Beyond the Protocol: Clinical Expertise in Medical Imaging

MRT and physician hold piece of MRI equipment

Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists (MRITs) at London Health Sciences Centre provide critical diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients. Did you know the role has changed significantly over the past century, evolving to be key collaborators in the provision of patient care?

Located at both University and Victoria Hospitals, MRITs include various subspecialties such as Radiological Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, MRI Technologists, Radiation Therapists and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Providing direct patient care, they have the opportunity to anticipate and meet patient needs, ensuring safe, high-quality care.

Change in practice

Historically, MRITs have been perceived as technicians limited to predefined protocols. Between 2020 and 2021, the two professional associations governing these professions updated their respective competency profiles ensuring that MRITs develop the appropriate skills to strengthen their role in helping guide the next steps in a patient’s health-care journey.  

As MRITs integrate the same training and practice framework as physicians and nurses these specialties will continue to expand their roles to play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. At LHSC, MRITs are moving from technology operators to clinical experts and valuable members of multidisciplinary teams.

The updated competencies by the associations encourage MRITs to become active clinical decision-makers, reviewing patient records, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring the appropriateness of imaging exams. This shift to a more collaborative role is helping enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimize patient outcomes, and reshape MRIT roles as clinical professionals.

LHSC supporting MRITs  

LHSC recently implemented dedicated MRT and Nursing professional practice, along with a Nursing educator to help support the development of these health-care professionals into communicators, collaborators, leaders, scholarly practitioners, care providers, and clinical experts. By integrating these competencies, MRITs are expanding their practice beyond protocol-driven roles, focusing instead on patient-centered care, advanced clinical decision-making, and scholarly practice.  

Health care and technology are rapidly evolving, necessitating continuous learning for MRITs. LHSC encourages MRITs to engage in professional development, research, and evidence-based practices, supporting both individual and professional growth. By contributing to and disseminating quality improvement initiatives and research MRITs not only refine their own skills but also support the advancement of the entire profession and improve patient care.  

The future of MRIT practice lies in fully integrating these updated competencies into everyday practice. MRITs are elevating their practice, and these updates to the competency profiles provide a clear pathway to transition from protocol-driven technicians to recognized clinical experts. MRIT Week runs November 3 to November 9 in celebration of the crucial role these team members play in the safe provision of high-quality care. Learn more about the transition of the role of MRITs at LHSC in Amanda Johnston’s LinkedIn Article: Beyond the Protocol.