New MRT program to address industry shortage

VANCOUVER – Anderson College is proud to announce the launch of its Medical Radiography Technology (MRT) program aimed at addressing critical industry shortages, providing relief to the current workforce and extraordinary career opportunities for graduates. This innovative and immersive program, where students engage in clinical training throughout their studies, is made possible by partnering with the dedicated teams at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), Fraser Health (FH), Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and Providence Health Care (PHC).

The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) has been sounding the alarm about the MRT workforce shortage crisis, with demand outpacing availability and patient wait times for crucial diagnostic medical imaging at an unprecedented high. A recent survey conducted by Nanos Research reveals precisely how aware Canadians are of the impact this has on their health and wellbeing, with 91% of Canadians supporting government action aimed at hiring and retaining MRTs.

“Medical imaging is experiencing a critical shortage of skilled technologists, in an environment where demand for medical imaging is increasing annually,” offered Ken Winnig (pictured), executive director, Medical Imaging, Provincial Health Services Authority. “This, combined with the announced capital investments in new hospitals, calls for a provincial strategy and approach to creating an appropriate workforce for our healthcare system. Anderson’s MRT program provides an innovative and necessary approach to raising up technologists to respond to the healthcare challenges of today and for the future.”

Anderson and its leading-edge healthcare partners are focused on being part of the solution, working together to train the next generation of MRT professionals to support Canadian patients, faster.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with Anderson College to address the resource shortages we are experiencing in medical imaging,” shared Kerri Smith, manager, Clinical Education – Specialty Medical Imaging, FH, PHC, PHSA, VCH. “This novel program will not only support the long-standing need for general radiology and CT scan technologists, but it will also provide a sustainable workforce solution for an issue that could potentially last for the foreseeable future with the challenges that our healthcare system is facing here in BC.”

“Designed to tackle industry shortages head-on, our MRT program employs a revolutionary clinical immersion model that provides an unparalleled learning experience,” said Cheryl Russell-Julien, director of Academics, Anderson College. “We are pleased that this program is currently registered with EQual, a branch of Accreditation Canada, as this will not only enhance its credibility but assure stakeholders that our educational offering meets, or exceeds, required standards. Anderson is no stranger to this rigorous accreditation process and currently has several accredited programs by various governing bodies.”

Anderson College’s new MRT program will run out of its Surrey, B.C. campus, is full time, 78-weeks, and includes three clinical placements. It focuses on educating students in the areas of patient care, radiation safety, computerized imaging techniques, and anatomy and pathology. It is designed to ensure graduates are responsible for the safe and competent operation of a wide range of X-ray generating machines, the production of digital images, and use of accessory medical equipment. This MRT program has been “registered” for accreditation status with Accreditation Canada/EQual.

About Anderson College
Anderson College is one of Canada’s oldest colleges, having opened its first location in 1885. Anderson has trained more than 100,000 students over its 139-year history and continues to be an empowering partner for students overcoming career challenges and transitioning to the next phase of their lives. With ten locations in Ontario and one in British Columbia, it is recognized for its high-calibre faculty, hands-on, real-life career training, and supportive culture. Click here for more information on the Medical Radiography Technology program or, to learn about Anderson, visit www.andersoncollege.com.