Directed Reading: Designing a Professional Development Program for Medical Radiation Technologists

Abstract

By participating in some form of professional development, medical radiation technologists can increase their skill, knowledge, and competence, leading to improved quality, safety, and standards of practice. Participation will also demonstrate acceptance of the responsibility for medical radiation technologists' own professional development. Over the past 10 years, the profession of medical radiation technology has progressed dramatically, with many changes in technology. The need for medical radiation technologists to keep up-to-date on these advancements is evident. Many medical radiation technologists participate in some form of professional development, and the decision to do so is either mandated at the provincial level or it remains a personal one. Because education is a provincial matter, the continuity of professional development or continuing education for medical radiation technologists across the country does not exist. The purpose of this directed reading is to review the options available to medical radiation technologists for professional development, to provide an overview of professional development programs from various health care professional groups, to outline how to effectively introduce a professional development program to medical radiation technologists, and to recommend the most appropriate program to implement for medical radiation technologists.