Interventional Radiology (IR) is an evolving practice requiring the integration of theoretical, technical, and clinical skills. The environment in an interventional imaging suite requires an inter-professional, collaborative approach to practice and patient management.
The Canadian Association of Interventional Radiology (CAIR) has reviewed and endorsed the Interventional Radiology courses and program.
Purpose of the Program
This Certificate in Interventional Radiology (CIR) is intended to provide a mechanism for medical radiation technologists (MRTs) to demonstrate knowledge and competence in the field of IR, to promote standards of excellence within this clinical area, and to identify those who have met a nationally recognized standard in the practice of IR.
Program Overview
Please note that registration into a course that is applicable to a certificate program does not register you for the certificate program. It is the candidate’s responsibility to register and pay for the certificate program after the prerequisites are met (this allows you access to the clinical logbook) and to be aware of this certificate program’s policies and procedures as per the program handbook. In the event of a discrepancy, the information in the program handbook will apply.
A passing mark of 75% or higher on the pre-requisite exam is required for registration. Enrollment into the certificate (which allows access to and review of the clinical component) will only be made available to eligible candidates who completed the exam with the minimum exam grade. Note that a separate fee applies to the certificate registration. Candidates must register individually for any outstanding didactic courses.
The following is an overview of the Certificate in Interventional Radiology program. For detailed information, download the Program Handbook.
There are two components of the CIR program — didactic and clinical*.
*The clinical component is only available to candidates registered in the certificate program (i.e. register into the “CIR”).
Remember: All competencies in the SCC must be completed *after* your registration into the certificate program.
Internationally educated medical radiation technologists (IEMRTs)
Documentation required from IEMRTs* (please submit via email):
- Notarized copy of diploma /degree/certificate from entry-level education program.
- Original letter from entry-level education program verifying length of program to include both didactic and clinical components.
- IEMRT Attestation Letter
*Required documentation not received within 30 days of program registration will result in a program cancellation/partial refund.
CAMRT strongly recommends candidates obtain required documentation prior to program registration and send by email within the required timeframe.
Candidates may only begin working on the Summary of Clinical Competence upon approval of received documentation from CAMRT.
Clinical Advisor
The clinical component requires the candidate to identify a clinical advisor. The clinical advisor must:
- be a medical radiation technologist practicing in interventional radiology
- have a minimum of five years’ experience in the practice of interventional radiology
- not be currently registered in the CIR program
- perform the assessment on the candidate’s procedures/associated competencies or delegate assessment to another assessor.
Note: A clinical advisor with a CIR is preferred but not mandatory.
Documentation requirements for Clinical Advisors outside of Canada:
The following must be submitted via email within 30 days of program registration*:
- A notarized copy of the clinical advisor’s credentials (degree, diploma, or certificate)
- Clinical Advisor Verification of Experience**
- Clinical Advisor (CA) Check List
*Required documentation not received within 30 days of program registration will result in a program cancellation/partial refund.
**Including those who have the CIR credential.
CAMRT strongly recommends candidates obtain required documentation prior to program registration and send by email within the required timeframe.
Candidates may only begin working on the Summary of Clinical Competence upon approval of received documentation from CAMRT.
Timeframes
Candidates of the CIR program must complete both the didactic and clinical components within a five-year time frame. This time frame begins on the date of successful completion of Interventional Radiology 1 however the Summary of Clinical Competence can only be worked on upon receipt of a signed Clinical Experience Form by CAMRT. Forms not received within 30 days of program registration will result in a program cancellation/partial refund (see Cancellation and Refunds).
Candidates may only begin working on the Summary of Clinical Competence upon approval of received documentation from CAMRT. Candidates have two (2) years from the date of the first clinical entry to complete and submit the SCC.
Credential
IR candidates who successfully complete the didactic and clinical components as per the CIR program requirements receive a Certificate in Interventional Radiology and can use the credential “CIR”.
The CAMRT is committed to lifelong learning and therefore advocates continuing professional development (CPD) for maintenance of competence in interventional radiology.
Certificate Program Handbook
For more information on this Certificate Program: specialtycertificates@camrt.ca.
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