Radiological Technologist (X-ray,CT & MRI Tech)
Mohawk College: Radiography Program BCIT: MRI Post Graduate
What are the roles and responsibilities in your current position?
The many roles & responsibilities of a Radiological Technologist vary depending on area of designation. The department of Radiology offers positions in X-ray, CT, Ultrasound, Mammography, MRI. One of the main roles of a Medical Radiological Technologist is to ensure a safely concise image is produced, in order for a Radiologist to report the findings. Technologists must understand the area of interest being examined in order to properly obtain the correct image. Anatomy is a vital understanding in Radiology. Radiological Technologists can work in a clinic setting or a hospital setting.
What barriers did you have to overcome to succeed?
When I had decided to pursue my education in the health field, I realized I didn’t have the science courses to allow me to successfully enter into my field of choice. Unfortunately, in school, especially with Indigenous students, there wasn’t a big emphasis about obtaining science courses. To be honest, there wasn’t a big emphasis on post secondary education for Native students. I knew I had to obtain a strong science background. I was an Indigenous student, with a young daughter, and not having a strong background in science courses. I had many challenges in front of me. Thankfully I am a determined stubborn person, and this encouraged me to find a way to gain acceptance in my program of choice; Radiography. I decided to take a Pre-Health science program. Through mentorship and encouragement (to this day I thank Ron Thomas for his continuous support and encouragement), I preserved and obtain not only a strong background in science but also was able to achieve great marks to put me on the Dean’s Honor Roll. I had obtained the grades, but most importantly, the confidence to pursue my goals. I think it is so important to surround yourself with a strong positive support system, and I was fortunate enough to have my mother and now husband to offer support & encouragement to be successful in my academics.
Having a solid support system, whether it be family, friends, or mentors play such an important role in your path. Remember: You have more people than you know, cheering you on and wishing you all the success!
What is your advice for healthcare students?
My advice to students interested in going down a healthcare path, is to research your career choice. By research I mean, ask questions with peers and mentors, try to talk to professionals to understand what their day to day roles are. It’s important to understand your future job. Also it is important to surround yourself with positive reinforcement, support and encouragement. This will go along way with your pathway. Healthcare is one of the most rewarding jobs and first and foremost, remember why you chose this path….for the patients and their families’ well being & respect.
Haudenosaunee Health Services 