The X-Ray Skills for Medical Laboratory Technologists program is a four (4) semester post-diploma program offering training in basic radiography to Medical Laboratory Technologists who are presently practicing in one of the regional health authorities in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The program emphasizes a practical approach to developing the knowledge and skills necessary to perform limited general radiography. Students learn how to interpret requisitions from requesting physicians, provide quality patient care, and operate sophisticated radiation emitting devices to produce images of the skeletal, digestive, respiratory or urinary systems. Combined Laboratory and X-Ray (LX) Technologists practice within the standards set by the provincial Scope of Practice.
The program provides students with the theory of x-ray production, equipment use, and image optimization. Students also study radiographic anatomy, positioning techniques and radiation safety and quality procedures. Theoretical learning is supplemented by practical clinical exposure during the second semester. The third semester concentrates on providing a correlation between theory and patient care through seven (7) weeks of intensive simulation procedures. Finally, students advance to a sixteen (16) week clinical radiography placement where they participate in work-integrated learning under the direct supervision of a registered medical radiography technologist. Students gain experience by applying theoretical and practical concepts and, following attainment of clinical competence, are ready to practice as entry-level Combined Laboratory and X-Ray (LX) Technologists.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the X-Ray Skills for Medical Laboratory Technologists program, students will be able to:
- Practice within the standards of the Combined Laboratory and X-Ray (LX) Technologist Scope of Practice NL.
- Operate general diagnostic imaging equipment and correctly position patients to produce quality images that assist in diagnosis.
- Follow radiation protection practices and legislation to minimize risk to patients, staff and visitors.
- Maintain and assess radiographic, accessory, and image processing equipment for quality assurance and mitigation of potential risks.
- Provide general patient care, assessments, and transfers as needed.
- Practice independent judgment and critical thinking in the performance of duties.
- Perform administrative and clerical duties using computer technology while ensuring compliance with legal, quality and privacy standards.
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to speak with program faculty at the beginning of the program.
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Entrance requirements for the X-Ray Skills for Medical Laboratory Technologists program are as follows:
- Graduation from an accredited program in Medical Laboratory Technology
- MLT Certification and membership with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
- Employed at a Regional Health Authority within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as a Medical Laboratory Technologist and sponsored by the employer