Prince George, B.C. - The plans for the Medical Radiography Technology (MRT) program are still on the books for CNC, but a year behind the preferred schedule.

 

It had been hoped the MRT program would start in September 2010, but issues involved in changes to the program curriculum as well as establishing clinical placements in time for a 2010 start have resulted in the delay.

 

During a recent conference call with representatives of Northern Health, CNC and provincial government ministries, Northern Health indicated 16 clinical placements will be created for CNC MRT students in time for a 2011 program start date.

 

BCIT currently has an MRT program, which it is modifying to deal with new national competencies, while also dealing with new provincial curriculum. The CNC program will be based on BCIT’s refined program.

 

CNC has 230 individuals on an interest list for MRT, which will have 16 seats. “There is obviously the desire for it among students and a need for it in the health care field,” says Patricia  Covington, Dean of Health Sciences and Social Services at CNC.

 

The province has provided the College of New Caledonia with more than $245,000 for the planning and development of this program. The Ministry of Advanced Education has committed to providing additional capital and operating funding once the planning and development of the program has been completed.