BSc Honours Medical Radiation Sciences

At McMaster, you’ll develop clinical and technical skills in some of Canada’s most advanced simulated clinical labs, thanks to multi-million dollar upgrades at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS). Each specialization benefits from hands-on training in real-world medical environments.

Experiential highlights include

• Medical Imaging Laboratories with mammography unit, multi-slice CT scanner, simulated ultrasound scanning system, connectivity to digital imaging networks, five radiography units with CR capability, five high-end ultrasound units, and one digital radiography unit with DR capability

• Image Viewing and Manipulation Laboratory with medical image teaching files and two PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems)

• Patient Care and Nursing Skills Laboratory with anatomical models, computerized patient simulation mannequins, and hospital ward simulation space

• Access to the Centre for Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging (CIAMI) featuring a SIGNA™ Premier 3.0T MRI system with AI-enabled imaging, one of only two in Canada

• Clinical placements across Ontario in teaching and community hospitals to ensure exposure to various imaging modalities and patient care settings

• Collaborations with healthcare partners that allow real patient interactions and research in advanced diagnostics

McMaster University’s BSc Honours Medical Radiation Sciences program introduces students to a comprehensive curriculum combining academic theory and clinical practice. Graduates are highly employable, moving into roles such as medical radiation technologist (radiography, radiation therapy, or diagnostic medical sonography), clinical applications specialist, healthcare manager, research technologist, and educator. Many alumni also pursue further studies in health sciences, public health, or graduate research, and some use the degree as a pathway to medicine or advanced imaging programs.

Here’s how McMaster supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program is delivered jointly with Mohawk College, allowing students to earn both an Honours Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences from McMaster and an Ontario College Advanced Diploma. Students begin with a common first year, then specialise in Radiography, Radiation Therapy, or Ultrasonography. The curriculum integrates theory, lab work, and three terms of clinical placements in hospitals, cancer centres, and diagnostic imaging clinics across Ontario, providing extensive hands-on experience. State-of-the-art medical imaging labs include mammography, CT, ultrasound, and digital radiography equipment, as well as a simulated hospital ward and image manipulation labs. Clinical placements often lead directly to job offers, and students practice pre-clinical skills in some of the largest and most advanced simulated clinical labs in Canada.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Most graduates secure employment soon after graduation, with many receiving job offers during or immediately following their final clinical placements. Starting salaries for medical radiation technologists in Ontario typically range from $55,000–$65,000 CAD per year, with rapid salary growth and strong job stability as experience increases. The program maintains limited enrolment (target: 115 students) to ensure strong job prospects and individualized support.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The program is accredited by Accreditation Canada’s EQual program, and is aligned with national competency profiles (CAMRT and Sonography Canada), ensuring graduates are eligible for professional certification exams. Students benefit from partnerships with major hospitals, cancer centres, and independent diagnostic imaging facilities, gaining exposure to a wide range of clinical environments and the latest technologies. The Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences provides opportunities for research and innovation in medical imaging and patient care.

• Accreditation: Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) or Sonography Canada certification exams, as well as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exams if desired. Registration with the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO) is required for practice in Ontario.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students develop strong technical, analytical, patient care, and communication skills, and are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce as well as for leadership, education, or research roles in healthcare. The program’s structure and clinical experience make graduates highly competitive for employment and advanced study.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Honours Medical Radiation Sciences at McMaster, you can pursue graduate programs in health sciences, public health, or medical imaging, or enter professional programs in medicine or advanced diagnostic imaging. The program’s rigorous training and dual-credential structure provide a strong foundation for both career advancement and further education.