03.01.05. Performance of new responsibilities
Before taking on new responsibilities, MRTs consider their own level of competence, the scope of practice and all relevant legislation and regulation
For any procedure or treatment, patient outcomes should be consistent and of high quality, regardless of which MRT provides the care.
Evaluation of competence and scope
MRT roles continually evolve in response to the changing needs of client populations, advances in technology and education, and modifications to legislation and regulation.1,2,3
- An evaluation of appropriateness of a new responsibility includes the following questions2:
- Does the MRT have the requisite knowledge, skills and judgement to carry out responsibilities safely and effectively?
- Is the responsibility within the established scope of practice for an MRT in the corresponding jurisdiction?
- It is the duty of MRTs to ensure they have the necessary knowledge, skills and judgment to perform all of their responsibilities safely and effectively4,5
- For responsibilities beyond their current level of competence, MRTs need to acquire additional knowledge and skills through education and training programs to ensure appropriate care1,2,6
- Competence is not a one-time achievement but a continuous responsibility. MRTs are accountable for actively maintaining and demonstrating their competencies in practice, and for seeking support or additional training when required
- For responsibilities beyond their current level of competence, MRTs need to acquire additional knowledge and skills through education and training programs to ensure appropriate care1,2,6
- MRTs are also responsible for being familiar with their scope of practice7,8
- MRTs determine whether a new responsibility falls inside or outside the established scope of practice for MRTs in their jurisdiction
- Questions concerning the MRT scope of practice are directed to provincial member association or regulatory body for clarification
Responsibilities outside the scope of practice
- For responsibilities that fall outside the established scope of practice, MRTs must take additional steps to ensure appropriateness.
- MRTs should be familiar with the legislation concerning the performance of responsibilities outside of their scope of practice in their province/jurisdiction
- If an MRT is uncertain about whether a task can be performed or not, an MRT should contact their provincial member association or regulatory body for clarification. Additionally, any activities undertaken must be authorized by the employer as approved MRT practice within the employment setting
- An MRT should also be confident that the request originates from a professional with the authority to delegate the responsibility in question, and that the other professional has carried out their responsibilities with regard to delegation.
- Any delegation or transfer of responsibility should be documented according to the requirements set out in provincial legislation and regulations.
Education and training
- MRTs must engage in ongoing reflective practice, continually assessing their actions and decisions against current evidence and trends in the broader health care environment. The reflection supports the maintenance of professional competence and ensures practice remains aligned with the evolving scope of the profession9.
- In order to perform responsibilities beyond their current level of competence, MRTs will need to undertake additional education/training to acquire the requisite knowledge skills and judgment.
- Training for new responsibilities can typically be obtained through one or a combination of:
- Continuing professional development (CPD) courses
- On-site training or workplace-based training
- Vendor or application-specific training
- Once new education or training is completed, it must be documented in the MRT’s record. Ongoing evidence of continued competence should also be recorded and maintained in accordance with employer policies and legislative requirements.
References
- CMRITO, “Code of Ethics,” College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario, 2024, https://www.cmrito.org/pdfs/code/code-of-ethics.pdf
- CMRITO, “Standards of Practice,” College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario, 2024, https://www.cmrito.org/pdfs/standards/standards-of-practice.pdf
- NSCMIRTP, “Professional Practice & CPD”, Nova Scotia College of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals, (n.d.), https://nscmirtp.ca/registrants/professional-practice-and-cpd
- HPRO, An Interprofessional Guide on the Use of Orders, Directives and Delegation for Regulated Health Professionals in Ontario, Health Profession Regulators of Ontario, (n.d.), https://www.regulatedhealthprofessions.on.ca/orders,-directives,-delegation.html
- CAMRT, “Member Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct,” Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, 2015, https://www.camrt.ca/mrt-profession/professional-resources/code-of-ethics/
- British Columbia Government, “British Columbia Health Professions Act,” 2025, https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96183_01
- ACMDTT, “Code of Ethics,” Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists, 2015, https://acmdtt.com/wp-content/uploads/Code-of-Ethics.pdf
- ACMDTT, “Standards of Practice,” Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists, 2019, https://acmdtt.com/about-us/documents/standards-of-practice/
- CMRITO, “Quality Assurance Program,” College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario, 2024, https://www.cmrito.org/pdfs/qa-resources/qa-program.pdf