Alberta radiation techs warn of 202-job shortfall as self-referral scans begin
Technologists say Alberta's health system is already understaffed as a new policy lets patients skip doctor referrals for MRI and CT scans.
Why it matters
The staffing shortage could mean longer waits for both self-referred and doctor-referred patients seeking MRI or CT scans in Alberta.
Alberta's government under Premier Danielle Smith has introduced a policy allowing patients to book diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans without a doctor's referral. Patients who use this option must pay for the test themselves, but can be reimbursed if the scan uncovers previously undiagnosed cancer.
The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists says the province's workforce is already stretched thin and may struggle to absorb the change. A survey the organization released last year found Alberta was short about 202 full-time equivalent radiation technologist positions, a shortfall expected to roughly double by 2028.
Technologists who perform the scans say they are still working to catch up on existing demand, raising questions about whether the system can handle an increase in self-referred bookings alongside current caseloads.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.