Many of our lectures are delivered by expert faculty from the University of Toronto’s Department of Radiation Oncology who are actively involved in advancing clinical practice and world-class research. Clinical placements are offered at sites across Ontario representing a variety of cancer services and programs. In addition, a longitudinal and integrated Interprofessional Education curriculum provides essential learning opportunities for students to practice communication, critical thinking, and conflict management with students from other health care disciplines; essential skills for collaborating in the interprofessional team.

Learners will also have the opportunity to select one of three selectives pathways: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Imaging Informatics or Clinical Management. They are designed to provide learners with an option for additional career development post-graduation.

Graduates are also eligible to write the certification exam conducted by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT).

Graduates will earn a Bachelor of Science specializing in Medical Radiation Sciences (BSc. (MRS)) from the University of Toronto and a diploma in Health Sciences from the Michener Institute and may pursue advanced studies at University of Toronto or Michener, including: 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Imaging Informatics
• Ultrasound (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
• Master of Health Informatics
• Master of Health Administration
• Master of Science in Translational Research
  

Radiation Therapy is the use of ionizing radiation to treat patients with cancer. Radiation Therapist work closely with an interdisciplinary health care team, comprising of Radiation Oncologist, Physicist, Nurses and other Health Care Professionals.  As part of the curriculum, you will have the opportunity to practice in a simulated clinical environment in all aspects of Radiation Therapy, including treatment delivery, patient communication and treatment planning.  

Radiation Therapists use advanced computer systems and sophisticated radiation therapy equipment to design treatment plans and deliver radiation to treat cancer, located on campus at Michener. These professionals play a vital role in providing patient education and support throughout the treatment pathway, including counselling patients and their families on the potential side effects they may experience and ways to minimize them.  

• work within an interdisciplinary oncology team consisting of Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists and other healthcare providers in cancer centres
  
• planning or simulating a patient’s treatment on a CT and/or MRI unit 
• constructing immobilization devices and other patient accessory devices 
• performing dosimetry planning (e.g., physics and dose calculations) using specialized computer software to optimize a patient’s treatment plan 
• accurately position patients for treatment and perform imaging procedures for verification (image-guided radiation therapy) 
• applying radiation therapy treatment using sophisticated radiation therapy units 
• recording and verifying a patient’s treatment 
• maintaining detailed treatment records 
• performing quality assurance checks on radiation therapy equipment and treatment records 
• adhering to radiation protection and safety standards 
• educating the patient on procedures, expected radiation side effects 
• providing support and counselling to a patient and his/her family, and making referrals to other health care professionals as needed 
• treating around 30-40 patients a day with each patient coming for daily treatment over a period of several weeks.  A strong rapport develops between the therapist and patient over this time. 

Radiation Therapists are vital members of the interprofessional health care team devoted to providing compassionate, patient-focused care. Radiation Therapists must have the skills necessary to communicate with patients, problem-solve, and work well with other members of the health care team.  They also need to possess the technical expertise to operate medical imaging equipment safely. 

Consider Radiation Therapy if you:

• enjoy working with others and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• can provide compassion, understanding, and support to a patient during a stressful time
• enjoy working in a fast-paced health environment
• have a strong interest/skill in physics
• have an interest in operating computers, sophisticated radiation therapy equipment and imaging technology

The joint University of Toronto/Michener Radiation Therapy Degree/Advanced Diploma program is a three-year full time program. There is one intake each year, in September, and courses are held at both University of Toronto’s St. George campus and at Michener. 

Applicants to the Radiation Therapy – University of Toronto Joint Program must possess specific qualifications in order to be eligible for admissions. Please visit our Admissions Requirements by Program page for details.

Tuition and fee information is available at: http://www.radonc.utoronto.ca/finances

Note: The above curriculum is subject to change. Clinical education may be scheduled as simulation experience at Michener or as placement in clinical environments with our clinical partners.

Selectives are courses that provide you with some expertise in specialized fields of practice such as MRI, ultrasound, health education, specialized radiation therapy methods, and computer-assisted image analysis, and may allow you to fast track certain advanced-level programs.

Length:    42 weeks

• 8 weeks at the end of Year 1
• 4 weeks at the end of Year 2
• 30 weeks in Year 3    

At the end of the first year of the program, you will be placed in an affiliated clinical site for an eight-week period in May and June. At the end of the second year you will return to your clinical site. In the third year of the program, you will be placed at the same site for two full semesters (30 weeks).

As clinical education is a major component of all Michener programs, our affiliated clinical sites are integral to your education. They include teaching and regional hospitals, in Ontario. Working closely under the supervision of Radiation Therapists, you will have the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills into practice during the clinical phase of your program. Clinical placements give you hands-on experience in work environments and the opportunity to network with potential employers.

Clinical partner sites and number of student placement allocations at each site are subject to change and are confirmed at the time of your placement.  Please note that when you accept a seat in the program, you also accept to go to any of the program’s affiliated clinical sites available at the time of your placement.

In addition, you agree to comply with the following mandatory requirements which must be completed prior to the start of your clinical placement:

• First Aid and CPR Certification for Health Care Providers
• N95 Mask Fit Testing
• Updated Vulnerable Sector Screening (also required upon admission)
• Updated TB Test (also required upon admission)

Michener highly recommends all students be vaccinated with influenza vaccine.  This vaccine may be a requirement at some clinical sites.  Students who are not vaccinated will be required to wear a mask during patient interaction throughout the influenza season (December-March).

For additional information regarding the health requirements, please refer to Michener’s Health Services & Requirements page.

The Program is accredited by Accreditation Canada.

For University of Toronto Bursaries, contact the MRS Program at mrs@utoronto.ca.

College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO)

Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Scientists (OAMRS)

Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT)

UHN Tribute to Michael Sharpe