Step-by-step guide for internationally educated medical radiation technologists on how to become licensed in Canada. Learn about exams, costs, timelines, and salary.
September 9, 2025
Medical radiation technologists (MRTs) are vital to Canada’s healthcare system. They perform diagnostic imaging using X-rays, CT scans, MRI machines, and nuclear medicine, and they also deliver radiation therapy to cancer patients. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), over 5.2 million CT scans and 1.6 million MRI exams were performed in Canada in 2022 alone, figures that continue to rise as the population ages.
This growing demand means that Canada needs more qualified MRTs. The federal government projects thousands of new healthcare jobs by 2031, and diagnostic imaging is one of the areas most in need. For Internationally Educated Medical Radiation Technologists (IEMRTs), this creates strong opportunities to continue their professional careers, support patients, and contribute to the Canadian economy.
The process to become licensed as an MRT in Canada involves both a credential assessment and a national certification exam. The exact path depends on your province of practice.
The first step is credential assessment. Here’s how it works by province:
No matter the province, you must submit notarized academic credentials, detailed course syllabi, work experience records, employer references, and proof of recent practice (usually within five years). If your first language is not English or French, you must also provide a language test.
CAMRT (or your provincial regulator) will confirm whether your education and experience meet Canadian standards. If gaps exist, you may be asked to complete additional coursework or a bridging program at a Canadian institution.
Candidates educated in a language other than English or French must demonstrate proficiency through tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
4. Register for the CAMRT national certification examIf eligible, you can register for the CAMRT national certification exam in your chosen discipline:
The exam is offered in January, May, and September each year and can be taken at a test centre or via secure online proctoring. It is computer-based, with approximately 185 multiple-choice questions over two days.
After passing the exam, you must register with your province’s regulator to obtain your licence to practice. Requirements generally include proof of exam results, criminal record checks, liability insurance, and registration fees.
For example:
Once registered, you are legally licensed to work as a medical radiation technologist in Canada.
The process for IEMRTs usually takes 1.5 to 3 years. The exact length depends on exam schedules, whether bridging is needed, and how quickly your documents are processed.
The cost of becoming an MRT in Canada is significant:
Altogether, most IEMRTs spend CAD 12,000–20,000 or more before obtaining their licence.
The demand for MRTs is strong across the country. Long wait times for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment continue to challenge Canada’s healthcare system. For example, Ontario has invested more than CAD 30 million in recent years to expand MRI and CT capacity, creating more positions for MRTs.
Job Bank Canada rates employment prospects for medical radiation technologists as “good to very good” in most provinces. Demand is particularly strong in large urban hospitals, cancer centres, and community clinics, but smaller and rural regions also face shortages.
In terms of income, MRTs earn competitive salaries. According to Job Bank Canada, the median wage is CAD 41 per hour, with most professionals earning between CAD 33 and 52 per hour. That works out to an annual salary of CAD 70,000 to 105,000, depending on province, specialty, and years of experience. Radiation therapy technologists often earn at the higher end of the scale due to their advanced specialization.
For internationally educated technologists, this means that while the licensing journey requires significant investment, the payoff includes a stable, respected, and well-paid healthcare career.
At Windmill Microlending, we understand that the licensing process for internationally educated medical radiation technologists can be costly and complex. From credential assessments and bridging programs to exam fees and provincial registrations, the total can exceed CAD 15,000–20,000.
That’s why we provide low-interest, affordable loans for skilled immigrants and refugees. Our loans help IEMRTs cover the costs of exams, tuition, and licensing, allowing you to focus on achieving your Canadian career goals.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, discover how Windmill Microlending can support you in becoming a medical radiation technologist in Canada.
