FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS MRISF-AD MRI and Spectroscopy

Overview

• Eight and one-half month advanced diploma
• August entry date
  
• Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg 
• Clinical education practicum
• If you have one of the conditions listed on the Safety Checklist you may not be able to enter the clinical segment of the program or work in the MRI profession. 
• If you have a criminal record you may not be able to complete this program. If you are listed on a Child Abuse Registry or Adult Abuse Registry you will not be able to complete this program. See Program Progression Requirements for more info. 

Description
Magnetic resonance uses magnetism, radio waves and computers to acquire medical images. Although still a young technology, it has become firmly rooted in medical practice, particularly for:

• Studying the cardiovascular system
• Detecting tumours, especially in the brain and spinal column
• Studying body chemistry and functions
• Imaging soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons or arteries

The unique nature of this technology presents special imaging, patient care, and safety requirements. Since magnetic resonance does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, radiation protection is unnecessary.

Magnetic resonance scans require sliding patients into a body-length tunnel - the core of the magnetic field.  The image obtained from magnetic resonance scan generally appears on a computer monitor, or as a photograph or computer printouts.

As part of your professional duty as a magnetic resonance technologist, you will:

• Explain the procedure to patients
• Answer questions as fully as possible
• Operate the scanner
• Monitor patients during the scan
• Comfort patients and provide emotional support
• Ensure the safety of patients and staff around the magnetic field
• Contribute to patient education

The above information is an excerpt from the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists' website at www.camrt.ca

Admission Requirements

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

You may be asked to participate in an interview with the department Chair and/or a Program Admissions Committee.

The College reserves the right to limit the number of students from any particular geographic location for each intake.

Regular Admission Requirements

1. Safety Checklist
• Submit a completed Safety Checklist
• The conditions listed on the Safety Checklist may preclude you from entering the clinical segment of the program and working in the MRI profession. If any of the conditions listed on the Checklist apply to you, we strongly advise you discuss the condition with your physician before applying to this program. 
  and
2. Relevant Diploma or Degree
• Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in the final year of a post-secondary diploma or degree from a recognized institute or college in:
• Medical Radiologic Technology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Therapy
• Ultrasound 
• If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
• Post-secondary transcripts must have been issued within 6 months prior to your application date, and submitted in a sealed envelope directly from the post-secondary institution.
• If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
  and
3. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
• Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
  Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
• If YES:
• You meet English language requirements 
• After applying, submit your transcripts* for review
  or
• If NO:
  
• Before applying, successfully complete an approved English language assessment (ELA) at the required levels
• After applying, submit your ELA results. Once we confirm you meet this program's English language requirements, we will request submission of your transcripts* for review.
• * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.
  and
4. Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
• Submit a completed Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form

Who Should Enrol?

The MRI and Spectroscopy program at Red River College Polytechnic is offered as a second discipline program.  If you are considering a career in MRI you should have a strong background in physics, anatomy, and diagnostic imaging procedures with an emphasis on patient care. 

Below is an excerpt from the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists website www.camrt.ca

Introduced as a diagnostic medical imaging tool in the 1980's, magnetic resonance uses magnetism, radio waves, and computers to acquire medical images. Although still a young technology, it has become firmly rooted in medical practice, particularly for:

• Studying the cardiovascular system
• Detecting tumours, especially in the brain and spinal column
• Studying body chemistry and functions
• Imaging soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or arteries

The unique nature of this technology presents special imaging, patient care, and safety requirements. Since magnetic resonance does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, radiation protection is unnecessary. However, patients must remove any metal objects that could be drawn to the magnet. Patients with pacemakers, or other metallic implants, cannot undergo magnetic resonance scans because of the potential for damage to such devices.

Claustrophobia can be a problem for certain patients. Magnetic resonance scans require sliding the patient into a body-length tunnel - the core of the magnetic field.

As part of their professional duty, magnetic resonance technologists:

• Explain the procedure to patients
• Answer questions as fully as possible
• Operate the scanner
• Monitor patients during the scan
• Comfort patients and provide emotional support
• Ensure the safety of patients and staff around the magnetic field
• Contribute to patient education

Some magnetic resonance procedures require the use of contrast agents. The image obtained from magnetic resonance scan generally appears on a computer monitor, or as a photograph or computer printout.

The CAMRT also provides information for internationally trained technologists at www.camrt.ca/certification/international/ and www.cfeep2p.com/

Program Outline

The MRI program is 8 1/2 months in duration and consists of two terms. 

• Term one consists of six (6) courses taken over sixteen (16) weeks. Term one courses are delivered in a blended format. 
• Term two is an 18 week clinical practicum, which requires full-time attendance at a clinical site.  
• This program meets the standards of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and upon successful completion of the program students may be elgible to write the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists certification exam that is required by most employers within Canada. 
• This program complies with the requirements as set out by Accrediation Canada EQualTM.  

CO-OP/Practicum Information

The MRI and Spectroscopy program includes 18 weeks of clinical education/practicum.

Red River College Polytechnic will help you obtain a clinical placement(s) for the completion of the MRI/S clinical education/practicum. You will have the opportunity to indicate your preferred clinical placement sites, and efforts will be made to consider these. However, the availability of clinical spots and the number of students in the class will determine assignment of clinical placements and you may not receive your preferred site(s).  Your clinical placement(s) will be assigned at the discretion of the program.

Due to the limited number of clinical placement sites it may be necessary for students to relocate either within Manitoba or to another province.  Requests for out-of-province clinical placement sites may be possible, however they cannot be guaranteed. 

Additionally, rotations to other clinical placement sites may be required to achieve all practical competencies. For example, Health Sciences Centre students need to go to St. Boniface General Hospital to see cardiac MR scans.

You are responsible for all additional expenses related to the clinical education/practicum, including relocation costs (travel, meals, accommodation) to clinical placement site(s).

The College reserves the right to make changes to clinical placements of students when deemed necessary.

The following hospitals currently participate as clinical placement sites:
 
Winnipeg hospitals:

• Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg
• St. Boniface General Hospital
• Grace General Hospital

Hospitals outside of Winnipeg:

• Brandon Regional Health Centre, Brandon
• Boundary Trails Health Centre, Morden/Winkler
• Selkirk and District General Hospital

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.

Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Employer Testimonial

"Thank you for the many excellent technologist students you have sent our way. We continue to appreciate the excellent training and support you provide to the MRI community."

Dr. Mary Ann Johnson
University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton

"Your student is turning out to be exceptional. He is enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I am very pleased to have him with us. He may most likely be another RRC MRI/S Program prodigy in the making."

Leonard Tong
Radiology Manager
Vancouver General Hospital