Radiation Technology. Medical radiation programs build fundamental skills in radiation imaging, teaching students to accurately capture and analyze images of the human body to assist physicians in offering diagnoses. Students will learn radiological protocol, image processing techniques, image management and quality control.
• Radiation Therapy. These programs teach students to create and administer radiation treatment plans for patients with cancer and other diseases. On top of learning to operate equipment and position patients properly, students learn radiation dosage in relation to targeting and destroying cancerous cells. Theory and lab course subjects include oncology, patient care and protection, imaging, treatment planning and more.

In addition to the many hands-on courses in these programs, students will sharpen their skills and apply what they’ve learned in clinical placements.

Related to radiation programs are nuclear medicine programs. Nuclear science involves using gamma ray-emitting radiopharmaceuticals as a means of collecting imaging documents, in place of diagnostic imaging or surgery.

General Radiation Program Requirements

Medical radiation technology programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit. Additional requirements will vary, but will likely include assorted senior science and math credits.

Radiation therapy program requirements vary; some programs require an OSSD with six grade 12 U or M courses (mainly math and science credits), while others require a minimum of one year of university education, including math and science credits.

Radiation Jobs and Salaries

In order to work in Ontario, graduates must register with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario after successfully taking the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists exam. Radiation professionals who gain this accreditation can find employment in a number of medical venues, from hospitals and clinics to private radiology practices, research facilities and more.