To date, we have interviewed an Optometrist, Speech Language Pathologist, Bike Shop Manager, Correctional Officer, Social Worker, 911 Operator, Police Officer, Master Barber, Nurse, Teacher, Educational Support Staff, Radiation Therapist, Lifeguard, Firefighter, Musical Professional, Paramedic, Engineer, Pharmacist, Medical Laboratory Professional, a career in Acting, working for Non-profits, Dental Hygienist, and Marketing professional. We discussed the reality of their day to day work and asked them for advice on succeeding in their prospective fields. Check out these interviews by visiting our “Student Career Resource Section”.
Here is our interview with Jennifer:
What is MRT week?
MRT Week is the professional week of Medical Radiation Technologists. It occurs during the week of November 8th because it was on November 8, 1895 that Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-Rays! It is an opportunity for us to celebrate our profession and share what we do with the public.
What are the different professions that would fall under this category?
There are 4 main disciplines that are in the Medical Radiation Technology profession: Radiologic Technology (x-ray, CT, Mammography etc), Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
What does a Radiologic Technologist do?
My discipline is Radiologic Technology, so I am often referred to as a Radiologic Technologist. There are may practice areas that we work in. You can find us taking x-rays, performing CT scans, in interventional/angiography suites, doing mammograms in breast health centers and working in operating rooms. We work with a lot of medical specialities like orthopedics, oncology, neurology, pediatrics, urology and many more.
Describe the educational background a person needs to be a Radiologic Technologist?
There are many types of educational programs for each discipline across the country. There are small differences depending on the discipline. I obtained my education through a Bachelor of Health Sciences at UNBSJ and the Moncton Hospital School of Radiologic Technology. I have a Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Technology.
Why do you love being a Radiologic Technologist?
So many reasons, but I will try to be brief. I love the relationship between technology and patient care. I love being the person who provides the diagnostic information that may solve the puzzle. I love meeting new people everyday and contributing to their healthcare journey. I love seeing inside the body and how it works. I love telling my patients about my profession and showing them a good care experience. I love that I work with other MRT’s who care about doing the best job they can for patients.
Leave us with a fun fact about your occupation?
A fun fact is that unlike all the other Medical Radiation Technology disciplines, MRI does not use ionizing radiation! They use radio frequency waves and electromagnetic fields to create images.
Also, contrary to what you have heard, you will not glow green after an x-ray.