Non-Traditional University Degrees
All About Medical Radiation Sciences at McMaster University
What makes Medical Radiation Sciences at McMaster special, what it entails, options after graduation, and more
Thinking about starting a career in the healthcare field? Are you interested in helping people and making a difference in the lives of patients across the province and even Canada? Well, then you may be thinking that what I am about to introduce is something like a nurse, or doctor… well guess again!
Sometimes it can be hard to see and explore outside the lines of “traditional” healthcare professions like becoming a nurse, or doctor, and this blog is one that will highlight one example of a “non-traditional” science degree that can allow you to be part of the healthcare field, without the loads of student debt, long years of training, but with potential career placements right after graduation. This blog will break down the program admission statistics and provide some background information on the Medical Radiation Sciences program at McMaster University.
Firstly, you may be asking yourself… what type of career would a degree in Medication Radiation Sciences allow me to pursue? Well, if you have ever had an X-ray done, or know of a family member or friend who has had an MRI, CT, or even radiation therapy, they would have encountered a technologist that would have training from a program similar to that of the Medical Radiation Sciences program at McMaster.
Now that you have a better idea of where your future might lead if you were to take the path of becoming a registered radiologic technologist, let me break down some important information about admissions statistics to help you have a better idea of whether this program is for you!
As I am writing this, many of you have already submitted your application, therefore, feel free to skip to the next part to learn more about the program in general; however, for all you keen high schoolers from grade 9 to 11 looking to determine where you want to head after graduating from high school, knowing about course prerequisites and admissions statistics will be helpful to know in preparation of higher grades.
Below are a list of the required high school courses for admission into Medical Radiation Sciences (Level I):
- ENG 4U (English)
- MHF4U (Advanced Functions)
- MCV4U (Calculus and Vectors)
- SBI4U (Biology)
- SCH4U (Chemistry)
NOTE: SPH4U (Grade 12 Physics) is highly recommended, however, it is not required as there is a first-year course mandatory for all students in the program that will provide you with all the physics you will need to do well in the program!
To be considered a competitive applicant, it is recommended that you maintain a high average, closer to high 80s.
Now, you may be wondering: what are some of the courses that will be taken in your first year? Well, if you are interested in human health, medicine, biology, etc., you will certainly like the courses that are required during first year. However, it is important to remember that you will also be required to take some math and physics-based courses since after all, the technology you will be using is built on fundamental principles rooted in math and physics.
Although you will not be expected to learn the inner workings of a CT scanner, it is important for you to have some information of how the images are created and what types of imaging techniques use which principles, in order to be fully equipped in using and operating the machine safely.
Here is a list of some of the first-year courses you would take as a Level I Medical Radiation Sciences Student:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Calculus
- Inquiry in Medical Radiation Sciences
- Pathology
- Medical Imaging Physics
- Professions in Medical Radiation Sciences
After Graduation
The last course listed above, “Professions in Medical Radiation Sciences” is an interesting course part of this program, as it leads me into my next point to answer your question about where this degree might lead you after graduation. After four years of undergrad, which includes three years of experiential learning in clinical environments to provide a hands-on approach that will provide you with real-life experience working with patients and with specific technology, you will be required to become officially licensed with the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO) Council.
Depending on your specialization, either one of ultrasonography, radiography, or radiation therapy, you will also be required to complete an exam under the CMRITO to be fully licensed and ready to work! Since you will have the opportunity to complete clinical placements during your studies and as part of your training, it is common for students who graduate to directly go into the workforce as they often have great experiences at their placements and get hired at those places. Positions for clinical placements can be in the Hamilton area at for example, the McMaster Children’s hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
However, it is also possible for you to complete your placement at a hospital in Toronto, or even near where you live if you are not from Hamilton. For more details on your training as well as potential careers after graduation, be sure to check out the link here!
Why McMaster?
If you have made it this far, it seems that I have piqued your interest, and I am glad that I have! If a career in healthcare is in your future then this may truly be a great option for you! However, you might be wondering: what is so special about McMaster, and why should the Medical Radiation Sciences program at McMaster be the one I choose?
As a McMaster student myself, I know how supported students are, specifically in the Faculty of Science. There is an enormous amount of support from your professors, academic advising team, and the student community is truly such a tight knit community where not making friends is impossible! If you are looking for an academically strong and driven school with the opportunity to find your passion outside of your studies through clubs, hobbies, activities, AND make many new friends, then McMaster is the right pick for you!
Also, be sure to check out the student society for the Medical Radiation Science program. It is a great way to meet new people in your program and share your passion for your studies through events, social media, formals, and more!
If you have reached the end, I hope this blog has provided you with some helpful information regarding the Medical Radiation Sciences program at McMaster. If you have already applied and are deciding if this program is the decision for you, I hope this blog provides you with some clarity and perhaps even convince you to come to McMaster to start your Medical Radiation Sciences journey! However, for all of you thinking about applications in future years, be sure to check out many different programs and use this as a guide to help you narrow down your choices to make the most out of your undergraduate career and future career in healthcare!
About the Writer
Wynter Sutchy is a third-year undergraduate student at McMaster University studying Biology (Physiology) and is from King City, ON. She is very passionate about the healthcare field and enjoys sharing her volunteering experiences through writing. She plans to pursue a career in medicine in the future and plans to explore the field of healthcare through research and volunteering throughout her undergraduate career. In her free time, you can expect her to be watching her favourite show, Greys Anatomy, teaching children how to swim, or baking some delicious desserts!
