Radiological Technology - Refresher Program
Purpose
The purpose of the Refresher Program in Radiological Technology is to provide an opportunity for radiological technologists who have not practiced for a (minimum) five year period re-attain professional competence. Following successful completion of the Program, which includes a course of independent academic study followed by supervised clinical practice, the candidate will be eligible for reinstatement with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT). The candidate will then be eligible for employment.
Pre-requisite
Candidates for the Refresher Program in Radiological Technology must have been or currently are members of the CAMRT.
Program Overview
The program includes two components: academic and clinical.
The program must be completed within a twelve-month period.
Academic Component
The academic component is an independent study program. Educational objectives, case studies, problem based exercises, and reference lists will be provided for radiological technology subject areas. Reference lists will include required/optional textbooks, journals/articles, and websites; some texts for the Program may be available for loan from the NSAMRT.
Following completion of the independent study, a125-question multiple-choice examination must be completed. A mark of 65% must be achieved for the candidate to progress on to the clinical component. There is a minimum one-month waiting period before candidates who were unsuccessful are able to re-challenge the exam. A maximum of 2 rewrites will be permitted.
Clinical Component
The candidate is responsible for selecting and arranging their clinical placement with the appropriate manager of a Diagnostic Imaging Department (see Selection of a Clinical Site for criteria). A minimum of 420 clinical hours (equivalent to twelve 35- hour weeks) must be completed within a 6-month period. Performance evaluations and clinical competency assessments will be completed on a regular basis by a designated preceptor.
If the candidate requires additional clinical time to attain the required competencies, a one-time extension of 210 hours may be granted. The total time of clinical practice must not to exceed 630 hours.
The candidate must provide proof of current CPR certification prior to beginning the clinical component of the Program.
Selection of a Clinical Site
Clinical sites must meet the following criteria:
- A variety of radiographic, fluoroscopic, mobile and OR procedures must be performed
- A variety of imaging equipment must be present
- Full-time clinical preceptor(s) who are registered with the CAMRT must be available and willing to assist in meeting learning needs of the candidate
- A radiologist must be available on-site a minimum of 50% of the time
When considering a site, the availability of angiography, mammography and CT is considered an asset but is not required.
Liability
Candidates enrolled in the NSAMRT Refresher Program are responsible for obtaining liability insurance for the clinical component. This liability insurance may be purchased through the CAMRT. Call 1-800-463-9729 or visit the website www.camrt.ca for information.
Alternatively, the candidate may be able to arrange liability coverage with the institution where the clinical component is being completed.