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:
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:
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/