The Honours Medical Radiation Sciences (MRSc) program is delivered through a partnership between Mohawk College and McMaster University. Students in this program pursue two concurrent qualifications: an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Medical Radiation Sciences from Mohawk College and the McMaster University Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences degree.
MRSc program graduates are healthcare professionals who employ different kinds of radiation in diagnostic and therapy, and are part of one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields.
MRSc involves the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation for diagnostic studies and the treatment of patients. Ionizing radiation includes X-rays and gamma rays; non-ionizing radiation includes magnetic fields and ultrasound.
Following completion of Level I, students choose one of the following specializations:
Anticipated Admission Average
Target Enrolment
Over the length of the four-year program, students develop skills for clinical practice through three terms of experiential learning in various clinical environments. Clinical practice may be completed through clinical agencies located throughout Ontario.
The clinical placements provide a breadth of experience in procedures and modalities and reflect the range of employment opportunities. Initially, students are observing and performing tasks under the direct supervision of clinical staff and later progress to working independently, with minimal supervision and support, to produce accurate and timely studies.
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The goal of the program is to produce technologists in one of Ultrasonography, Radiography, or Radiation Therapy. Medical Radiation Sciences graduates have a very high employment rate. Employment opportunities include community and teaching hospitals, independent diagnostic imaging centres, physicians’ offices, and commercial companies.
These professions are intellectually, emotionally, and physically demanding. Students must become familiar with the profession(s) before entering the program to ensure that they can function at an acceptable standard. By registering in the program, applicants acknowledge that they can meet all the demands.
I chose Radiation Therapy because I thrive while working in a team, and you get to see the same patients about every day for the course of their treatment.
I chose Medical Radiation Sciences because it is entry-level and allowed me to explore the upper year streams; all streams had clinical placements, and I was interested in health sciences but not med school or nursing. Medical Radiation Sciences is a great alternative program if you are interested in health care!
I chose Radiation Therapy because I thrive while working in a team, and you get to see the same patients about every day for the course of their treatment. I love the combination of imaging, patient care, and technology.
Before entering my specialization, I wasn’t sure exactly what my future career would hold. Now I am excited that I will be treating patients, working in healthcare, and working with modern and exciting technology.
My advice to future science students is to explore your options. There are so many cool programs in first year and beyond. Take courses in multiple areas of interest and enjoy the journey of learning and figuring out what you love! Don’t be afraid to change your mind and try new things.
All my peers, who have now graduated, are employed in hospitals or clinics.
My name is Sydney and I am completing my final year in the Medical Radiation Sciences program, delivered by McMaster University and Mohawk College. I specialized in Ultrasonography and have had the privilege to scan my peers in class and patients in the hospital due to the design of this program. I am currently in the middle of my second clinical placement in Wingham, Ontario.
I chose Medical Radiation Sciences because I wanted to pick a program where I would be set up well for a career after completing an undergraduate degree. I thought, “If I go into Med Rad, I can help others and, work in the health care field” With that in mind, I chose this program. It is very hands-on, specific, and practical while still having courses where we learn more about anatomy and pathologies. All my peers, who have now graduated, are employed in hospitals or clinics.
Through my program, I have realized my love for being an ‘expert’ in a field and how much I love teaching and helping others. Although I still sway between professional school (medical or dentistry), my current plan is to become an ultrasound professor. I really enjoyed the relationship us students had with our professors and I hope to provide the same experience I had for future students.
The Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences offers students in each specialization opportunities to develop clinical skills in some of the largest and technologically current simulated clinical laboratories, through recent multi-million dollar upgrades to the labs.
Medical Imaging Laboratories
Image Viewing and Manipulation Laboratory
Patient Care and Nursing Skills Laboratory
Explore some of these labs and facilities used daily by undergraduate students. Virtual Tours – McMaster Academic Planner (MAP) – Faculty of Science – McMaster University