Medical radiation technologists are divided into four groups: radiological technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists and medical resonance imaging technologists. All of the occupations in this group provide patient appropriate care throughout procedures and the treatment process.

The specialized duties for these occupations are described below.

Radiological technologists

Radiological technologists operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to produce radiographs or anatomic images of the human body for the diagnosis by radiologists of disease or injury. The technologist assesses the quality of the images, and then a radiologist reviews them for the purpose of diagnosis and/or treatment of the disease or injury.

These technologists record and process patient data, perform basic verification and quality control checks on radiographic and film processing equipment, provide appropriate care for patients during the radiographic examination and apply radiation protection measures. They may also train and supervise student radiographers or supervise other radiological technologists.

Radiological technologists may specialize in areas such as computerized tomography, angiography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, interventional radiology, dosimetry, stereotaxy or brachytherapy.

Nuclear medicine technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radiopharmaceuticals such as radionuclides and administer them to patients or biological samples. They operate radiation detection equipment, such as gamma cameras, scanners, scintillation counters, tomodensitometers and ionization chambers, to acquire data for use by nuclear medicine physicians in the diagnosis of disease. They also perform diagnostic procedures using radioactive materials on biological specimens, such as blood and urine.

Nuclear medicine technologists record and process the results of procedures, check equipment to ensure proper operation, provide appropriate care for patients during examinations and apply radiation protection measures. They may also train and supervise student nuclear medicine technologists or supervise other nuclear medicine technologists.

Radiation therapists

Radiation therapists operate linear accelerators, cobalt 60, X-ray and other radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. They check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation and assist radiation oncologists and clinical physicists with preparation of radiation treatment plans. Dosimetry, stereotaxy and brachytherapy are all aspects of radiation therapy.

Radiation therapists assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials such as cobalt, radium, cesium and isotopes and the construction of devices such as plaster casts and acrylic moulds to assist with radiation treatments.

They also monitor patients' physical and psychological well-being during the entire course of treatment and advise patients regarding the side effects of radiation. They may also train and supervise student radiotherapy technologists or supervise other radiotherapy technologists.

Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists

MRI technologists operate high field strength magnets to produce detailed anatomical images of the human body. These images are then used for diagnosis by radiologists. The technologist is responsible for patient care, quality control of the equipment, and ensuring the safety of the patient and other individuals entering the MRI environment. The technologist may also be required to train and supervise students. As well, they may be involved in clinical trials for research.