A degree in medical radiation sciences does not in itself confer the right to practice in radiography, radiation therapy or sonography in Canada. Graduation from the Honours Medical Radiation Sciences program does not guarantee registration with the regulatory bodies of the respective professions or employment within Canada. All graduates who wish to engage in clinical practice in ultrasonography, radiography or radiation therapy are subject to any qualifying examinations and other requirements by the certifying and/or regulatory bodies for each of these professions. Regulatory requirements are subject to change. Students intending to practice outside Ontario are urged to consult the licensing body of that province regarding registration. Licensing requirements vary somewhat among the provinces.
The Honours Medical Radiation Sciences (MRSc) program is delivered through a partnership between Mohawk College and McMaster University. Both institutions are acknowledged leaders in health sciences education in Ontario, with a record of success in program collaboration and pedagogical innovation.
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 health care fields. 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. The model was designed to enable students to simultaneously achieve two academic credentials.
After completing first year, students are streamed into one of three professional specializations: Ultrasonography, Radiography, or Radiation Therapy.
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. The collaboration between McMaster University and Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology gives students in the Medical Radiation Sciences program the best of both worlds.
Completion of the High School Diploma plus 6 Grade 12 U/M requirements, including:
Anticipated Admission Average: Low 90’s
Target Enrollment: 115
OAUC Application Code: MRS
Medical Radiation Sciences graduates typically enter the career fields of sonography, radiography and radiation therapy. They are well-equipped to work in the following settings.
Introduction to Pathology
Inquiry in Medical Radiation Sciences
Professions in Medical Radiation Sciences
Introduction to Physics for Medical Radiation Sciences
Calculus for the Life Sciences 1
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Not* When offered students can also take BIOLOGY 1A02 & 1A01
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
See what recent McMaster Science alumni have to say about their undergraduate experience.
I can鈥檛 wait for you to fall in love with the university that has given me the best education and career preparation that I could have hoped for.
My name is Jennifer and I am in my last year of the Medical Radiation Sciences program with a specialization in Radiography. The last year of this program consists of an 8-month clinical placement, which I am currently completing at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.
I initially chose this program because of the clinical placements that are integrated into the curriculum. I wanted hands-on clinical experience before graduating so that I could excel when working professionally in a medical setting. Throughout the past four years, I have grown an immense appreciation for the patience, knowledge, and dedication that is required to produce diagnostic images that set into motion a patient鈥檚 road to recovery.
This program effectively sets up its students to work almost immediately after graduating. I intend to work as an x-ray technologist after obtaining my degree and diploma. I am heavily interested in branching off into other modalities, such as Computed Tomography, Interventional Radiology, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. I may pursue a graduate program to study radiation biology or pathophysiology further, as my program has sparked my passion for these subjects.
To all future Faculty of Science students, be proactive with your education and research what career opportunities may stem from your degree! You may find yourself surprised with the vast number of opportunities each degree provides. Making informed decisions and leading your own educational journey will allow you to discover who you are and what interests you. Take the time to explore your options and reveal who you want to be professionally.
I absolutely adore McMaster and the Faculty of Science because of the support, connections, and opportunities they provide. I wish you the best of luck at McMaster! I can鈥檛 wait for you to fall in love with the university that has given me the best education and career preparation that I could have hoped for.
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, 鈥淚f I go into Med Rad, I can help others and, work in the health care field鈥� 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 鈥榚xpert鈥� 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.
If I could give one piece of advice to an incoming student considering the Faculty of Science, I would tell them to make sure they do their research on each entry level program. On social media, you can look for the program鈥檚 student society and message them to ask questions and find out if the program is right for you! Also, remember that it is NEVER too late to switch programs. University is a learning experience and the perfect time for you to find out what you like and don鈥檛 like. Don鈥檛 feel that you have to know exactly what you want to do. There are several pathways to one destination, and it doesn鈥檛 matter how you get there; what matters is that you enjoy the journey!
I hope you enjoy all the different aspects of the program and experience all the amazing opportunities ahead of you, no matter what obstacles come your way.
Medical Radiation Sciences is a great alternative program if you are interested in health care!
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, you get to see the same patients about every day for the course of their treatment, and 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 health care, 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.