Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Sciences

The Medical Radiation Sciences (MRS) program is your first step towards a rewarding career as a Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT): a caring and compassionate healthcare professional and an essential member of the interprofessional healthcare team.

The University of Toronto Department of Radiation Oncology and The Michener Institute of Education at UHN are proud to offer a joint Bachelor of Science Degree and Advanced Diploma in Medical Radiation Sciences. Our program is the first professional undergraduate program of its kind in Medical Radiation Sciences.

Working in a dynamic environment with emerging technologies, MRTs are regulated health professionals who use sophisticated radiation equipment to produce diagnostic images of a patient’s body or who administer radiation to treat patients for certain medical conditions. As a primary point of contact for patients on their healthcare journey, MRTs are committed to a collaborative patient- and family-centred approach to care. Future career opportunities include (but are not limited to): other specialties such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), research activities, management, industry, education and sales/marketing, medical equipment sales, health policy analyst, as well as pursuing higher education opportunities at a Masters level.

Designed for students with prior university experience who meet prerequisite requirements, the MRS program offers a dynamic, intensive 32-month curriculum carefully crafted to equip students with the education and experience to succeed in their careers.

Applicants have the opportunity to choose one of three disciplines (Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Technology, Radiation Therapy or Radiological Technology) as the focus of their studies:

Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Technology

Nuclear Medicine is an imaging method used to safely detect disease in its early stages. The practice of Nuclear Medicine, which includes Positron Emission Tomography (PET), involves the use of radioactive tracers administered either by injection, orally, or inhalation. Special cameras, computers and radioactive tracers are used to image how disease or treatments alter organ system function.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy is the treatment of cancer and other diseases using radiation. In high doses, radiation kills cells or keeps them from growing and dividing. Because cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than most of the normal cells around them, radiation therapy can successfully treat many kinds of cancer.

Radiological Technology

Radiological Technology is the production of medical images, commonly called X-rays, of internal organs and structures. They are produced by passing a small, highly controlled amount of radiation through the human body, and capturing the resulting image on an image recording device.

Learn more about MRS Admission Requirements and our Application Process

MRS is a second-entry program designed for students with at least one year of university experience including courses in Biology, Math, Physics and Social Science. In addition to satisfying academic requirements, academically competitive applicants must participate in an admissions interview and submit proof of English proficiency (if applicable).

Why Study with Us?

In response to healthcare system needs, our program continues to evolve and innovate while providing MRS students with the following advantages:

A FOCUS ON PATIENT CARE

The MRS technology landscape is rapidly evolving. However, the principal focus of MRT practice continues to be the patient. Newly redesigned patient care courses in the first year of the program lay the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful healthcare provider, preparing students for the immersion into the clinical environment. Increased emphasis on patient and family-centered care including health literacy, reflective practice, and understanding professional roles and responsibilities anchor these patient care courses.

OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE COMPLEMENTARY FIELDS

MRS offers a unique and carefully sequenced curriculum to ensure that you will have the core skills necessary to thrive in your career as an MRT. The program also includes Selectives (specialized electives) which are courses developed with the purpose of providing knowledge and expertise in specialized fields of practice – many of which can be used towards additional certification in complementary fields after graduation. Selective courses are updated regularly to reflect the evolving practice of the MRT and currently include: Physics of MRI, MRI Anatomy and Pathology, Informatics, Introduction to Brachytherapy, Patient Education, Supportive and Palliative Care, Mammography and many more.

INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

MRS offers a two semester longitudinal course on Experiential Learning in Interprofessional Education and Collaboration. A balance of seminars, lectures, and experiential activities that leverage the University of Toronto’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) curriculum will introduce MRS students to learning from, with, and about other health profession students. MRS students gain an appreciation for healthcare team dynamics and communication skills to help prepare them to be collaborative practice-ready healthcare professionals. Courses common to all three MRS streams provide collaborative opportunities for students to learn from, with and about each other’s roles.

RESEARCH CULTURE

A research philosophy is embedded throughout the MRS program. Workshops such as Efficient and Effective Research Skills establishes the fundamental knowledge and skills for all students, right from the start. Dedicated foundational courses in research such as Introduction to Research Methods, followed by Research in Practice and Research Methods elevates the research culture further. Focused on enhancing practical research skills, MRS graduates are recognized as health professionals who value evidence-based practice, contribute to knowledge translation, and are able to critically appraise and convey ideas meaningfully.