CAR Resolution MW02-17, Mar 2002 CAR Position: b Because of the shortage of MRTs, in Canada, projected to worsen in the future, b And while supporting a higher level of education for those who so choose, b The CAR is opposed to the concept of a degree program level of competence as a minimum requirement for certification, for employment in Canada.

MRT Responsibilities b Patient safety and comfort b Exam preparation and performance b Image quality/technical evaluation b Quality assurance

Examinations/Procedures b CAR has published standards of performance for radiologists b Technologists assist in a greater number as they become less invasive b Smaller centres are doing some specialized ones, because it is part of the radiologists training(ex: biopsy,drainage )

MRT and Nursing b Patients are hooked up to more technology in hospital than ever before (lines/devices) b High level of acuity in hospital and unsupervised work (when to call for help?) b More quality control (ex:infection)is required than before

Other MRT Responsibilities b Inventory/ordering of supplies in a small department (ex:rural).. Entry level ? b Monitoring patients when nurse not present (ex post exam, waiting for porter/ambulance). Entry level ?

MRTs Competency Requirements b Technological change: b PACs,teleradiology b CR, DR b CT and MRI b etc b Office/Outpatient work vs Hospital (complexity, local needs/practices) b School or on-the-job training: who can best deliver?

Recruitment/Retention of MRT Affected by b Education Requirements b Remuneration b Working conditions/hours (ex:private clinics) b Family b Cost of living b Local amenities (urban/rural)

MRT Recruitement b Does a degree make MRT less attractive as a career? (because of the time/expense) b What kind of mindset/interest is needed, to become a good MRT today/tomorrow b Is the aim to form an individual for a career or train him/her to do specific tasks?

MRT Training b Does the entry-to practice mean capable of office/outpatient radiology exams? b Do educators/employers prefer on-the-job training, for anything complicated? b Do the payers recognize greater expertise? b What advantage does a MRT degree confer in the Canadian job market?

A radiologists personal perspective b The team approach to care requires better educated professionals (for efficiency) b Health care management, on a day to day basis, is the business of all health care providers (to make the best use of $)

A radiologists personal perspective b Patients expectations and knowledge, (through the internet,) demand more expertise from all health care professionals. b A well educated professional can deal better with the increasing daily stresses of the health care workplace.