Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Practice
The scope of practice of medical imaging and radiation therapy, as defined under the NSCMIRTP Act is the application of professional medical imaging technology knowledge, skills and judgement in the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, magnetic fields, high frequency sound waves and other energy forms, in the provision of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, in collaboration with other health care professionals, to achieve optimal health, wellness and functional performance, and includes the practice of: (i) diagnostic medical sonography, (ii) magnetic resonance technology, (iii) nuclear medicine technology, (iv) radiological technology, and (v) the practice of any other medical imaging technology discipline set out in the regulations.
Practice includes not only the delivery of clinical services, but also research, education, consultation, management, administration, information technology, regulation, policy or system development relevant to the foregoing, and other practices as taught in MIRTP programs in Nova Scotia.
Description of clinical practice for each role are presented below. These descriptions should not be interpreted as the totality of what is considered practice but rather a basic description of common areas of practice for each discipline.
What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS) is a health care professional who utilizes high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to perform imaging examinations of the human body. During an ultrasound examination, a sonographer uses an instrument called a transducer, or probe, on a patient over the area of the body being examined. As the probe is being moved around it sends high frequency sound waves into the body. These waves form echoes which bounce back to the ultrasound machine to determine the size, shape and consistency of soft tissues and organs. This information is relayed in real time to produce images on a computer screen. Ultrasounds are preferred when possible since there is no ionizing radiation.
The sonographer decides which images are essential to a patient’s care. Sonographers use their ultrasound education, technical skills, and understanding of the human body and its systems to decide if structures are normal or abnormal, and adapt the scan as needed throughout an examination. This information is then used by doctors to determine the necessary treatment or next steps for the patient. The quality of an ultrasound exam is very dependent on the skills of the sonographer who completes the scan.
Ultrasound exams provide key diagnostic information to doctors about a patient’s medical condition and assist in their treatment and care.
The role of the professional Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is diverse and dynamic, and sonographers are active in many areas of healthcare. These health professionals are employed in various health care facilities. Sonographers may also become educators, application specialists or sales representatives with medical equipment companies, or be involved in research.
What is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist is a health care professional who utilizes a strong magnetic field to perform imaging examinations of the human body. The unique nature of this technology presents special imaging, patient care, and safety requirements.
MRI was introduced as a diagnostic medical imaging tool in the 1980s to examine organs and structures inside the body. Since magnetic resonance does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, radiation protection is unnecessary. However, metal objects may pose a danger; therefore, patients with metallic and/or electronic implants must be carefully screened before their MRI to determine whether the implanted device can safely enter the magnetic field.
During an MRI scan, atoms in the patient's body are exposed to a strong magnetic field. The technologist applies a radiofrequency pulse to the field, which knocks the atoms out of alignment. When the technologist turns the pulse off, the atoms return to their original position. In the process, they give off signals that are measured by a computer and processed to create detailed images of the patient's anatomy.
What is a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
Nuclear Medicine Technologists carry out diagnostic imaging and some treatment procedures in hospitals or private medical clinics. They perform imaging exams that help identify the nature of a disease and how it is affecting the body based on changes in physiology. Their work also enables doctors to monitor a patient's response to treatment. Depending on the type of exam, it may take minutes to several days to complete imaging. Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive tracers that concentrate in specific organs when introduced into the patient's bloodstream.
Given in small amounts, usually by injection, the tracers expose patients to a very low-level of radiation for a short period of time. As the tracer emits radiation, a special detector, gamma camera or PET scanner is used to collect data. Nuclear medicine technologists use computers to process the data and produce images of the organ/s from different angles. Nuclear medicine takes advantage of the way the body processes the radioactive substances differently when there is a disease or pathology present in comparison to how it is processed in a healthy body.
What is a Radiation Therapist?
A Radiation Therapist is a health professional that delivers radiation therapy treatment to patients with cancer. In Nova Scotia, there is a Cancer Center in Halifax and in Sydney.
In Nova Scotia, radiation therapists are scheduled Monday to Friday days with rotating on call for emergencies after hours and on weekends. Because of the type of work that a radiation therapist does, they must have both the technical knowledge as well as compassion to work closely with patients that can range in age from infants to the elderly, and from very healthy to gravely ill. A radiation therapist may see the same patient every day for several weeks requiring a therapist to have the ability to build and maintain a positive rapport with patients and their families. Radiation therapists are key members of the cancer treatment team.
More than half of all cancer patients receive radiation treatments, which may be given in conjunction with other forms of treatment. They use focused beams of radiation to destroy tumors while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Alternatively, treatment may involve placing radioactive sources directly into the patient's body. In order to destroy cancerous tissue, radiation therapy involves exposure to higher doses of radiation than are required for diagnostic imaging. It is therefore vital that the radiation be precisely targeted, and the patient's exposure carefully monitored.
What is a Radiological Technologist?
A Radiological Technologist is a health care professional who utilizes ionizing radiation (x-rays) to perform imaging examinations of the human body. Radiological technologists must enjoy working with people and be very adaptable to different situations. They are educated in anatomy, physiology, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection, and patient care. They are involved in a broad variety of procedures which cover a number of specialty areas.
